Drivers in California, as well as those residing in other parts of the United States, should prepare for a major change in driver’s license procedures starting next October. This adjustment in services offered by the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will directly affect how residents will be able to manage their licenses and other essential identification documents, such as Real ID, which will be mandatory for internal flights starting in 2025.
The DMV has announced that due to external circumstances, it will be forced to modify its services, which will primarily impact drivers in specific areas in California. Below, we explain in detail what this change consists of and how it could affect those who must carry out procedures at the DMV.
The DMV change that will affect driver procedures
Beginning October 18, 2024, the permanent closure of the Laguna Hills DMV office will have a significant impact on California drivers who need to obtain Real ID and complete driver’s license paperwork. This adjustment is a result of the DMV’s obligation to comply with federal regulations and manage the increasing operating costs associated with its offices.
The closure will especially impact residents of Laguna Hills, a growing community within Orange County, who will have to adjust their plans to carry out essential transactions. The DMV office in Laguna Hills, one of the most important in the region, will stop operating, generating concern among residents who will now have to travel to other nearby locations.
The DMV office in Laguna Hills will close, causing residents to have to travel further distances to complete a transaction. Photo: DMV Test Pro
Why are they closing the Laguna Hills office?
The closure of the office in Laguna Hills is due to the refusal of local authorities to relocate this headquarters within the same city. According to information provided by the DMV, the city of Laguna Hills opposed this relocation, arguing that it could create “possible disruptions to residential and school areas.”
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) made the decision not to renew the contract due to increased costs of leasing the building and upgrades required to comply with federal laws. Among these updates are the incorporation of new DMV requirements linked to the Real ID regulations, an essential document to carry out domestic flights in the United States starting in 2025. The need to adapt to these regulations and the associated economic investment were determinants in the resolution adopted by the DMV.
New locations to process your license in California
Following the closure of the DMV office in Laguna Hills, California drivers will have to go to new locations to obtain or renew their driver’s license and Real ID. Among the closest offices to Laguna Hills are the Santa Ana, Costa Mesa and San Clemente locations, all located within an approximate 40-minute drive.
These alternative offices will be receiving a greater flow of users after the closure, so the DMV recommends drivers plan their visits in advance, booking appointments online to avoid long lines and prolonged waiting times. Below are some of the new options available to residents of Laguna Hills and surrounding areas:
- Santa Ana DMV: Located about 35-40 minutes from Laguna Hills, this office is one of the most accessible and has a wide range of services, including license renewal and Real ID application.
- Costa Mesa DMV: This office is also within walking distance and offers all the necessary procedures such as issuing licenses and updating identification documents.
- San Clemente DMV: an option further south in Laguna Hills, ideal for those looking to avoid the busier offices in the north of the county.
These offices will be key for residents who need to complete paperwork with the DMV after October 18, 2024, when the Laguna Hills office closes its doors permanently.
