DMV closing for renovations

GLENDALE — The aging Department of Motor Vehicles on Glenoaks Boulevard is about to get some work done under its hood — a major renovation that will close the branch for more than two months, officials said.

Starting Aug. 20, the branch at 1335 W. Glenoaks Blvd. in Glendale will be closed through October as crews install a new heating and air conditioning unit, flooring, furniture, paint, signs, and wire and fencing upgrades, DMV spokesman Armando Botello said.

The branch’s 51 employees will be reassigned to nearby DMV offices to help with increased customer traffic, he said.

The Glendale branch is scheduled to reopen Nov. 1.

“It is very outdated,” Botello said.

The branch has not undergone extensive renovations since it opened in 1961, according to the department. The renovation project is slated to cost $899,000, Botello said.

In a DMV announcement, the agency said completely closing the branch during the renovations was the “easiest way to accommodate this project.”

A long line of customers standing outside the branch’s entrance Monday afternoon spilled onto the sidewalk.

The branch serves about 1,200 customers daily, which Botello said is typical for similar DMV offices.

Arturo Beltran, 29, drives from his home in Chino Hills to the Glendale branch because he said it is more efficient and faster than others.

He was concerned with the prospect of a two-month closure, but he said if the renovations make the branch even more efficient, then the wait will be worth it.

“They are really good here,” he said.

But some said they weren’t looking forward to longer lines at other branches.

“It’s kind of messed up,” said Glendale resident Carlos Gonzalez.

Botello advised customers to make an appointment before heading to any office. Many DMV services are also available on the department’s website at https://www.dmv.ca.gov, he said.

FYI

Glendale-area customers were redirected to the following branches.

•West Hollywood (registrations only), 936 N. Formosa Ave., nine miles away.

•Hollywood Cole (driver licenses only), 803 N. Cole Ave., 10 miles away.

•Lincoln Park, 3529 N. Mission Road, 10 miles away.

•Arleta, 14400 Van Nuys Blvd., 13 miles away.

•Pasadena, 49 S. Rosemead Blvd., 14 miles away.