Contact: Office of Public Affairs
2415 First Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 657–6437 | dmvpublicaffairs@dmv.ca.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2020
Expanded services allow more tasks to be accomplished online
Sacramento – California commercial drivers can continue delivering essential products and supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic without worrying about an expiring license following a new round of extensions today by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
In accordance with updated guidance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the DMV is issuing an extension through December 31, 2020, to all commercial driver’s licenses, learner’s permits and endorsements expiring between March and December 31, 2020. A previous extension had been set to expire at the end of September.
The DMV has alerted California law enforcement of the new extensions.
While the extension is automatic, eligible commercial drivers will not receive a new card or an extension in the mail. As an option, beginning October 5, 2020, they can request a free temporary paper extension online to document their extension, though one is not needed to drive. Commercial drivers who previously requested an extension through September 30, 2020, may submit a new request to document the new expiration date.
Also in line with federal guidance, commercial drivers whose medical certification expires in March through May 2020 have an extension to October 31, 2020, to update the certificate. Commercial drivers with a medical certificate expiring in June through December 2020 have an extension until December 31, 2020. The DMV now offers medical certification updates to be submitted online.
Summary of California driver’s license extensions
| Expiration Month | Status | |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial (all types, all ages) | March-December 2020 | Extended to December 31, 2020 |
| Age 70 & older (noncommercial) | March-December 2020 | Extended one year from original expiration date |
| Age 69 & younger (noncommercial) | Beginning March 2020 | Expanded eligibility to renew online or by mail for licenses expiring during the emergency |
| Learner’s permits (noncommercial) | March-November 2020 | Extended six months or to a date 24 months from the date of application |
In addition to extensions, the DMV has been expanding its online services for California’s commercial drivers at DMV.ca.gov – including recently adding commercial driver’s license renewals. The DMV also launched motor carrier permit renewals online – streamlining the process to shorten the time thousands of California businesses must wait to receive their new permits, which are required for numerous transportation and commercial activities in the state.
The DMV continues to recommend that customers use its online services, expanded virtual services and other service channels to complete transactions, including eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. Customers can use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.
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