Everything You Need to Know About The California DMV's Brand New Website

Long before the coronavirus, Californians couldn't always get what they needed from the DMV, with long wait times and few appointments. We founded Skip (formerly YoGov) to help people get their DMV questions answered — and have expanded to help people get their government-related questions answered.

We're thrilled when government agencies update their processes and communication as well — and this major website update by the California DMV is very exciting to see!

Here is our initial review of the California DMV's website update. Due to COVID-19, the speed on the development of these online services has picked up and the CA DMV continues to encourage people to try to do as much as possible online first!

Here's What You Can Now Do Online with the California DMV:

The new online offerings, which the DMV is calling a Virtual Field Office expand the number of transactions that can be handled from home by allowing users to upload documents which are then reviewed by a DMV customer service representative, saving you a trip to the physical DMV.

What Transactions Are Available Online?

You can now transfer the title of a vehicle, renew your license, renew your vehicle's registration and more online. You can find all the online offerings here. The new website still does not include everything you might need to do at a DMV, such as a permit test or getting a REAL ID, but the DMV has stated that they will be adding more online offerings, so we will keep you updated.

Can I Check If I Need To Go In-Person to the DMV?

If you're not sure if you need to visit the DMV in-person or not, you can use the Service Advisor feature on the DMV website to check. Just search what task you need to complete, and get information back on how to proceed.

What Do I Need To Know Before Starting Online Transactions?

To complete transactions online you'll need all of your documents and information ready in advance, because you'll need to upload them and fill in information on a fillable webform that does not save. Before you start, the DMV will list out documents that you should have ready, but  it does not include all the information you'll need. For example, upon clicking the webform for "title transfer" a page pops up telling you to have the title on hand and the name and address of the new owner, but it does not tell you that you'll need the new owner's driver's license number, which is required.

Here's How You Can Track Services with the new California DMV website

Another new feature of the California DMV online system is the ability for you to track your service requests. This varies by service, but if you request a title transfer or license renewal, in most cases, you can also login and see the status of your service.

Once you submit your documents through the online forms, you can check the status of your request here. You will need your case number, which the DMV will email you.

Here's How You Can Get More Help with the new California DMV chatbot.

If you need  questions answered, the DMV has also rolled out a chat feature on the website, under "Ask DMV". If you click the Ask DMV button, you  will get help from the DMV's virtual assistant, "Miles". If the chatbot can't help you, you can also live chat with DMV employees through the same system.

We tested out "Miles" and the bot responds quickly, which is great! However, unfortunately it was unable to answer basic questions like "How much does a REAL ID cost?," so if "Miles" is not giving you the answer you need, we recommend asking in the chat box to speak directly to an agent, which will direct you to the DMV's live chat system.

You should be able to get most of your questions answered by going through their website or using their chatbot, but if you have specific questions you can't find the answers too, try their chat bot, their phone number, or, of course, our team of concierges can always help you. You can chat with us on Skip here.

What to Do if You Do Need to Visit the California DMV in-person?

With the rollout of this accessible technology, far fewer in-person appointments will be needed at the DMV. However, if you do need to make an appointment for service, you will be able to do so soon. All of California's field offices are now open, and the DMV is working through existing appointments and will soon allow new appointments. Driver's tests are still not being conducted.

As soon as the California DMV begins accepting appointments again, we will be there to help you book. You can track the reopening status of the DMV here.

Overall, we are glad to see the DMV making this important progress. You can likely complete much of your DMV business online over the coming months, and we will be there to help you every step of the way!