Coronavirus: Virginia DMV Closures, Elective Surgery Ban Extended

VIRGINIA — On Thursday, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam extended the ban on elective surgeries through the end of April and closures of Virginia DMV centers to the public through May 10. Unless Northam orders another extension, elective surgeries would be allowed starting May 1, and DMV locations would reopen with limited operations on May 11.

The extended ban on elective surgeries doesn't apply to those in which a delay would harm a patient, as well as outpatient visits in hospital-based clinics, family planning services, or emergency needs. Hospitals continue to treat emergencies and perform essential surgeries.

Northam and Dr. Norman Oliver, the state health commissioner, are evaluating how to lift restrictions on non-essential medical procedures in coordination with hospitals and medical facilities. The availability of personal protective equipment during the coronavirus crisis factors into the decision.

"We have increased our supply of PPE, but before we allow elective surgeries to resume, we must first be assured that the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who are fighting this virus or conducting emergency surgeries have the necessary supplies," said Northam in a statement. "We are working with medical facilities on plans to ensure that we can resume elective surgeries safely and responsibly."

The Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association tracks hospital resource usage on a daily basis. On Thursday, the association reported three hospitals would have difficulty obtaining or replenishing personal protective equipment in the next 72 hours. There were no reports of difficulties related to obtaining other medical supplies.

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The extended closure of Virginia's 75 DMV centers and mobile units have implications for state credentials and vehicle registrations. Northam's directive extends the validity of vehicle, driver, special identification credentials that would expire on a date up to June 10, 2020. According to the Virginia DMV, driver's licenses and identification cards expiring between March 15 and May 1 will have an additional 90 days beyond the expiration date for renewal, and those with an expiration date from May 2 to June 10 will expire on July 31, 2020. Vehicle registrations expiring in March and April are extended for 90 days, and those expiring in May are extended for 60 days.

The DMV encourages online renewals for driver's licenses, identification cards, or vehicle registration if available. Mail-in options are offered for services like vehicle registration, original title transactions, and driver's license renewal if a resident receives a mail notice.

Northam directed Virginia State Police to suspend enforcement of vehicle inspections and encourages local law enforcement to do the same. State police are also directed to not enforce expired temporary license plates, the time period when a new resident must get a Virginia driver’s license or vehicle registration, and the time period when temporary residents can have out-of-state vehicle license plates. These measures are effective through July 31.

Virginia residents who want to obtain REAL ID for federal purposes do not have to meet a deadline this year. The Department of Homeland Security extended the deadline requiring a REAL ID to enter secure federal facilities, enter nuclear power plants and board domestic flights to Oct. 1, 2021. Virginia residents seeking REAL ID credentials can only apply at DMV locations in person since they need to bring required documents.

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