After a three-month closure for renovations, the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ field office in Goleta reopened to the public this week.
The Goleta DMV underwent improvements that included painting the exterior and interior of the building at 7127 Hollister Ave., as well as new office furniture and flooring. The site received upgraded Internet cabling and improved access so that the facility will meet the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
The renovations to the Goleta DMV have been completed, and the location officially opened its doors Monday.
Now that the Goleta DMV has reopened, DMV officials encouraged people to take the opportunity to apply for a Real ID, which requires an office visit to complete the application.
A Real ID is an identification card or driver’s license that is also a federally acceptable form of identification, according to the DMV.
Beginning May 3, 2023, people will need a Real ID or a federally approved form of identification to board flights within the United States, as well as enter secure federal facilities and military bases.
Visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov to fill out the online application, upload necessary documents and print a confirmation code before visiting the DMV office.
Bring the documents and confirmation code to the DMV office to finalize the transaction. No appointment is needed, DMV officials said.
“Once at a service window, it now takes less than 10 minutes to complete the Real ID transaction,” according to the state agency’s Office of Public Affairs.
A sample of the Real ID. (California Department of Motor Vehicle graphic)
The DMV is urging customers to use its online services to complete tasks such as vehicle registration renewals and eligible driver’s license transactions.
In addition, people can use the service adviser tool on the DMV website to learn about options to complete the DMV tasks.
“With more customers using online services, DMV offices have more space to accommodate Californians who need a Real ID or complete other tasks that require an office visit,” the Office of Public Affairs said.
In addition to Goleta, other DMV field offices in Santa Barbara County are located in Lompoc, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.
To make an appointment at the DMV, click here or call 1.800.777.0133.
— Noozhawk staff writer Brooke Holland can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.