Ask George:
Expert Answers to Common DMV Questions

                   Q: I just bought a car for my daughter's 16^th birthday and would like to purchase personalized license plate with a heart symbol to read "Love Dad."  How do I go about purchasing a personalized license plate, or is there a way for me to check to see if the one I want already exists?

A:  By visiting the DMV Web site at www.dmv.ca.gov, and clicking on the Personalized Plates tab under Online Services, you'll be able to browse the DMV's selection of personalized and special interest license plates. In a separate window, you will also have the ability to see what your specialized configuration will look like or if it already exists. However, please note that the heart symbol can only be added to the "Have a heart, be a star, help our kids" special interest license plate.

              Q: I just received my new plates in the mail.  The combination is a little strange and I think it's a little embarrassing.  Do I have a choice when it comes to standard plates?  Can I get new ones?

A:  Yes you can. You can file to get substitute plates on the DMV Web site at www.dmv.ca.gov. Click the Publications tab, and then click Vehicle Registration Brochures, and finally How to Obtain Duplicate or Substitute License Plates and Stickers.  Fill out the form on this page and bring the necessary listed documents with you to the DMV to get your new standard issue plates. However, please do keep in mind that you will have to surrender your old plates to the DMV at the counter upon receiving your new ones.  Save yourself some time and schedule an appointment online at www.dmv.ca.gov!

             Q:  I have a classic car that I plan to spend the next few years rebuilding and it is not currently running.  Since I won't be driving it any time soon, do I still need to register it?  If so, what is the procedure?

A: No, you do not have to register your vehicle, but you are required to file for a Planned Non-Operational status to be placed on your vehicle.  Non-operational means that the vehicle will not be driven, towed, stored, or parked on public roads or highways for the entire registration year.  Your renewal notice has a section designated for you to check that indicates you want the non-operational status marked on your vehicle's record. The Planned Non-Operation (PNO) fee must be sent to DMV with the bottom portion of the renewal notice on which you have checked the Planned Non-Operation box. If you are eligible to renew your registration online, you can file for your PNO and pay using the same information at www.dmv.ca.gov.  Click Vehicle Registration Renewal and follow the quick and easy steps, and remember to check the Planned Non-Operational box! Log on today!

Q: I paid for my vehicle registration well before the expiration date but am going to be moving out of California before the new registration period begins.  Is it possible to receive a refund now that I'll need to register my vehicle in another state?

A: It depends on the circumstances. You must register the vehicle in the other state before the prior California expiration date, in order to be eligible for a refund.  For your convenience, you can now apply for a refund online!  Just go to www.dmv.ca.gov/online/refund/refundprograms.htm  and click on the "Refund Application" link.  Once you have completed and submitted the form, you will be notified of the status of your application within 30 days of its receipt.

Q: Is it illegal to drive under the speed limit on the freeway?  It sure seems unsafe.

A: The speed at which you operate your vehicle depends on several factors, including the number and speed of other vehicles on the road, weather conditions, type of road surface and the presence of pedestrians.  DMV recommends operating your vehicle at a speed that is consistent with the normal and reasonable flow of traffic. Make sure that your speed is compliant with the posted maximum speed limit. If you are driving in a manner that can block or disrupt the normal flow of traffic, you can be issued a ticket.  More information regarding speed limit rules can be found at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl600.pdf

Q: I was recently issued a traffic citation. Is it possible for me to pay for it online?

Yes.  Traffic citations may be paid through online services provided by the courts.  The DMV provides a link through its Web site to each county which provides this service. . Log on to www.dmv.ca.gov and click on the "Online Services" tab.  Click the "Online Traffic Payment" link and then click on the link for the county where you were issued a citation.  You will need to have your citation number available in order to proceed with making your payment.

"Save Time by Going Online" with the DMV at www.dmv.ca.gov. The DMV is a department under the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which is under the direction of Secretary Dale E. Bonner. The DMV licenses drivers, maintains driving records, registers and tracks official ownership of vehicles and vessels, investigates auto and identity-related fraud, and licenses car dealers, driving schools, and traffic violator schools.

Q:  I just moved to California and I need to get a California driver license, but my birth certificate and social security card were lost during my move.  Can I still get a driver license?

A:  Good news!  You can still obtain a driver license, but must be able to furnish other proof of your birth date.  The DMV accepts a variety of documentation as verification of your birth date, not just your birth certificate.  To see a list of documents acceptable by the DMV for birth date verification, log on to the DMV Web site at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htmBDLP.  Remember, the document must be an original or a certified copy.  Your social security number will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the DMV office.  To save time, schedule an appointment online at www.DMV.ca.gov.

