Christina Michel Deputy Director Investigation | State of California DMV
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced the closure of its Driver Safety Office (DSO) in Stockton, located at 710 North American St. The office will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 4.
Driver Safety Offices handle administrative hearings related to potential DMV actions to suspend or restrict driving privileges due to negligence, alcohol-related incidents, or health issues. These offices also manage driving re-examinations prompted by safety or health concerns but do not offer services provided by regular field offices such as driver’s license applications or renewals and vehicle registrations.
The DMV recently implemented a new Case Management System (CMS) for DSOs aimed at streamlining work processes, improving efficiencies, reducing costs, and enhancing overall operations. The digital system allows drivers and their attorneys to check case statuses and requirements for reinstating suspended licenses conveniently online. It also eliminates the need for in-person visits or phone calls to request or conduct hearings, as most hearings are now conducted virtually.
With the introduction of CMS, maintaining a DSO field office in 17 different locations is no longer efficient or cost-effective. As a result, the DMV is closing and consolidating offices statewide.
Employees from the Stockton office will be reassigned to nearby DMV locations. Customers can visit an alternative DSO at:
Sacramento: 4700 Broadway (2nd floor), located 49 miles from the Stockton DSO.
The DMV has expanded its digital services significantly. Most tasks do not require an office visit and can be completed through self-service transactions online. The DMV encourages customers to utilize its online services and other channels for tasks such as driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. The Service Advisor on the DMV website can help customers understand their options for completing various tasks.
To sign up for paperless vehicle registration and driver’s license renewal notices, customers should create a secure online account at dmv.ca.gov and opt-in.
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