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News Releases
Latest Releases
DMV Suspends Driving School License and Imposes Five Year Probation (February 1, 2010)
The Calif. Department of Motor Vehicles announced today that Advantage Driving School of San Jose and Soquel will have their occupational license suspended for one week beginning today, and be placed on probation for five years as a result of a “compromise settlement” with the department
Former Owner, GM of Carmean Dodge Arrested Early Today (January 29, 2010)
Two former officers of the defunct Carmean Dodge in Shingle Springs and El Dorado Hills Dodge were arrested early this morning by investigators from the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, the department announced today.
DMV Employee Arrested For Driver License Fraud (January 14, 2010)
The California Department of Motor Vehicles today arrested DMV employee Karcius Duvel Jamison on multiple felony charges after he allegedly waived drive tests, fraudulently issued driver licenses, and illegally accessed state DMV computers.
Goleta DMV Office To Close For Brief Renovation Project (January 14, 2010)
The Goleta office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, located at 7127 Hollister Ave., Suite 24/26, will be closed for three business days starting at 5 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 11, 2010, for a construction project -- which includes flooring replacement and modifications of office space access to meet compliance with the Americans for Disability Act.
DMV Extends Advance Appointment Calendar To 45 Days (January 14, 2010)
Due to increased demand, the Department of Motor Vehicles announced today that field office appointments can now be made 45 days in advance, either on the department web site (www.dmv.ca.gov) or by telephone (800.777.0133).
DMV Announces Online Option For Motorists To Reinstate Vehicle Registration (December 15, 2009)
With the addition of two new Internet services launched this past month, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) now offers 15 online applications at www.dmv.ca.gov that allow customers to do business with the department at their convenience. The two newest offerings will assist motorists needing to show DMV proof a vehicle is insured.
Ukiah DMV Office To Close For Renovation Project (December 10, 2009)
The Ukiah office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, located at 542 S. Orchard Ave., will be closed for two weeks starting at the close of business on Thurs., Dec. 31, 2009, for a renovation project -- which includes the installation of modular furniture, flooring and cabling.
Hemet DMV Office To Close For Renovation Project (December 9, 2009)
The Hemet office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, located at 1200 S. State St., will be closed for eight weeks starting at 5 p.m. on Tues., Jan. 12, 2010, for a major renovation project -- which includes flooring replacement, the installation of a modular furniture system for greater customer convenience, updated data cabling and much more.
"Lesley’s Crusade” Exhibit At Rocklin DMV (October 21, 2009)
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people 15 to 20 years old and vehicle crashes account for 75 percent of all unintentional teen deaths. Studies have shown that teenage drivers are easily distracted, prone to take risks and are influenced by peers. This week is National Teen Driver’s Safety week, designed to raise awareness about the tragedy of teen vehicle crashes, and to spark communication among teenagers, their parents and civic leaders about the causes of and solutions to teen crashes.
DMV’s Research and Development Branch Turns 50 (October 14, 2009)
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced today the 50th anniversary of its Research and Development Branch. Unique among state motor vehicle departments, California DMV’s research efforts have been recognized nationally for the quality, breadth and importance of its work.
El Cerrito DMV Office To Close For Brief Renovation Project (October 14, 2009)
The El Cerrito office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, located at 6400 Manila Ave., will close for two weeks at end of the business day on Thurs., Nov. 5, 2009, for a renovation project -- which includes the removal of asbestos, replacement of flooring and carpeting, interior painting and much more.
DMV Modifies Services To Rural Areas (September 16, 2009)
Services in the rural areas of Colfax, Oceano and Markleeville will be discontinued, and services in Tehachapi will be reduced to Tuesdays-only from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Department of Motor Vehicles announced today.
Online Business Surges 20.4% During First Six Months Of 2009 (July 31, 2009)
Online business surged 20.4 percent during the first six months of 2009, as the Department of Motor Vehicles recorded 4.7 million internet transactions through June 30, 2009, the DMV announced today.
DMV Offices Will be Closed Fridays, August 7, 14 and 21, 2009 (July 28, 2009)
The Department of Motor Vehicles reminds customers that all statewide offices will be closed on the first three Fridays of each month through June 2010. During the month of August, DMV offices will be closed on Fridays August 7, 14 and 21, 2009 – in keeping with Executive Order S-13-09.
DMV Offices Will be Closed Friday, July 24, 2009 (July 22, 2009)
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), in partnership with Donate Life California, announced today that 5 million Californians have signed up to become organ and tissue donors--making California the largest organ and tissue donor registry in the nation.
5 Million Californians Say Yes to Organ Donation (July 21, 2009)
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), in partnership with Donate Life California, announced today that 5 million Californians have signed up to become organ and tissue donors--making California the largest organ and tissue donor registry in the nation.