Q:  What are the most current teen driving rules?

A:  New laws and regulations can be confusing for teens and their parents when obtaining a driver permit or provisional license.  The DMV has provided teens with an online resource for information about the driver license process, driver safety and even insurance requirements.  The site even includes practice tests for teens and can be found at www.DMV.ca.gov/teenweb.  Additionally, parents can download and review the Parent-Teen Training Guide to help their teens be better prepared for safe driving on the road.  The guide can be downloaded at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl603/dl603.pdf. 

Q:  Are senior citizens required to re-take a driver's road test at a certain age?

A:  The DMV does not take away driver licenses when a person reaches a certain age.  The mental and/or physical condition or a person's inability to follow traffic laws and rules, regardless of age, determines whether or not a license is renewed, restricted, suspended or revoked.  However, the DMV does require that all persons over the age of 70 renew their driver license in person at a DMV office.  There you will be asked to take a vision test using the wall chart.  Individuals may be asked to retake a driving test if they have either failed the DMV vision test or have been referred to a Driver Safety office because of a physical or mental condition, sometimes made by a law enforcement officer or a concerned family member.  If you or someone you know is an elderly citizen that faces the prospect of retaking a driving test, it is a great idea to practice his or her driving skills by taking a driver education or training class specifically developed for older persons.  A list of approved mature driving courses is available online at the DMV's Web site here: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vehindustry/ol/md_programs.htm.  To better prepare seniors to renew their license, the DMV has created a senior-specific Web site that can be found here:  http://www.dmv.ca.gov/about/senior/senior_top.htm. 

"Save Time by Going Online" with the DMV at www.dmv.ca.gov. The DMV is a department under the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which is under the direction of Secretary Dale E. Bonner.  The DMV licenses drivers, maintains driving records, registers and tracks official ownership of vehicles and vessels, investigates auto and identity-related fraud, and licenses car dealers, driving schools, and traffic violator schools.  For more information about the DMV, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.

Q:  Someone stole my brand new registration sticker off of my license plate!  How do I get a replacement sticker, and do I have to pay any kind of replacement fee?

A:  If the year sticker for your currently registered vehicle has been lost, stolen, mutilated or is illegible, you may request a replacement sticker and pay a substitute fee of $17.00.  Complete an Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156) found on the DMV's Web site at www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg156.pdf.  Submit the form with the required fee to your local DMV office, and remember, for faster service, schedule an appointment online.  Or you may mail the application with the fee to:

Department of Motor Vehicles

PO Box 942869

Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

Q:  I failed the behind-the-wheel portion of my driver's test.  Can I protest my score?

A:  If you failed your behind the wheel driving test, you cannot protest the score you received, but you may take the behind the wheel exam up to three times.  The DMV requires that you wait at least two weeks before you attempt to take the test again.  If after the third time you still need to pass the behind the wheel exam, you must start the application process over from the beginning.  There is also a required retest fee for the second and third times that you take the behind the wheel exam.  The DMV offers Californians many resources that can help prepare them for safe driving practices.  Log onto the DMV Web site at www.DMV.ca.gov and click on the "Publications" tab to download important driver information, including the latest California Driver Handbook, which is available in nine different languages including, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Punjabi and Vietnamese.

Q:  Can I register to vote or change my party affiliation on the DMV Web site?

A:  While you can register to vote or change your party affiliation at the DMV, these services are not yet available directly on the DMV's Web site.  However, using the DMV's online services, you can access the California Secretary of State's Web site where you can register to vote or change your party affiliation.  It is important to note that if you are registering to vote for the first time or are changing your name or party affiliation, you must complete a voter registration form at the Secretary of State site.  Once you submit the online form, the Secretary of State Elections Division office will mail you a completed form.  You must sign, date and return the form in order for your voter registration to be complete.  If you prefer to handle this in person or are going into the DMV to conduct another  transaction, you can give your completed voter registration form to any DMV staff person and the DMV will mail it to the Secretary of State Elections Division database office for updating.  Even if you are not conducting business with the DMV, you may pick up a Voter Registration form at any DMV office.

"Save Time by Going Online" with the DMV at www.dmv.ca.gov. The DMV is a department under the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which is under the direction of Secretary Dale E. Bonner.  The DMV licenses drivers, maintains driving records, registers and tracks official ownership of vehicles and vessels, investigates auto and identity-related fraud, and licenses car dealers, driving schools, and traffic violator schools.  For more information about the DMV, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.

