Q: What are the fees that are collected for the Veteran’s license plates used for?
A: The fees for the issuance, renewal and personalization of Veterans Organization license plates benefit the County Veterans Service Officers Fund. The fund is used by local agencies to assist veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services accrued through military service. For more information on Veterans Organization license plates, please visit, http://www.DMV.ca.gov/online/elp/elp.htm. Remember to Save Time! Go Online!
Q: If the Legacy License Plate Program is implemented, what other fees will be due?
A: In addition to the $50 original plate fee, vehicle owners who purchase replicas of California license plates similar to those issued in the 1950’s, 1960’s, and 1970’s are required to pay:
• $40 for renewal
• $15 to transfer the plates to another vehicle
• $35 for substitute plates
Remember, a minimum of 7,500 pre-paid applications are required prior to January 1, 2015. For more information on the Legacy Plates Program, visit http://www.DMV.ca.gov/legacyplates/index.htm. Remember to Save Time! Go Online!
Q: Do you need to be examined by a medical professional before you are eligible to obtain a commercial driver license?
A: Yes. All drivers applying for, or who hold, any commercial driver license, a certificate to drive a school bus, School Pupil Activity Bus, Youth Bus, General Public Para Transit Vehicle or Farm Labor Vehicle must have their examination performed by a Physician Assistant, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Doctor of Medicine, or Doctor of Osteopathy. The Medical Examination Report and Medical Certificate must be signed by the medical examiner that performed the examination. For more information on medical reports, please visit http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/dl/dl51.htm
Q: I was arrested for a DUI and the officer confiscated my driver license. How do I get it back?
A: DMV will impose Administrative Per Se (APS) licensing sanctions against individuals arrested for a DUI. If a person is also convicted of a DUI by the court, DMV imposes additional mandatory sanctions. If you are not convicted by the court, you will be eligible to reapply for a license at the end of your APS suspension or revocation period. You must pay a $125 reissue fee to the DMV and file proof of financial responsibility. The reissue fee is $100 if you were under age 21 and were suspended under the Zero Tolerance Law. If it is determined that there is not a basis for the suspension or revocation, your driver license will be reissued or returned to you. For more information on DUI arrests, please visit http://www.DMV.ca.gov/dl/driversafety/dsalcohol.htm#conf
If you are subsequently convicted of a DUI, the court will impose additional fines and penalties. In addition, DMV will impose new mandatory licensing sanctions based on the conviction and the number of prior DUI offenses, which can require an additional $55 reissue fee, proof of financial responsibility, completion of an alcohol treatment program, and in some counties, installation of an ignition interlock device (IID). You will not be eligible to reinstate your driving privileges and get your license back until you meet all reinstatement requirements for either full or restricted driving privileges.
Q: How do I find an Occupational Licensing (OL) Inspector Office?
A: California has 16 OL Inspector Offices located throughout the state. As part of the application process, OL Inspectors perform background verifications and physically inspect places of business for compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The OL Inspectors routinely monitor businesses for continued compliance and also perform annual reviews of Driving Schools and Traffic Violator Schools. Visit http://www.DMV.ca.gov/fo/inspector_office.htm for more information.
Q: What is a STAR station?
A: STAR stations are smog check stations that meet higher performance standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Some STAR stations are licensed to perform only tests, while others are licensed to perform both tests and repairs. The station is required to post a sign on the services it performs. The new STAR Program began on January 1, 2013, and will replace the Gold Shield and Test Only program. Vehicles with expected high emissions levels are selected for testing at these stations. For more information on smog inspections, visit http://www.DMV.ca.gov/vr/smogfaq.htm
Q: What is the PAS test?
A: The preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) test is used by law enforcement to measure the blood alcohol level for suspected drunk drivers. The PAS device is a handheld breath-testing unit that gives an instant and accurate measure of your blood alcohol concentration. For more information on PAS or other chemical testing, visit http://www.DMV.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d06/vc13388.htm
Q: How long is the Purchaser’s Temporary Operating Copy valid?
A: The permit the dealer provides for display on the passenger side of the front window is valid until the plates and stickers are received by the customer, or for 180 days from the sale date, whichever comes first.
Q: How does the DMV protect the public from identity theft?
A: Because the driver license (DL) and identification (ID) card are the primary identification documents in California, they are targets for identity fraud. DMV is doing everything possible to protect your personal information and your identity. For example, DMV employees are continuously trained on fraud document detention. DMV has designed a brochure to help you understand what identity theft is as well as what DMV is doing to protect your identity. To access this brochure, visit http://www.DMV.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffdl24.htm
Q: What do I need to get a personalized license plate?
A: You will need current registration on the vehicle, a completed special interest license plate application (REG 17), payment of the appropriate fees. These plates can be ordered online at http://www.DMV.ca.gov/ipp2/welcome.do?localeName=en or mail in a completed form and payment to:
DMV-SPU
P.O. Box 932345-MSD238
Sacramento, CA 94232-3450
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