As if we didn’t already have enough to stress about during the COVID-19 crisis, what if your driver’s license, registration or inspection sticker isn’t up to date? And what if your state’s Real ID deadline is quickly approaching? Here’s what you need to know.
NOTE: This page was last updated on April 10, 2020. Policies vary from state to state, and the information on this page is subject to change as state officials continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation on a daily basis. Please check your state’s motor vehicle website for current information.
Is my local motor vehicle branch still open?
As a safety measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)and MVC (Motor Vehicle Commission)agencies — like many other facilities and businesses across the country — have been closing to the public. But there’s no need to panic. These states are offering an extension on important credentials as well as access to many online services.
Connecticut
All Connecticut DMV branches have been closed to the public, and all road tests, including passenger, commercial and retests, have been postponed until further notice. The CT DMV will provide services online, by phone and by mail. Effective immediately, qualifying CT driver’s licenses, learner’s permits, identity cards, emissions testing, registrations and disabled parking permits will receive an extension. No late fees will be assessed for eligible credentials. For additional information, including extension details and service updates, visit the CT DMV Information Center.
Massachusetts
By-appointment reservations can be made for a limited number of required in-person services at these eight Massachusetts RMV Service Centers that will remain open until further notice. Please visit the RMV’s Online Service Center for over 40 transactions that can be completed online. An extension has been issued for qualifying Class D (passenger) and Class DM (passenger/motorcycle) driver’s licenses, ID cards and learner’s permits. Class D and M (motorcycle) learner’s permit knowledge exams have been suspended until the State of Emergency is lifted. Class D and M road tests have been cancelled. Click here. for details. Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs), Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs) and medical certificates have also received an extension. For information regarding CDL extensions and road tests, click here. Expiration dates for qualifying inspection stickers have also been extended.
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, walk-in DMV services, including non-CDL driving and motorcycle testing, have been suspended until further notice. Qualifying non-commercial driver’s licenses and non-driver identification cards are eligible for an extension. NH DMV 20-day plates and NH authorized dealer 20-day plates have also been given an extension. As of April 3, details regarding extensions can be found here. For vehicle registration renewal options, New Hampshire residents should visit their town website. All motor-vehicle-related hearings will be held by video or phone conference. To schedule an appointment, email [email protected]. To learn more or to complete online transactions, including driver’s license renewal, ID renewal and ticket pay, visit the NH DMV website.
New Jersey
As of April 10, all New Jersey MVC agencies, road testing and inspection facilities remain closed to the public. Qualifying driver’s licenses, learner’s permits, standard non-driver IDs, commercial and non-commercial vehicle registrations, inspection stickers, temporary tags, CDLs (including medical examiner’s certificates and endorsements, but not hazardous materials endorsements) and CLPs (including medical examiner’s certificates) will be extended. Most renewals, replacements, changes of address and other transactions can be processed online. For additional information and updates regarding extensions and DMV appointments amid the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.
New York
All New York DMV offices and Traffic Violation Bureaus have been closed, and DMV reservations and road tests have been suspended until further notice. All DMV Safety and Business Hearings are adjourned through April 29. Many expiration dates, including qualifying licenses, registrations, inspections, medical certifications and federal hazardous material requirements, have been extended. NY residents can complete most transactions online including driver’s license, CDL, non-driver’s ID and vehicle registration renewals; obtaining of DMV records; and payment of driving penalties, tickets and fees. Please note that the processing of some transactions may be delayed as NY DMV responds to the impact of COVID-19. Visit the New York DMV website for additional information and updates.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Driver’s License Centers and Photo License Centers throughout the state are closed until further notice, but PA residents may visit the PA DMV website 24/7 to complete various transactions for no additional fee. Online services include driver’s license, vehicle registration and photo ID renewals; driver’s license and photo ID duplicates; driver’s license and vehicle registration restoration letters; driver-history services; changes of address; and payment of driver’s license or vehicle insurance restoration fees. Qualifying driver’s licenses, CDLs, learner’s permits, photo ID cards and Persons with Disabilities Parking Placards have been extended. For additional information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website.
With DMV closures across the country, how will I get my real ID?
The original enforcement date for being required to have a Real ID to board domestic flights was set for October 1, 2020. However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline to October 1, 2021 — one year from the previous date. All 50 states have been granted this extension, allowing passengers to continue using their current driver’s licenses as usual for domestic travel.
Don’t see your state on the list? Click here for a listing of motor vehicle websites across the country.
