DMV to Close Fresno Driver Safety Office

Contact: Office of Public Affairs
2415 First Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 657-6437 | [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2024

Most Driver Safety Hearings Now Conducted Virtually

Sacramento - The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today announced that it is closing its Driver Safety Office (DSO) in Fresno at 2510 S. East Ave., Suite 310, to improve efficiency and to better serve the evolving needs of customers as part of its digital transformation. The office will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 8.

DSOs are for drivers requesting administrative hearings about potential DMV actions to suspend or restrict their driving privilege due to negligence, alcohol-related incidents or health issues. DSOs also serve customers who are scheduled for driving re-examinations due to safety or health concerns. These offices do not provide services offered in regular field offices such as driver's license application/renewal or vehicle registration.

The DMV recently implemented a new Case Management System (CMS) for the DSO to streamline work processes, improve efficiencies, reduce costs and enhance overall operations. The modern digital system provides drivers, as well as their attorneys, with a more convenient way to schedule a hearing, check the status of a case or requirements to reinstate a suspended driver's license. The updated system also eliminates the need to call or visit an office to request or conduct a hearing, as most hearings are now conducted virtually.

With the implementation of the CMS, it is no longer efficient or cost effective for the DMV to have a DSO field office in multiple locations. Accordingly, we are closing and/or consolidating offices statewide. Fresno DSO hearing officers will be reassigned to nearby DMV locations.

Customers needing to schedule an in-person hearing must make an appointment online or call the DMV at 1 (800) 777-0133 during normal business hours to request a hearing at one of the nearest field offices:

• Fresno North: 6420 N. Blackstone Ave. (10 miles from the Fresno DSO office)
• Madera: 1206 Maple St. (25 miles from the Fresno DSO office)
• Visalia: 1711 E. Main St. (42 miles from the Fresno DSO office)

Before Going to an Office - Try Online First!

The DMV has taken many steps to offer additional digital services. Most DMV tasks do not require an office visit, including simple self-service transactions that are no longer available in offices. The DMV encourages customers to use its online services and other service channels to complete transactions, including eligible driver's license and vehicle registration renewals. Customers can also use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.

To sign up for paperless vehicle registration and driver's license renewal notices, customers must sign in or create a secure online account at dmv.ca.gov and then opt in.

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