DMV update: Some offices still closed, call centers hit by wildfire impacts

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Some Oregon DMV offices reopened Thursday by appointment only, but call centers for both DMV and for motor carriers with the Commerce and Compliance Division are significantly short-staffed due to wildfire impacts.

Some offices may close or delay openings depending on local air quality. Before you go to your DMV appointment, check to see if your office is open here: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/Pages/offices/index.aspx

DMV will be contacting customers to reschedule appointments canceled earlier this week. DMV will then add more appointment slots at DMV2U.Oregon.gov for other customers. DMV also has set up a wildfire resource page specifically for its customers here: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/Pages/Wildfire_Alert.aspx

DMV has shut down drive-up VIN inspections because of unhealthy outdoor air quality.

DMV service options for customers

Calling DMV: Limited staffing due to both COVID-19 and fire impacts has severely impacted our phone wait times. Please check DMV2U.oregon.gov or OregonDMV.com for services before trying to call.

Rescheduling appointments: If your appointment was canceled due to the wildfires or hazardous air quality this week, DMV will contact you to reschedule.

Appointment availability: Most appointment slots are full over the next several weeks, but DMV will prioritize rescheduling appointments for customers whose visits were canceled due to wildfire hazards. DMV is preparing to open new appointment slots later this month for additional dates and times.

DMV2U open 24/7: Check to see if you can get your DMV services online at DMV2U.Oregon.gov. Driver license and ID card replacements are now available from the website, plus several other new services.

Vehicle emissions testing: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recommends checking their Vehicle Inspection Program home page for unexpected closures or alerts before visiting an emissions testing site.

VIN inspections:  DMV is not doing drive-up vehicle VIN Inspections due to air quality issues at most field offices. Check your local office status at the DMV website.

Law enforcement moratorium: The Oregon law enforcement moratorium on expiring driver licenses, ID cards, vehicle registration and more is in effect through Dec. 31. Find out what the moratorium covers here: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/docs/Citation_Moratorium_Memo.pdf

Commerce and Compliance Division service options for motor carriers

Trucking Online: We encourage carriers to use Oregon Trucking Online to conduct business. If you have questions or need further assistance, please use the “Contact Us” link on our website to send an email.

Over-dimension Permits: We have been and will continue to issue permits. We have created a special 30-day permit for those responding to the emergency. We have also allowed carriers operating at legal axle weights up to 105,000 lbs. to operate on interstate and state highways. The Emergency declaration acts as your permit for those responding to the emergency. Our third party agents are also available for your annual permit needs. Follow this link for more detailed information on Over-Dimension Permit Operations and contact information.

Out of State Carriers: Due to response of the COVID-19 pandemic, ODOT is currently waiving the requirement for out of state carriers to register within the state. To comply with Oregon’s weight mile tax requirements, you may obtain a temporary pass online.

Oregon-based Carriers: Please be on the lookout for an email with more information and a contact number you can use for in-state business.

Call Centers: Call centers are open, but callers may experience longer wait times.  Motor Carriers are encouraged to use other channels available for faster service.

For updated CCD information regarding the ongoing wildfires in Oregon and their effect on motor carriers, please visit our CCD Wildfire Response site and ODOT’s new Wildfire Response and Recovery site.

More on road, traffic and wildfires

For 24/7 road conditions and traffic information visit TripCheck.com.

For all other information and updates regarding the wildfires in Oregon, please visit the Oregon Wildfire Resources site.