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The DMV Has Closed Its Field Offices But Will Expand Virtual Services Next Week
A Department of Motor Vehicles worker speaks with a man who did not have an appointment at an appointment desk in front of a DMV building in Los Angeles, with a cone used to implement social distancing, on March 23, 2020 Mario Tama/Getty Images
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has closed all its field offices, effective today, and all existing appointments at those offices have been canceled.
The DMV is creating a new virtual hub to handle essential services, which is slated to launch April 2 at virtual.dmv.ca.gov.
Customers will soon be able to complete transactions with DMV staff online that had previously required in-person office visits, including vehicle registration renewal and title transfers. Officials say more transaction options will be added gradually.
Services already available online — and through mail and public kiosks — will continue, officials said. You can visit the DMV's website for more information.
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"Californians who do not have an urgent need to go to a DMV field office should delay their visit, including those interested in applying for a REAL ID," DMV officials said in a news release.
The Department of Homeland Security has delayed REAL ID enforcement by a year. The new deadline is Oct. 1, 2021.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
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