Identity Theft Bust in Fresno (July 16, 2009)
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced today the arrest of Anthony Ortega, 32 of Kingsburg on July 2, 2009. Charged with multiple counts of identity theft, forgery, burglary and using stolen credit cards, Ortega was booked into the Fresno County Jail with bail set at $114,000.
New Laws Take Effect: Ignition Interlocks, Year of Manufacture License Plates (July 9, 2009)
The Department of Motor Vehicles reminds motorists of two new laws which took effect July 1 in California: implementation of mandatory ignition interlock devices (IIDs), and a new law designed for vintage car collectors which would allow cars from 1963 to 1969 to re-register with black and yellow California plates. Governor Schwarzenegger signed both laws in 2008.
Petaluma DMV Office to Close for Renovation Project (July 6, 2009)
The Petaluma office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), located at 715 Southpoint Blvd., Suite J, will be closed for almost four weeks starting at noon on Thurs., July 16, 2009, for a major renovation project -- which includes improving access for mobility-impaired customers, improving the efficiency of the building’s lobby, testing area and parking lot, repainting the interior, replacing the flooring, making lighting upgrades and much more.
Palmdale DMV Office to Close for Renovation Project (July 6, 2009)
The Palmdale office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), located at 2260 E. Palmdale Blvd., Suite D, will be closed starting at noon on Thurs., July 16, 2009, for a brief renovation project -- which includes improving access for disabled customers, improving the efficiency of the building’s lobby, testing area and parking lot, repainting the interior, replacing the flooring and much more.
DMV Offices Will Be Closed Fridays, July 10, 17, and 24 (July 2, 2009)
The Department of Motor Vehicles reminds customers that all statewide offices will be closed on three successive Fridays during the month of July – July 10, 17, and 24 – in keeping with Executive Order S-13-09. The department encourages customers to schedule advance appointments and use online services.
DMV Opens New Telephone Service Center In Riverside (June 29, 2009)
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today announced the opening of a new Telephone Service Center at 6465 Sycamore Canyon Blvd.
DMV Investigators Bust Fake ID Mill in Glendale (June 15, 2009)
Investigators from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the assistance of law enforcement officials from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and Los Angeles Police Department arrested Heather Dixon, 22, of Glendale, Ryan C. Corpe, 25 of Altadena, Daniel Caldwell, 24 of Monrovia and Giselle Figueroa, 22, of Temple City on multiple felony counts each of forging counterfeit government identity documents, and falsification of state seals. Another suspect, Peter Scott Singer, 24 of Monrovia is still being sought.
Hollywood-Cole DMV Office to Close July 10 for Renovations (May 28, 2009)
IThe five-week closure for renovations at the Hollywood-Cole DMV office – originally planned for June 19 through July 27 -- has been postponed for three weeks. The office will now close at noon on Fri, July 10, 2009 and reopen on Mon., Aug. 24, 2009, the department announced today.
DMV Investigators Bust Unlicensed Auto Dealers in San Jose (May 28, 2009)
In a continued effort to crack down on unlicensed car dealers, investigators from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) arrested 5 individuals and handed out 13 misdemeanor citations on May 23, halting the sale of vehicles without proper occupational licensing.
Local Assistance Center Will Be Closed May 25 for Memorial Day (May 20, 2009)
Santa Barbara residents, property owners and businesses impacted by the Jesusita Fire are reminded that the County’s Local Assistance Center will be closed Monday, May 25, 2009 in observance of Memorial Day. The center is in the lobby of the County Administration Building, 105 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara. It will re-open at 9 a.m., Tuesday, May 26.
County To Open Local Assistance Center (LAC) (May 13, 2009)
The County of Santa Barbara will be establishing a Local Assistance Center (LAC) beginning 9:00 AM, Monday, May 18, 2009. The LAC is being established by the County and City of Santa Barbara to provide assistance and recovery services for residents who have lost homes or otherwise impacted by the Jesusita Fire.
Motorcycle Collisions On The Rise In California (April 30, 2009)
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, an important event that aims to increase awareness of motorcyclists at a time of the year when large numbers of riders are taking to California's streets.
May 6 Kicks Off Keep California Beautiful Campaign (April 30, 2009)
The California Department of Motor Vehicles on May 6, 2009, will join numerous state agencies to kick off the 6th annual Keep California Beautiful campaign during a 10 a.m. Media Event adjacent to the Jesse Unruh Building, 915 Capitol Mall in Sacramento.
Registered Organ Donors Near Five Million, Save 300 Lives Since 2006 (April 28, 2009)
Donate Life Ambassadors made up of transplant recipients, living organ donors, and family members of organ and tissue donors will join Sacramento area firefighters at the California Firefighters Memorial at the State Capitol on Apr. 28 at 10 a.m. to receive a proclamation authored by Senator George Runner and Senator John J. Benoit commemorating DMV/Donate Life California Month.
