DMV to reopen offices in Hillcrest, San Marcos
San Diego County residents who need to take care of business in person at the DMV will finally get their opportunity.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced it will reopen 25 field offices throughout the state today, including the DMV office located in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego and the office in San Marcos.
The offices, located at 3960 Normal St. in San Diego and 590 Rancheros Drive in San Marcos, will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Wednesday, when it opens at 9 a.m.
It will handle appointments and transactions requiring an in-person visit, such as reinstating a suspended or revoked license, applying for a disabled person parking placard, or paying registration for an impounded vehicle, among other things. Behind-the-wheel driving tests continue to be suspended, however.
Physical distancing will be practiced, officials said. Handwashing stations will be provided, and employees will have disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, face shields and gloves.
Customers will be required to wear a face covering and remain 6 feet apart. Entry will be metered, and customers will have the option of waiting outside until staff texts them.
The DMV says customers may experience extended wait times.
Residents are encouraged to delay their visit to the DMV for non-urgent needs.
The DMV originally closed all public field offices on March 27, as the state began grappling with how to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
“Following cleaning of the offices, expansion of virtual services and development of new protocols, the DMV is reopening select offices based on location, size, service capacity and the ability to offer enhanced service to commercial driver license customers,” the department said in a news release.
The DMV plans to reopen additional offices in phases in coming weeks. In the interim, residents also can use the department’s online access for such services as driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals.