Oregon DMV Closes John Day Office on Aug. 18 Due to Staffing Shortages

<p>On Aug. 18, 2025, the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV) closed its John Day field office for the day because not enough staff were available to keep it open.  The office is located at 193 N. Canyon Blvd. in Grant County.  The sudden closure meant the office could not process any in‑person transactions such as license renewals or vehicle titles that day.  Customers who normally rely on the small John Day branch were advised to visit another office or use online services.</p>
<p>In a notice explaining the closure, the Oregon DMV said this is not an isolated event but a symptom of a larger staffing challenge.  The agency employs roughly the same number of people it did 25 years ago, even though Oregon’s population has grown by about 900,000 since then.  With hiring freezes and turnover, there simply are not enough employees to cover every field When staff call in sick 

or take vacations, managers must sometimes close an office or operate at reduced capacity.
Because of these staffing pressures, the DMV encourages customers to plan ahead and check the status of their local office before traveling. Making an appointment is still the best way to ensure you will be seen. Walk-in customers may face long wait times and may not receive service at all if the office has to close early or has limited staff available.
<p>The DMV also reminds Oregonians that many transactions can be completed without visiting an office.  Through the DMV2U online portal, customers can renew vehicle registration, replace or renew a driver license, and order Real ID cards.  The agency notes that about half of all driver license and identification card renewals are now eligible for online processing.  Self‑service kiosks at local Fred Meyer stores offer another option for renewing registrations and decals, while mailed-in forms can handle some title and permit transactions.  Using these alternatives can save time and help relieve pressure on field offices during peak periods.</p>
<p>Residents who need to visit a DMV in person should arrive prepared with completed paperwork and required documents, and should allow extra time in case of longer lines or unplanned closures.  The agency continues to recruit and train new employees, but it warns that sporadic closures may occur as staffing levels fluctuate.  Checking the agency’s website or calling ahead remains the best way to avoid wasted trips.  While the John Day office closure on Aug. 18 inconvenienced some customers, the DMV hopes that advance notice and expanded online services will help the public navigate these temporary service disruptions. </p>