 Oregon DMV announces extended closure of its Milton-Freewater office amid staffing challenges and hiring freeze
Aug. 12, 2025
News media questions: Chris Crabb, chris.c.crabb@odot.oregon.gov, 971-304-9705
Customer questions: 503-945-5000, oregondmv.com
MILTON-FREEWATER – Staffing challenges at Oregon DMV are forcing a temporary extended closure of the Milton-Freewater office at 295 N. Columbia, effective Aug. 27. The office has two employees, one of whom is retiring. Their position can’t be replaced due to an ongoing hiring freeze. The remaining employee will work at the Pendleton DMV to ensure that office consistently remains open to provide services. The duration of the Milton-Freewater closure is dependent on future budget and staffing and it is expected to last well into 2026.
The Milton-Freewater DMV is currently open two days a week and does not offer drive tests. Nearby DMV offices in Umatilla County include Pendleton and Hermiston. Class C drive tests are offered by a third-party tester in Milton-Freewater.
"Oregon DMV has been severely understaffed for years," said DMV Administrator Amy Joyce. "Many positions are vacant due to our transportation funding crisis and hiring freeze. This ongoing staffing challenge causes last-minute closures of many offices with little to no warning."
The number of positions DMV is allowed by law to hire is roughly the same as it was 25 years ago, yet the state’s population has grown by over 800,000 since then, with nearly all those people needing DMV services.
“We’re always working on solutions and providing alternative ways for customers to complete DMV business outside of an office,” said Joyce. “Consider checking to see if you can get your service done online at DMV2U, which offers more than 20 common transactions. You can also renew or replace your registration and stickers at self-serve DMV Express Kiosks in some Fred Meyer stores around the state. Every person who completes a transaction outside a DMV frees up a spot in line at a field office.”
Some services, like adding the REAL ID option to your license, must be done in person. Before dropping in at an office, consider making an appointment online at DMV2U.oregon.gov. New slots are made available 30 days out on a rolling hour-by-hour basis, so check back frequently. If you don’t have an appointment, arrive early in the day and understand there is no guarantee you’ll be served. Making an appointment is your best assurance. Always make sure your local office is open by first visiting the office’s page at OregonDMV.com.
“Long wait times are frustrating for all of us, so please be kind and patient to your local DMV staff,” added Joyce.
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