DMV Permanently Closing Banning's W. Ramsey Street Office

BANNING, CA — Banning's Department of Motor Vehicles field office at 1034 W. Ramsey Street will soon be closing — for good.

The California DMV sent out an announcement Tuesday stating the office will permanently shutter at 5 p.m. Feb. 17.

"The decision to permanently close the Banning field office came after an inspection revealed major structural damage to the foundation. The DMV is searching for a temporary office space to serve the Banning community over the next 12 to 18 months until a new permanent location is available," according to the announcement.

DMV employees from the Banning office won't be losing their jobs but instead "will support nearby field offices," the announcement read.

The state agency advised local residents that if they need to visit a DMV office for services, the nearest locations are:

• Hemet, 1200 S. State St., 21 miles

• Redlands, W. Lugonia Ave., 23 miles

• Palm Springs, 950 N. Farrell Drive, 25 miles

The DMV has taken steps to offer more digital services for those who prefer to skip in-person visits.

"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," according to the announcement.

Residents can also sign up for paperless vehicle registration and driver's license renewal notices; users must sign in or create an online account at dmv.ca.gov and then opt in.