Quick Take
The Capitola Department of Motor Vehicles office will shut down for over two months starting June 13, which means that anyone needing to address matters in person will need to go to either Watsonville or one of the other DMV locations in neighboring counties. However, most things can be done online.
Santa Cruz County motorists might want to get their Department of Motor Vehicles matters handled sooner rather than later — as in, within the next two weeks.
When the Capitola DMV office closes for the day at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 13, it will remain shuttered until late summer, when it will resume business as usual on Monday, Aug. 25, at 8 a.m.
Office manager Tony Lee said the location at 4200 Capitola Rd. is closing for interior renovations. DMV spokesperson Ronald Ongtoaboc told Lookout via email that the office will get new flooring and furniture, as well as a new paint job. He added that the start and end dates are subject to change.
While there is another DMV location in Watsonville, at 90 Alta Vista Ave., and a number of other DMV offices not too far from Santa Cruz County, Ongtoaboc said residents with matters they need to address during the Capitola closure can check on the DMV website to see what they are able to do online and what they need to do in person, as “most DMV tasks do not require an office visit.”
Things that can be done online include many of the main reasons that people go to the DMV, including to renew or check the status of vehicle registration, renew a driver’s license or ID card, change or update an address, order replacement documents, apply for or renew special license plates, and report a transfer of ownership and release of liability.
However, there are some services that must be done in person. Written and practical driver’s exams, along with any other DMV-facilitated tests, must be taken in person, and those interested in obtaining a REAL ID have to provide proof of identity and residence in person in order to begin the process.
Getting a commercial driver’s license still requires an in-person visit, as the process includes additional requirements and testing beyond the usual exam and photo, such as providing a medical examination report, residency documents and a conducting 10-year history record check.
Some registration issues also require an in-person appointment, such as registering vehicles that are imported from other states or countries. Securing some special permits and licenses like those necessary to transport hazardous materials or working as a driving instructor must be done in person as well.
For any of the in-person-only matters, people can go to the Watsonville office. Other locations that are not too far from the county include an office at 600 N. Santa Cruz Ave. in Los Gatos, 260 E. Laurel Dr. in Salinas, 1180 Canyon Del Rey Blvd. in Seaside, 6984 Automall Parkway, Suite A, in Gilroy, and 80 N. Sally St in Hollister.
Click here to check the wait times at the Capitola field office both with and without an appointment, and here for the Watsonville office.
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