Oregon DMV offers tips to access services as it works to catch up on backlog

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon DMV said Thursday it is continuing to improve its services by adding more appointments, expanding online services and retrofitting offices to catch up with its backlog. However, customers who need DMV services this fall and into 2021 should start early to set an appointment.

It will take months for DMV to catch up with the backlog created by the 10-week closure of offices due to COVID-19. Here’s what DMV is doing to catch up safely:

Appointments

Due to COVID-19 safe distancing needs, DMV offices are open by appointment only for the foreseeable future.

Driver license and ID cards, including the Real ID option, and knowledge tests must be done in person. The only exception is if you need to replace a card that’s lost, damaged or stolen, you can order it at DMV2U.Oregon.gov.

Customers – including commercial driver license holders and new applicants – can set appointments themselves at DMV2U.Oregon.gov. Please be aware that the earliest available appointments are weeks away at some of our busier offices.

With DMV’s new computer system and four months of experience running by appointment only, we have increased our appointment capacity by 27%. During September, we went from 16,000 appointments per week to 22,000.

If you need a VIN inspection, check your local office page on OregonDMV.com to see if drive-up VIN inspections are available. Otherwise, you need to schedule an appointment for a VIN inspection.

Drive tests

DMV has not yet resumed behind-the-wheel test appointments. We are preparing to offer this service by appointment in some offices by December. We will announce the date with a news release. Here’s how we’re preparing:

• We are recruiting and training new temporary staff for field offices to help increase our capacity for in-person services, including drive tests.
• We are also developing procedures and obtaining supplies to make the drive test as safe as possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Since last spring, we worked with private drive-test businesses to expand the number of locations throughout the state where they offer drive tests. A current list of these providers is available at OregonDMV.com.
• We started a limited pilot project for a few hundred customers who need a drive test but are not eligible for private testing business – such as drivers in the Medically At-Risk Driver Program. We are contacting some of those customers directly to see if they are willing to take a drive test in this pilot launch.

Calling DMV

If you call DMV, expect long wait times or a message that the phone system is beyond capacity. We continue to update our website with helpful information, so save yourself some time and check OregonDMV.com before calling. You may find what you need without waiting on hold by phone.

DMV is recruiting and training additional employees now in order to open another call center at headquarters this fall.

Do it yourself

Many DMV services are now available online at DMV2U.Oregon.gov. You can replace a lost, stolen or damaged driver license or ID card, change your address, order a driving record, pay a reinstatement fee, renew your registration, and more from the comfort of your home.

This season’s Sno-Park permits now available online

Sno-Park permits, required to park in Oregon’s winter recreation areas Nov. 1 through April 30, are available at DMV2U.Oregon.gov as well as from businesses around the state. Sno-Park permits will not be issued from DMV offices this season.

Before you drive to the mountains, check TripCheck.com to see if your destination is open after Oregon’s devastating wildfires.

Where’s my title and registration?

Title transfers and other mailed-in services are taking 2-3 months because of the backlog. We understand this is frustrating and continue to seek ways to leverage our updated technology and hire/train new employees to shorten the COVID-19 backlog. Please allow 10-12 weeks for processing your title before calling DMV to check the status of your transaction.

Find out how to submit a title transfer by mail here. 

If you can’t renew before your expiration date

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

Will this moratorium be extended? We don’t know yet, but discussions are underway.