: I am getting ready to buy a new car. Is there any way to find out how much my registration will cost before my purchase?

A: Yes! The DMV's Web site, www.DMV.ca.gov, has a vehicle registration fee calculator feature that can give you that information, as well as other information such as sales tax and vehicle license fees.  This is also a great place to identify how much of your registration fees you can write off for tax purposes! Just go to www.DMV.ca.gov, click on the Online Services link and then the Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator. It will prompt you to answer a few questions and give you information based on your answers.

Q: My grandmother recently fell ill and can no longer transport herself around town.  I will be her main source of transportation but was wondering if it would be possible to obtain a disabled persons placard for my car?

A: Unfortunately, only people issued disabled placards can use them legally..  Although the disabled person does not necessarily have to own or drive the vehicle to use the placard, they must be present when the placard is displayed.  If you'd like to have your grandmother apply for a disabled placard, go to www.DMV.ca.gov, click on Forms and Most Commonly Used Forms. Once you are there, you will find an Application for Disabled Person Parking Placard or Plates under Plates, Placards, and Stickers. Click to download the form, print it out and mail to the appropriate location listed on the document_  The DMV Web site has a variety of downloadable forms that you can always access, securely and conveniently, 24/7.

Q: I was involved in a car crash where there was property damage for more than $800.  Do I need to report it to the DMV?

A: Yes. When you're involved in a collision,, report it to DMV using the Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California form located at www.DMV.ca.gov under Forms. You or your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative must complete the form and send it to the DMV within 10 days if someone is killed or injured (no matter how minor the injury) or if the property damage is over $750.

Q: My teenage son is getting ready to start driving and will be taking the driver's training course this summer.  Does the DMV provide any material for parents regarding teen driving?

A: Yes! Parents can now go to www.DMV.ca.gov and click on the Publications link to find a "Parent-Teen Training Guide" to use as resource for current traffic laws and other related teen driving information.  The DMV also has a teen-specific site designed to provide useful information to teenagers who are gearing up to take their driver's test – both written and behind the wheel.  While there, teens can take a sample test, get test tips and even simple ways to save gas.  Your son can visit the DMV teen site at www.DMV.ca.gov/teenweb. 

The DMV is a department under the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which is under the direction of Secretary Dale E. Bonner. The DMV licenses drivers, maintains driving records, registers and tracks official ownership of vehicles and vessels, investigates auto and identity-related fraud, and licenses car dealers, driving schools, and traffic violator schools.  For more information about the DMV, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.

Q: What are the proper steps that should be taken when selling your car and releasing liability?

A: If you are interested in selling your California-registered vehicle, you must release ownership by signing the appropriate line on the Certificate of Title.  Check http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr32.htm to see if you must provide the buyer with a smog certification.  If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, you and the buyer must complete the odometer mileage information on the Certificate of Title or on a Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262).  Finally, you should complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) and report the transfer of ownership to the DMV within five days of sale. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.  You can complete this form online by logging onto https://mv.dmv.ca.gov/nrl/welcome.do.  For additional information about selling your vehicle, visit http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr32.htm.

Q: A roundabout was recently put in my neighborhood and it's wreaking all kinds of havoc – no one seems to know what to do.  Are there simple driving instructions for roundabouts?  Who has the right of way?

A: There are some very basic instructions about how to drive through a roundabout.  Slow down as you approach the intersection and watch for any pedestrians.   Watch for vehicles that are already in the roundabout or are to your right, as they will have the right of way.  Enter the roundabout once there is a gap in traffic flow.  Always drive through roundabouts in a counter-clockwise direction until you reach your exit and use your turn signal to indicate your direction.  Should you happen to miss your exit, just continue driving around the roundabout until you return to it.  You can learn more about the DMV's rules of the road online at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl600.pdf.

Q: I know it's illegal for me to drive without a seatbelt, but I heard that if I'm in a crash and wearing mine, I could get trapped in the car.  Is that true?

A: Getting trapped in a vehicle after a collision due to the use of your seatbelt is a modern myth.  It takes less than two seconds to remove your seatbelt.  Furthermore, seatbelts keep drivers from being knocked unconscious, which means you'll have a better chance of escape.  Learn more facts regarding seatbelt use, and other driving and safety related myths at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs46thru47.htm .  Wearing a seatbelt can ultimately reduce injuries and deaths.  By law, all drivers must wear their seatbelts while operating motor vehicles.

"Save Time by Going Online" with the DMV at www.dmv.ca.gov. The DMV is a department under the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which is under the direction of Secretary Dale E. Bonner. The DMV licenses drivers, maintains driving records, registers and tracks official ownership of vehicles and vessels, investigates auto and identity-related fraud, and licenses car dealers, driving schools, and traffic violator schools.

