California drivers frustrated by long wait times and crowded Department of Motor Vehicles offices may be intrigued by a new proposal from Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton.
Hilton announced Tuesday, Sept. 8, a plan to abolish California's DMV, shift many of its services to local governments and private providers, and replace California's current vehicle registration structure with a flat annual fee of $73 per vehicle.
The proposal is part of Hilton's broader affordability agenda as he campaigns for governor. Supporters say the changes could reduce bureaucracy and lower costs for drivers. Critics question how the state would maintain key transportation services and road safety programs while replacing billions of dollars in registration-related
revenue.
For Californians, the proposal raises an important question: What would actually change if the DMV disappeared?
What services would replace the California DMV?
Under Hilton's proposal, the DMV's responsibilities would be decentralized rather than eliminated entirely.
According to the campaign, services such as vehicle registrations, title transfers, driver's license transactions and road tests would be handled through county offices or certified local service centers. Those providers would connect to a statewide system responsible for maintaining records, verifying identities and preventing fraud.
The proposal says California would continue to require secure driver's licenses and vehicle records. However, Hilton's plan does not specify which state agency would ultimately oversee those functions if the DMV were abolished.
For drivers, that could mean more locations where they could complete routine transactions, though the details would likely depend on future legislation and implementation plans.
How much could California drivers save on vehicle registration?
Hilton is proposing a flat annual registration fee of $73 per vehicle.
His campaign says the plan would eliminate what it describes as California's "hidden Car Tax," including value-based vehicle taxes and other fees that are currently included in registration costs.
Registration fees vary across California depending on vehicle value, local assessments and transportation-related charges. Under Hilton's proposal, every vehicle owner would pay the same annual amount.
The campaign estimates registration revenue would decline from about $11 billion annually to roughly $2.7 billion under the new system.
That potential revenue loss has prompted questions about how California would continue funding transportation programs, road maintenance projects and the California Highway Patrol.
Could the California DMV actually be abolished?
Not immediately.
Hilton said he would order a full DMV audit within his first three months in office if elected. He would then seek legislative approval for what his campaign calls the "No More DMV Act."
Because the DMV is a state agency established under California law, eliminating it would likely require legislative action. Lawmakers would need to approve any proposal before major structural changes could take effect.
The plan therefore represents a policy proposal rather than an immediate change for drivers.
What opponents are saying about Hilton's DMV proposal
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Xavier Becerra's campaign quickly criticized the proposal.
Jonathan Underland, Becerra's campaign communications director, raised concerns about shifting driver-related services to outside providers.
"Nothing says 'safer roads' like outsourcing driver safety checks to the lowest bidder," Underland said in a statement.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: No more DMV? Steve Hilton's California plan would make big change
