As part of Governor Kate Brown’s “Stay Home, Save Lives” executive order, the Oregon DMV is closing most of its field offices.
Of the 60 DMV field offices, just six will remain open for the foreseeable future. And those six will only offer services for commercial drivers’ licenses, by appointment only.
The DMV says “commercial driving privileges are essential for anyone transporting people or goods necessary for the response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.”
Offices open for CDL appointments:
- Baker City
- Bend
- Hermiston
- Medford
- North Salem
- Southeast Portland (8710 SE Powell Blvd.)
Many routine DMV services continue to be offered online or through the mail.
However, ODOT and law enforcement agencies in Oregon have agreed to a grace period for passenger vehicle registrations and drivers’ licenses that expire during the state of emergency. The policy also applies to disabled parking permits.
If the temporary closure of DMV field offices continues through the summer, it could impact Oregonians who want to get a "Real ID" drivers license, which would allow them to pass through airport security. However, this week President Donald Trump announced the administration was postponing the effective date of the new requirement. It had been scheduled for October 1, 2020. But Trump said it would be delayed to an unspecified future date.
That was welcome news to some lawmakers who had been pushing for an extension, given the uncertainty surrounding the length and severity of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, said he's pressing the White House for more specifics.
"Those details are essential to reassure Oregonians the deadline will be delayed at least a year and won’t be forced amid a global pandemic to risk their health by jamming into DMV offices to get documents," said Wyden in a statement released by his office.
