DMV grants automatic extension to seniors with expiring driver's licenses

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KGO) -- The California DMV announced that qualifying senior citizens will be given an automatic extension on their expiring driver's licenses, delaying the need to visit a physical office.

The DMV issued a press release Monday that stated the automatic extension would be for those "age 70 and older with a noncommercial driver license with an expiration date between March 1 and Dec. 31, 2020." The agency cited concerns for the health and safety of senior drivers in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

RELATED: DMV to resume behind-the-wheel driver's tests on Friday

The extension will last for one year. Drivers won't receive a new driver's license card, but can request a temporary paper card on the DMV's website if they wish.
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Law enforcement has been notified of this extension, the DMV says. The Transportation Security Administration already accepts drivers' licenses up to a year after the card's expiration.

RELATED: DMV will reopen all of its field offices on June 11, officials say

According to California law, drivers over the age of 70 must visit a DMV office to renew their license, but the DMV has the ability to issue extensions.

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