Book your Virginia DMV appointment through the official DMV website or by phone
Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles lets you schedule most appointments online at dmvnow.com, the state's official scheduling system. You can also call 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463) to book by phone. Online scheduling is faster — you pick your date, time, and location in minutes — but phone booking works if you prefer to speak with someone or run into technical issues.
Not every service can be scheduled online. Road tests, commercial driver's license (CDL) tests, and a few specialized transactions still require a phone call. For those, the DMV staff member on the phone will find an available slot and confirm it with you.
Having an appointment doesn't may provide you'll be seen at exactly that time, but it does put you ahead of walk-ins and usually means a shorter wait. Without an appointment, you may wait several hours or be turned away if the office reaches capacity.
Key Takeaways
- Go to dmvnow.com to schedule online for most services, or call 1-866-DMV-LINE for phone scheduling.
- Road tests, CDL tests, and certain other services require you to call — they cannot be booked online.
- You will need your Virginia driver's license number, Social Security number, or date of birth to schedule.
- Appointments are available at DMV offices across Virginia, and you can choose your preferred location and time slot.
- If you need to cancel or reschedule, do it through dmvnow.com or by calling the same number at least 24 hours before your appointment.
What you need before you start booking online
Before you go to dmvnow.com, have one of these pieces of information ready: your current Virginia driver's license number, your Social Security number, or your date of birth. The system uses one of these to pull up your record and confirm your identity.
You will also need to know what service you're coming in for — renewing your license, getting a learner's permit, changing your address, obtaining a duplicate license, or one of several other transactions. The website will walk you through the options, so if you're unsure, you can browse the list before you commit to booking.
Have a calendar handy so you can pick a date and time that works for you. Availability varies by location and time of year, so popular slots fill quickly. If your first choice isn't open, the system will show you the next available times at that office or nearby locations.
Step-by-step: booking through dmvnow.com
Go to dmvnow.com and select "Schedule an Appointment" from the homepage. The system will ask you to enter your identification information — your driver's license number, Social Security number, or date of birth — and your last name. Click "Search" and the system will retrieve your record.
Next, select the service you need. The website lists all available transaction types, from license renewal to address changes to learner's permit applications. Once you choose, the system shows you which DMV offices near you can handle that service.
Pick your preferred office location, then select a date from the calendar. Available dates appear in blue; dates with no openings are grayed out. After you choose a date, the system displays available time slots for that day. Select the time that works best for you.
Review your appointment details — date, time, location, and service type — then confirm. The system will display your confirmation number and send you a confirmation email. Save both; you'll need the confirmation number if you need to cancel or reschedule.
Booking by phone when online scheduling isn't an option
Call 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463) to schedule by phone. This is the only way to book road tests, CDL tests, and certain other specialized services. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Have your driver's license number, Social Security number, or date of birth ready when you call. Tell the staff member what service you need and your preferred location. They will check availability and offer you open slots. Once you agree on a date and time, they will confirm your appointment and give you a confirmation number.
If you're calling about a road test, be ready to provide your learner's permit number and tell them whether you're testing for a regular driver's license or a CDL. Road test availability is more limited than other services, so flexibility with dates and locations increases your chances of getting a slot sooner.
Which DMV offices are near you and what hours they keep
Virginia has DMV offices in most cities and many towns. When you schedule online, dmvnow.com shows you offices in your area and their hours. You can also search for a specific location on the DMV website at dmv.virginia.gov to see its address, phone number, and hours before you book.
Office hours vary. Most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some open early or stay late on certain days. A few locations have Saturday hours. If you work during the day, check whether your nearest office has evening or weekend slots before you assume you have to take time off.
If your nearest office is booked solid, the system will show you the next available appointments at other locations. Sometimes traveling to a less busy office means you can get in sooner.
Canceling or rescheduling your appointment
If your plans change, cancel or reschedule through dmvnow.com using your confirmation number, or call 1-866-DMV-LINE. Do this at least 24 hours before your appointment. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice, you may lose your slot and have to wait longer for the next opening.
To reschedule online, go to dmvnow.com, select "Reschedule an Appointment," and enter your confirmation number. The system will let you pick a new date and time. To reschedule by phone, call the DMV line and have your confirmation number ready.
If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may be charged a no-show fee or have to wait longer to book your next slot. If something unexpected comes up, call or reschedule as soon as you know you can't make it.
What to bring to your appointment
Bring your confirmation number and a photo ID — your current driver's license, passport, or military ID. You will also need the documents specific to your transaction. For a license renewal, bring your current license. For a learner's permit, bring proof of residency (a utility bill or lease) and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
If you're explore for a Real ID-compliant license, bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or passport) and proof of your current address. The DMV website lists the full document requirements for each service type, so check before you go to avoid a wasted trip.
Arrive a few minutes early. Even with an appointment, the office may be running behind, and staff need time to pull your file and get ready for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book an appointment if I don't have a Virginia driver's license yet?
Yes. If you're explore for your first license or learner's permit, you can still schedule online using your Social Security number or date of birth instead of a license number. The system will recognize you as a new applicant and show you the correct services available.
What if dmvnow.com won't let me schedule online?
Some services — road tests, CDL tests, and a few others — can only be booked by phone. If the website says your service isn't available for online scheduling, call 1-866-DMV-LINE. If you're trying to schedule a regular service and the system isn't working, try again later or call the DMV line instead.
How far in advance can I book an appointment?
You can usually schedule 30 to 60 days ahead, depending on the service and location. Availability opens in rolling windows, so if you don't see an opening far out, check back in a few days. Road test appointments often fill faster than other services.
What if no appointments are available in my area?
Check nearby offices — sometimes a location 20 or 30 minutes away has sooner openings. You can also call 1-866-DMV-LINE to ask about cancellations or to be placed on a waitlist. Some people find that checking dmvnow.com early in the morning or late in the day catches newly opened slots.
Do I need an appointment to go to the DMV, or can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are allowed, but you will wait longer and may be turned away if the office reaches capacity. An appointment is strongly recommended, especially during busy times like lunch hours or the end of the month.