Q: Can you offer me any tips on how to save money on gasoline?A: Of course! The DMV offers an entire page on its Web site devoted to helping you reduce fuel costs. Some of the helpful tips include information on how to purchase fuel wisely, how to drive more efficiently, even how to improve the efficiency of the vehicle you drive! To start saving money on fuel today, visit http://www.dmv.ca.gov/about/save_fuel.htm.Q: My purse was stolen about a month ago, along with my driver license. I just found out the thief stole my identity! What do I do?A: If you have discovered that you’ve become a victim of identity theft due to a driver license or identification card theft, please go your local DMV field office immediately or make an appointment online for your DMV field office visit at www.dmv.ca.gov and be prepared to: complete a statement describing the facts of the fraud, submit a copy of the police report, or a written explanation of why a report was not filed with police and submit copies of canceled checks, bills, or letters from companies or banks proving the fraud.. In addition, you will need to prove your identity. With the exception of an expired California DL or ID card, only current documents are accepted. For a list of acceptable original documents, please visit http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffdl24.htm , contact your local DMV office or call the DMV DL/ID Theft Hotline at 1-866-658-5758.Q: I’m in the U.S. Armed Forces and am out-of-state on active duty. Is my driver license still valid?A: If you are out-of-state on active military service in the U.S. Armed Forces and have a valid California driver license, your license will be valid for the full time you are absent from the state and for 30 days from your discharge date, or when you return to California. Carry both your driver license and discharge papers during those 30 days. Call 1-800-777-0133 and ask for a card (DL 236) which extends your license. Military dependents do not qualify for this extension. For more information, visit 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.
“Ask George” Expert Answers to Common DMV Questions
May 08, 2009
Columnist
|
By George Valverde, Director
California Department of Motor VehiclesDo you have questions about general driving related requirements like registration and insurance? Are you unclear about laws and restrictions related to driving? The California Department of Motor Vehicles has answers. “Save Time by Going Online,” at www.dmv.ca.gov.Q: My grandparents just bought me a classic car for my graduation. Out of curiosity, how do I check the car’s smog test history?A: This can easily be done by visitinghttp://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr33.htm and clicking on Check the Smog Test History of a Vehicle. Here, you can either enter the car’s license plate number or the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to get the cars complete smog test history.Q: Where can I get a non-repairable vehicle certificate?A: “A non-repairable vehicle certificate” is a vehicle ownership document issued to the owner of a non-repairable vehicle. A non-repairable vehicle certificate is labeled “non-repairable” across the front and can be obtained by doing the following: completing and signing the Salvage Certificate or Non-repairable Vehicle Certificate (REG 488C) available at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg488c.pdf, providing proof of ownership (usually the certificate of title in California or another state) and finally, surrendering any license plates belonging to the vehicle. Make an appointment at your nearest DMV field office by visiting http://www.dmv.ca.gov/online/onlinesvcs.htm today! For more information on non-repairable vehicles, please visit http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/nonrepair.htm.Q: I live on a private lake and am looking to buy a large boat. If I only use it on this private lake, does it still have to be registered?A: Yes. Any vessel (boat) that is moored on California waterways, including private lakes must to be registered with the California DMV. For a list of vessels that do not have to be registered in California or to find out how to register your boat, please visit http://www.dmv.ca.gov/boatsinfo/boatreg.htm#other.
