California’s DMV Quietly Revolutionizes the Dreaded Trip to Their Offices

For many Pasadenans, a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles has long been synonymous with lengthy lines, frustrating wait times, and a general sense of bureaucratic dread. However, the California Department of Motor Vehicles is quietly undergoing a digital transformation aimed at making the lengthy office visit a thing of the past.

Starting June 3, the Department of Motor Vehicles will no longer process simple transactions in offices that can easily be completed online or through other convenient options. These transactions include simple vehicle registration renewals that are not past the due date, driver’s license renewals that do not require an in-person visit, requests for copies of vehicle registration records, and requests for copies of driver’s license records.

“We don’t want our customers to have to wait for service, and they don’t have to,” said Department of Motor Vehicles Director Steve Gordon. “The Department of Motor Vehicles is becoming a mobile-first operation, and simple renewals are easy self-help transactions that don’t require an office visit. Just go online. It will save you time, and it will save time for the Californians in our offices who need to be there.”

The Department of Motor Vehicles has spent the last few years digitizing services, improving efficiency and making more than 90% of transactions available on a phone, tablet, laptop or computer. These transactions are available online or by mail, and in some cases at kiosks, over the phone or through Department of Motor Vehicles business partners, making it easier than ever to skip the trip to an office.

As more customers go online and use other service channels, Department of Motor Vehicles offices can better accommodate Californians who need a REAL ID or otherwise must visit an office. 

When customers do need to go in person, their office is at 49 South Rosemead Blvd., in East Pasadena.

This move could potentially reduce Department of Motor Vehicles office visits by 200,000 customers a month — 2.4 million trips in a year. “Office visits peak every summer. We know it’s just going to get worse in our offices with lines and wait times unless our customers help by going online first,” Gordon said.

The Department of Motor Vehicles encourages customers to start their REAL ID application online to limit the time it takes to complete the process in an office. However, some transactions, like finalizing a REAL ID application, still require an in-office visit.

“We have also shortened the time it takes to receive vehicle stickers and driver’s licenses. In most cases, you’ll have your item in less than two weeks,” Gordon added.