Visiting the Virginia DMV: appointments, walk-ins, what to bring and what to expect

Which Virginia DMV tasks you can finish online or by mail, how appointments, e-tickets and walk-ins work at customer service centers, what DMV Select offices handle, and which documents, forms and payment to bring.

Guide · Virginia · Appointments · updated October 29, 2026

In Virginia, one agency handles both driver licensing and vehicles: the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It issues driver's licenses, learner's permits and ID cards, and it titles and registers vehicles. This guide covers what you can do without going in, how appointments and walk-ins work, and what to bring so one visit is enough.

Where you can go

The DMV serves customers at three kinds of locations:

• Customer service centers: the DMV's own offices. They handle licenses, IDs and vehicles. Most list weekday hours, and many are also open on Saturday mornings.
• DMV Select offices: partner offices that handle vehicle transactions such as titles, registration and plates. The DMV says DMV Selects do not issue or renew driver's licenses, learner's permits or ID cards.
• DMV Connect: mobile offices that visit communities on a published schedule.

For offices near you, see the Virginia DMV office list on this site, and check the DMV's own locations page for current hours and wait times.

Check whether you need to visit at all

The DMV says most services can be done online or by mail, and that more than 50 transactions are available on its website. Most of them need you to sign in to a DMV online account. The popular online services include:

• Renewing your vehicle registration
• Changing your address
• Renewing or replacing a driver's license, and renewing or replacing an ID card
• Replacing a title or registration card
• Buying license plates
• Reporting that you sold a vehicle
• Starting a driver's license or ID application before you visit

Some things still need a visit, such as a first license and your first REAL ID. The Virginia driver's license and ID card guide explains when.

Appointments, e-tickets and walk-ins

At customer service centers you can choose one of three options:

• Appointment. Available Monday through Friday, and you can book up to 90 days ahead. You pick the service, the office, and a date and time, and you can view or cancel your appointment online. The DMV says call center agents cannot book times beyond what the online calendar shows.
• E-ticket. It saves your place in line for same-day service during regular office hours. Choose a location, then scan the QR code or text that office's code to 89247. When you arrive, text "I am here" to activate your reservation.
• Walk-in. Available any day the office is open. Check in at the information desk, or scan the lobby QR code to get an e-ticket on your phone.

Knowledge exams and road skills tests follow the same pattern. You can book a weekday appointment or come in without one during office hours. Walk-in test takers must arrive by 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and by 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays to test that day. For a scheduled road test, arrive 15 minutes early.

What to bring

For a driver's license, learner's permit or ID card, the DMV asks for:

1. One proof of identity
2. One proof of legal presence in the United States
3. Two proofs of Virginia residency
4. Proof of your Social Security number, if you have one. If you know the number, the DMV can verify it electronically.
5. Proof of name change, if your name differs between documents

The DMV's rules on documents are strict:

• Documents must be originals. Photocopies and temporary documents are not accepted.
• Use your full legal name on everything. Nicknames and abbreviations are rejected.
• Printouts of online residency documents listed in the DMV's guide are allowed.

To find the exact documents for your case, use the DMV's online Document Guide or its publication Obtaining a Driver's License or ID Card (DMV 141). For a REAL ID, see the Virginia REAL ID guide.

Forms to fill in beforehand

• Driver's License and Identification Card Application (DL 1P): for a license, learner's permit, adult ID card or replacement. You can fill it in online or on paper. Applicants under 18 need a parent's or guardian's signature.
• Application for an Identification Card for Minors Under 15 (DL 5): for a child ID card.
• Application for Title and Registration (VSA 17A): for titling a vehicle, online or on paper.
• Application for Registration (VSA 14): for registering a vehicle.
• CSMA 140: needed to take a road skills test.

Paying

For ID card fees, the DMV says you may pay with cash, money order, check, check card or a major credit card. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order. The DMV says it cannot accept credit card numbers by mail or email, and you should not send cash.

At the counter

Everyone applying for a license takes a vision screening. Depending on your situation, you may also take the two-part knowledge exam or a road skills test. The knowledge exam is multiple choice on a computer. Oral exams are available on request at all customer service centers, and the exam is offered in many languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. When you renew in person, a new photo is taken.

Licenses, permits and ID cards are mailed to your address on file. The DMV warns that the U.S. Postal Service does not forward them, so update your address first if you have moved.

Language and accessibility help

Road skills tests are given in English. You may bring a translator or American Sign Language interpreter who is at least 18 and holds an unexpired U.S. driver's license. The DMV says it does not provide translators itself. Interpreters can be arranged with help from the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. TTY callers can reach the DMV through 711 or Virginia Relay at (800) 828-1120.

For vehicle paperwork, see the Virginia vehicle registration and title guide.