Santa Ana DMV reopens after cleaning up possible mold growth

The Santa Ana Department of Motor Vehicles building will reopen nearly a week after employees found a possible mold growth.

The office abruptly closed on Sept. 20 after something suspected to be mold was found in a non-public area of the building. As a result, customers were directed to Orange County's other DMV locations in Costa Mesa, Westminster, Fullerton, San Clemente and Laguna Hills.

"I had to take the day off. So, this is my only day off and now what do I do?" resident Monique Bivins. "We've been waiting months to get his ID."

Officials said they will reopen the office at 8 a.m. on Thursday after partnering with an industrial hygienist to ensure health and safety standards.

Last month, Orange County residents learned that the Laguna Hills office will permanently close on Oct. 18.

A spokesperson said the closure is necessary to comply with DMV standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The department determined it would be cost-prohibitive to renegotiate its lease with the required improvements at the current Laguna Hills location, so it sought to relocate the office to a different location.

The closure would leave the county's 3.2 million residents with five DMV offices to conduct business.