Lower state operating cost
Private deputies would carry approved staff and office costs. Those costs would not be added to the state payroll.
Better service through an Ohio-tested structure
Public rules. Privately operated DMV agencies.
CALDRA is the California arm of USADRA. USADRA works to bring Ohio's deputy registrar system to other states. Under the plan, private local businesses would run selected DMV offices. California would still set the rules and oversee the work.
Privatize operations, not authority
Let private deputies run selected agencies.
Ohio hires independent deputy registrars to run license agencies and provide approved services for the BMV.
Ohio deputies hire their own staff. They also handle payroll, office space, insurance, and daily service. The state sets the rules and can end a contract.
CALDRA wants California to use the same split. California would keep the law, official records, systems, audits, and enforcement. Qualified deputies would run the customer-facing offices.
Read the Ohio operating rulesThe California benefit case
Why change who runs the agencies?
Shorter agency visits
Local owners can match staffing to demand. California can set and publish clear service goals.
More convenient access
Deputies can open service sites without asking the state to staff and run each one.
Cost-neutral innovation
Private firms can fund new service tools through an approved fee model. The state can avoid a large upfront technology bill.
Evidence before statewide adoption
Turn the benefits into measurable commitments.
01Publish the projected state savings and the assumptions behind them.
02Measure wait time, total visit time, repeat visits, and customer satisfaction.
03Set geographic access goals and track service coverage.
04Require technology, security, accessibility, and uptime standards.
05Preserve state revenue, audit operators, and enforce correction or removal.
California benefits
Cost, time, access, and innovation.
See the case CALDRA is making and how each benefit should be measured.
Read the benefit case ↗Ohio proof pointIndependent operators under state control.
Review the official structure for appointments, staffing, facilities, service, and enforcement.
Review the Ohio model ↗California legislationFrom legal authority to accountable delivery.
Follow the sequence from statute to rules, qualified deputies, implementation, and review.
See the California path ↗Continue the conversation
Help build the California case.
CALDRA is organizing the legislative, operating, and technology coalition needed to bring the deputy registrar model to California.
Join the effort