DMV making changes to combat virus

Weekday hours are being scaled back and Saturday services suspended

Don’t worry about walking into the DMV without an appointment and praying the line won’t stretch to Reno. There may not be any line.

The DMV is not accepting walk-ins right now. It is one of the numerous changes the agency is making to reduce the number of people standing in line so officials can ease crowding and help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Effective immediately, you must have an appointment to get service at the DMV. Weekday hours have been scaled back. The popular Saturday office openings have ended, fewer seats are available in lobbies, and there are no behind-the-wheel driving tests for the next month.

For any transaction that requires an office visit, you need to call ahead for an appointment — and that might not be available for two or three months. Transactions that require a DMV visit include getting a REAL ID, new driver’s license, replacement driver’s license, some license renewals, new license plates and title transfers.

There is a call to extend the

REAL ID deadline beyond Oct. 1.

“The health and safety of our employees and customers is the DMV’S top priority,” said communications Deputy Director Anita Gore. “This action addresses their concerns, reduces the possibility of spread and creates telework options while at the same time keeping vital service channels.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom has encouraged a 60-day extension for some deadlines, which might ease the angst of drivers older than 70 who are required to take an eye and written test when they renew their license, but this is one of the groups of people at most risk from COVID-19.

“I imagine we can extend that, but for at least 60 days, no enforcement of expired licenses and expired registration,” Newsom said at a news briefing this week.

Even if you have an appointment, the office may be busy when you arrive and more crowded than you are comfortable with, given social distancing recom