Q: I recently got married and was wondering what I need to do to have my married name appear on my license.  Will I have to go into the DMV office or is it something I can do online?

A: In order to obtain a license in your new name, you will have to take your old license to a DMV field office.  Make sure that you bring your Marriage Certificate as verification of your true full name.  The application fee is $21 and your photo will be taken for your new license.  In addition, you must also provide a thumbprint. Your old license will be invalidated and returned to you. You will receive an interim license and should expect to receive your new card in the mail within 60 days. So that you can avoid long wait times, make your appointment online by going to www.dmv.ca.gov and clicking on the "Online Services" tab and then clicking the "Appointments" link.

Q:  I'm getting ready to sell my car and I seem to have misplaced the title. Is there any way I can obtain a copy from the DMV?

A: Yes. You can obtain a duplicate title without having to make a trip to a DMV office.  Simply download and complete an Application for Duplicate Title (REG 227), which can be found online by visiting www.dmv.ca.gov and clicking on the "Forms" tab.  When there, click on the "Vehicle Registration" under "General Use" link.  You will see a link for the form.  After you have completed the REG 227, submit it along with the $17 application fee to your local DMV office or you can mail it with the fee to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Registration Operations
PO Box 942869 MS E169
Sacramento, California 94269-0001

You can expect to receive the duplicate title in the mail within six weeks.  If your registration card shows a lien holder (usually a bank or dealership), you must obtain the lien holder's notarized release on the Application for Duplicate Title or on a Lien Satisfied/Title Holder Release Form (REG 138.)  The fee is $32 and the documents may be submitted as shown above.

Q: Do I need to have my car insured before I register it, or can I wait to insure it until I've completed the registration process?

A:  In order to successfully register your vehicle in California, you must provide proof of liability insurance within 30 days of issuance of the registration card for a newly registered vehicle, or within 45 days of the cancellation of a policy for a currently registered vehicle or upon the renewal of your vehicle registration. Most insurance companies will electronically submit insurance information on your behalf.  California has specific insurance requirements which you can review at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr18.htm.

"Save Time by Going Online" with the DMV at www.dmv.ca.gov. The DMV is a department under the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which is under the direction of Secretary Dale E. Bonner. The DMV licenses drivers, maintains driving records, registers and tracks official ownership of vehicles and vessels, investigates auto and identity-related fraud, and licenses car dealers, driving schools, and traffic violator schools.

Q:  We recently moved and my husband tried to complete a change of address form on the Web site to update his license information, but couldn't find out when his drivers license was issued in order to complete the form.  Where can he get this information?

A:  Your driver license issue date is located on the left hand side, directly beneath your signature on your driver license.  The issue date will be in this format, MM/DD/YYYY.  To see a sample driver license with all the information you will need to complete your change of address transaction online, go to the change of address site at www.dmv.ca.gov/online/coa/welcome.htm, click "Start" and then click "Show Me How" located near the top of the orange box.  Using the DMV's newly redesigned Web site to perform your DMV-related transactions is simple, quick and easy and can help you avoid a trip to a DMV field office.  This includes completing transactions such as ordering personalized plates, vehicle registration renewal and driver license renewal.

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Q:  I recently got into a collision and my front license plate got damaged in the process.  The plates on the back of my car are fine, can I just remove the front plates or do I need to get a replacement plate?

A:  The DMV requires that all license plates and registration stickers are replaced immediately when they are lost, stolen, mutilated or have become illegible.  There are two ways that you may retain replacement plates for your vehicle – in person or by mail.  Using the features available on the DMV Web site, this process can be expedited and you can save yourself valuable time.  If you'd like to visit the DMV in person and order your replacement plates, cut back on your wait time by making an appointment first using their new, online appointment system, at https://mv.dmv.ca.gov/foAppt2/welcome.do.   If your address information is current with the DMV and you are the registered owner of the vehicle, you may order your replacement plate by mail.  To download the correct order form and for additional information regarding obtaining replacement license plates, visit www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr11.htm.

Q:  Does the DMV offer any resources for senior drivers to help them pass their driving test?

A:  Yes!  The DMV has set up a senior-specific Web site to provide senior drivers with useful information pertaining to driver health and safety, safe driving practices as well as senior driver self-assessment tests.  The DMV wants senior drivers to maintain their driving independence for as long as they can drive safely.  In fact, there are more than 5.5 million drivers over the age of 55 in California and more than 2.5 million are over 70!  Log onto the DMV's senior Web site at www.dmv.ca.gov/about/senior/senior_top.htm to access these important resources. 

