The South Salem DMV will end its appointment-only Wednesdays on Sept. 21, replacing the policy with a walk-in service window model.

Starting Monday, Sept. 21, the office at 4825 Commercial St. SE, Suite 120, will let customers who show up and face a long wait book a set return time, potentially later that day or the next, instead of standing in line.

The Oregon Department of Transportation announced the change Monday, Sept. 14.

The shift affects Salem residents who need in-person DMV services but can't schedule around a Wednesday appointment requirement.

Under the new model, customers who return at their assigned window are typically served within 15 minutes, according to ODOT.

The change is not unique to Salem. Both South Salem and the Corvallis DMV office had used appointment-only Wednesdays as a pilot program to cut wait times.

Several other Oregon DMV offices have already switched to the service window model, and ODOT said those offices saw reduced waits and better customer service.

The move comes as Oregon DMV has struggled with staffing shortages statewide. The Oregon Capital Chronicle reported in May that 34 full-day office closures had occurred across the state since Jan. 1, with the agency's 768 employees spread across 58 offices.

Mia Ravell, Oregon DMV customer service manager for South Salem and Albany, told the Chronicle in May that the agency recognized a need for different ways to serve Oregonians.

ODOT still recommends customers who want guaranteed service at a specific time make an appointment through DMV2U at dmv2u.oregon.gov.

The online portal handles more than 30 common transactions around the clock, including license renewals, vehicle registration and address changes. Customers without internet access can call 503-945-5000 during business hours.

The South Salem office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday.

ODOT's announcement did not specify whether Wednesday hours will change under the new model.