After a computer outage shut down more than half of DMV offices throughout California on Monday, many customers have wondered why certain services must be conducted in person.
The DMV has 188 total facilities including the offices that serve the public, and as of 4:30 p.m. today, 183 of those offices are operational with all Sacramento offices functioning normal.
During the outage, customers were able to conduct many transactions online, like getting a driver's license and vehicle registration, according to the Executive Division of the Sacramento DMV, but in-person services were unavailable.
DMV spokeswoman Cristina Valdivia said the number of customers who made those transactions was not yet readily available, but she did explain the reason why certain services cannot go through an online medium.
"There's a variety of things that have to be done in person and a variety online," Valdivia said. "Obviously if you're taking the behind-the-wheel exam it has to be done in person."
Services that customers must show up for include the behind-the-wheel driving test, getting a driver's license for the first time, vision exam, a specialized license plate and many more.
So, despite our best efforts, avoiding going to the DMV is a tough task. But just in case you're unaware of online services they offer, which could prevent an unnecessary trip, you can find them here.