Banning DMV Office to Close for Renovation Project (April 24, 2009)
The Banning office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, located at 1034 W. Ramsey Street, #B, will be closed for six weeks starting at the close of business on Friday, May 15, 2009, for a much-needed renovation project -- which includes interior painting, parking lot resurfacing and restriping and construction of a wind-deflection system.
Santa Monica DMV Office to Close for Renovation Project (April 16, 2009)
The Santa Monica office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, located at 2235 Colorado Ave., will be closed for nine weeks starting at noon on Friday, May 1, 2009, for a major renovation project -- which includes complete flooring replacement, the installation of modular furniture to improve customer seating convenience, replacement of IT cabling and much more.
DMV Makes Arrests in an Illegal Auto Leasing Scheme (April 16, 2009)
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced today the arrest of the owner of Auto Management Group (AMG) and his associates for illegally subleasing vehicles, embezzlement, conspiracy, grand theft and interstate transport of stolen vehicles. DMV Investigators arrested Muinchau Pham, the owner of AMG, on Santa Clara County felony warrants at one of his homes in Tustin on April 15, 2009. Pham is being held in Orange County jail without bail. Pham was also booked for an outstanding, 2006 Sonoma County felony warrant for grand theft auto. His associates, Ron Rakeem Jones of Santa Clara and Rakish H. Butani of San Francisco were arrested in March with a bail amount of $50,000 each.
Bakersfield Southwest Office to Close For Renovation Project (March 19, 2009)
The Bakersfield Southwest office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles located at 7000 Schirra Ct., will be closed for an 8-week renovation starting noon on Thursday, April 9, 2009. The repair and remodeling project will include the replacement of flooring, installation of new carpeting and modular furniture for the convenience of customers, interior painting and much more. The easiest way to accommodate this project is to close the office completely for the duration of the repairs. The Bakersfield Southwest office is scheduled to reopen for business at 8 a.m. Monday, June 15, 2009.
Preparedness Is The Key To A More Timely Visit To The DMV (March 19, 2009)
While many business options are available to customers online, the Department of Motor Vehicles reminds customers who visit any DMV facility for a transaction to be fully prepared with all necessary paperwork and proper documentation in hand.
DMV’S Online Calculator Will Determine New Vehicle License Fee Due on Vehicle Registration Renewals (March 18, 2009)
In an effort to help California motorists find out how the increased Vehicle License Fee (VLF) will affect the registration renewal for their vehicles, DMV will modify the online fee calculator to reflect the increase which will take effect on May 19, 2009.
Free Metered Parking for Alternative Fuel Vehicles Ends 1 March 09 (March 13, 2009)
The City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) will begin citing alternative fuel vehicles parked at expired parking meters starting March 1, 2009. On February 10th, the City Council voted to end a free metered parking program for alternative fuel vehicles begun in 2002.
Norco Office To Close For One Day Because Of Planned Power Outage (March 9, 2009)
The Norco DMV office, located at 3201 Horseless Carriage Dr., will be closed for one day on Friday, March 13, 2009 to accommodate a planned power outage for much of the day by Southern California Edison.
Woodland DMV Office to Close for Renovation Project (March 2, 2009)
The Woodland office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, located at 825 East St., will be closed for two weeks starting at noon on Friday, March 27, 2009, for regularly scheduled maintenance--which includes interior upgrades and the installation of modular furniture to improve customer seating convenience. The easiest way to accommodate this project is to close the office completely for the duration of the repairs. The Woodland office is scheduled to reopen for business at 8 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2009.
Flesh Elected President of New Motor Vehicle Board (February 24, 2009)
The New Motor Vehicle Board unanimously elected Robert T. (Tom) Flesh, as the Board’s President during the February 2009 meeting of the NMVB Board. Flesh was reappointed by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2005, and previously served as Board President in 2000 and 2001, and Board Vice President in 1999, 2007, and 2008.
DMV Arrests Former Auto Dealers Linked to Sales Loan Scheme (February 18, 2009)
A former owner of the defunct Downey Motorcars and South Gate Motors and his wife were arrested on February 12th in connection with a fraudulent auto sales loan scheme that defrauded several financial institutions and numerous customers of more than $5 million.
DMV Dedicates New Field Office in Tracy (January 27, 2009)
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) officially dedicated its new, larger, energy-efficient Tracy Office this morning during special ceremonies at 2785 Auto Plaza Drive in Tracy.
Novato DMV Office To Close For Brief Renovation Project (January 28, 2009)
The Novato office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles located at 936 Seventh St., Suite A, will close for two weeks starting Feb. 9, 2009, for a long-scheduled maintenance project.
DMV Online Transactions Increased 15 Percent During 2008 (January 27, 2009)
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced today a significant increase in customers using DMV online services. In 2008, more than 7 million customers used online DMV transaction services, an increase of 15 percent over 2007.