Q: It's time to renew my registration. I've heard that the DMV has new online features that make it easy to handle my DMV related business without having to go online. Can I renew my registration online too?

A: Yes! As long as you have a renewal notice with a special RIN Number, a Smog certification filed with the DMV (if needed) and a renewal notice that shows your current address OR have used the online Change of Address system and confirmed through the Change of Address system that your address has been updated with the DMV, you can use this convenient and secure online service. Go to www.DMV.ca.gov and select Online Services and then click on Vehicle Registration.

Q: I would like to sign up to be an organ donor. Do I need to go into the DMV to do that?

A: No! Go to www.DMV.ca.gov and click on the Donate Life California logo. Not only can you sign up to donate, but you can learn about the myths and misconceptions of being an organ donor, and read donor and recipient stories.

Q: I am getting ready to retake my driver license test. It's been years since I've had to take one. Are their any resources I can use to refresh my memory and learn about new laws?

A: Yes! Go to www.DMV.ca.gov and click on the Publications link. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and click the Sample Test link. There are a variety of tests for you to take to prepare for your exam! If you need some additional resources, the California Driver Handbook is also located under the Publications link.

"Save Time by Going Online" with the DMV at www.dmv.ca.gov. The DMV is a department under the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which is under the direction of Secretary Dale E. Bonner.  The DMV licenses drivers, maintains driving records, registers and tracks official ownership of vehicles and vessels, investigates auto and identity-related fraud, and licenses car dealers, driving schools, and traffic violator schools.  For more information about the DMV, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.

Q1: I just sold my car to my neighbor.  He told me he'd take care of all of the paperwork at the DMV for me but I want to make sure my name comes off the car.  Is there something I can do to make sure this happens?

A: Yes.  It is important that you report the sale or transfer of your vehicle to release you from liability. This is accomplished by completing and submitting a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability to the department.  When this form is properly completed and the information is recorded by the DMV, liability for parking and/or traffic violations and civil litigation resulting from operation after the date of sale becomes the responsibility of the new owner.  Go to www.DMV.ca.gov where you can fill out the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form online, without having to visit the DMV!  Reporting the sale or transfer of a vehicle to the department does not constitute a transfer of ownership.  The record is not permanently transferred out of your name until the department receives a completed application for transfer of ownership and payment of appropriate fees from the new owner. 

Q2: I recently moved.  I put in a change of address form for my mail with the post office. Do I have to go to the DMV to update my driver license too?

A: You do need to change the address on your driver license, but you don't need to go to the DMV to do it!  Instead, you can change your residence or mailing address for your California Driver License online at www.DMV.ca.gov. Your driver license, identification card or registration card address is not updated when changing your address through the post office, that's for your mail only.  Be sure to note that changing your address on your driver license and/or identification card does not change your address for vehicles registered in your name. You must complete a separate change of address transaction and enter information from your vehicle registration card(s) to change your address for your vehicle(s). Go to www.DMV.ca.gov and click on Change of Address to submit your new information.  Don't stand in line, go online!

Q3: I want to buy specialized plates for my truck. Do I have to go into the DMV to see what my options are?

A: No.  You can view all of your options for special interest license plates at www.DMV.ca.gov.  You will be able to view all the different samples of plates and order them online.  You can even pay with a credit card, securely, at the DMV Web site.  Go to www.DMV.ca.gov and click on Personalized Plates to submit your order. Save the time, skip the line and go online!

Q4: My driver license says that I wear corrective lenses. I just had Lasik eye correction surgery done and was wondering if I needed to let the DMV know?

A: Yes, you should notify the DMV.  It is important that you make an appointment with the DMV to retake an eye exam. If you recently had surgery to correct one eye for distance and the other for close-up vision, you may not meet the screening standard. A vision report from your eye specialist and a road test may be necessary. Once you have met all requirements, the DMV will issue you a new license without the restriction noted on your driver license.  Updating your license to indicate you are no longer required to wear corrective lenses is especially important if you are stopped by law enforcement for a traffic violation. Save yourself time. Just go online to www.DMV.ca.gov to make an appointment for your new eye exam, and your new license!

The DMV is a department under the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which is under the direction of Secretary Dale E. Bonner. The DMV licenses drivers, maintains driving records, registers and tracks official ownership of vehicles and vessels, investigates auto and identity-related fraud, and licenses car dealers, driving schools, and traffic violator schools.  For more information about the DMV, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.