The Laguna Hills Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office has officially closed its doors, leaving residents of South Orange County with significant challenges in accessing essential services. This closure, which took effect on October 18, 2024, affects approximately 855,000 residents who previously relied on the Laguna Hills location for various DMV services.
The DMV cited compliance with current standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act as primary reasons for the closure. The department determined that it would be cost-prohibitive to renegotiate the lease at the Laguna Hills site due to necessary improvements.
Although a new location was identified in a Mission Viejo shopping center, the city denied the conditional use permit, claiming it would disrupt nearby neighborhoods and schools. Consequently, the DMV decided not to pursue further relocation options.
Residents are now left with only three DMV offices in Orange County: San Clemente, Santa Ana, and Costa Mesa. The San Clemente office is particularly concerning for many, as it is a smaller facility located 18 miles away from Laguna Hills and offers limited parking. This shift has raised alarm among local lawmakers and community members, especially seniors who depend on in-person services for tasks such as vision tests required for license renewals.