January 17, 2022 3:20 a.m.

Staff with the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles said residents should check online before going to a DMV office, even if they have an appointment.

A release said this is especially important this winter when DMV offices may need to close without notice due to weather or staffing, or both.

DMV Administrator Amy Joyce said weather and staffing challenges can cause occasional office closures every winter. She said, “This winter DMV is experiencing the same kind of staff shortages and hiring challenges that other retail and service industries are seeing”.

The release said the current surge in COVID-19 infections also might limit access to DMV offices. Masks continue to be required inside DMV offices and during test drives.

When a DMV office needs to limit the number of people in the lobby, close an office or reduce business hours, that office’s page will be updated at: https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/Pages/index.aspx

Online services remain available 24/7, every day of the year.