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DMV Extends Expiring Licenses Through May

Liz Hafalia
/
SF Chronicle
The line for the California Department of Motor Vehicles wraps around the other side of the building on Thursday, July 5, 2018, in San Francisco.

Worried about driving on an expired license during a pandemic? Well, The DMV is extending the validity of all expiring driver’s licenses through May 31st this year. 

The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced the extension in a press release yesterday. It states that licenses that expire between March and May this year are now valid through May 31st. In addition, all commercial driver’s licenses are now valid through June 30th. Drivers with suspended licenses are not eligible for the extension.

 

Earlier in the month the DMV mailed out 120 day extensions to drivers 70 and older in an effort to keep more of them from leaving their homes.  Drivers under the age of 70 receiving the automatic extension will not be mailed a card unless they request one online. However, the DMV says that it has notified California law enforcement of the extensions.

 

The DMV is encouraging eligible Californians to renew their licenses online.  Those who wish to change the name, address or gender that appears on their license are not eligible for online renewal and will need to renew in person once DMV field offices re-open.

 

Also if you’re planning on getting a REAL ID before they’re required for domestic flights you now have an extra year. The Department of Homeland Security said that it will not require REAL IDs for air travel until October 2021. However, the only place to get one is still at a DMV field office, once they re-open.

Joshua Sirotiak is an environment reporter for KALW in San Francisco. He's a working musician, father and self-proclaimed nerd who has previously produced audio journalism for NBC News and Chicago Public Media.