How to find which DMV offices are open right now
The fastest way to find an open DMV location today is to go directly to your state's DMV website and use their office locator tool. Most state DMV sites let you search by city, zip code, or county and show you real-time hours — including whether a location is open today, what time it closes, and whether you need an appointment. This takes two to three minutes and saves you a wasted trip.
If your state's website doesn't have a live locator, call the main DMV customer service line for your state. They can tell you which offices near you are open today and whether walk-ins are being taken. Some states have moved to appointment-only systems since 2020, so a phone call also tells you whether you can show up without booking ahead.
Google Maps is a backup option: search "DMV near me" and the results will show hours, whether the location is open now, and customer reviews that often mention wait times. However, Google's hours can lag behind actual changes, so always confirm with the official state site or a phone call before driving there.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's official DMV website has a location finder that shows real-time hours and whether each office is open today.
- Many DMV offices now require appointments, so check whether walk-ins are accepted before you go.
- The main DMV customer service line for your state can tell you which locations are open and their current wait status in one call.
- Holiday schedules, staff shortages, and weather closures can change hours on short notice, so verify the same day you plan to visit.
State-by-state DMV websites and phone numbers
Every state runs its own DMV or equivalent agency, and each has its own website and hours. Below are the main contact points for the 50 states plus DC. Use the website first to check hours and book an appointment if required; use the phone number if the website is unclear or you need to confirm same-day availability.
| State | Agency Name | Website | Main Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Department of Public Safety | dps.alabama.gov | 334-242-4400 |
| Alaska | Division of Motor Vehicles | dmv.alaska.gov | 907-465-4335 |
| Arizona | Motor Vehicle Division | azmvd.gov | 602-255-0072 |
| Arkansas | Department of Finance and Administration | dfa.arkansas.gov/dmv | 501-682-7060 |
| California | Department of Motor Vehicles | dmv.ca.gov | 800-777-0133 |
| Colorado | Department of Revenue | dor.colorado.gov/dmv | 303-205-5613 |
| Connecticut | DMV | ct.gov/dmv | 860-263-5700 |
| Delaware | Division of Motor Vehicles | dmv.delaware.gov | 302-744-2500 |
| Florida | Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles | flhsmv.gov | 850-617-2000 |
| Georgia | Department of Driver Services | dds.georgia.gov | 678-413-8400 |
| Hawaii | Division of Motor Vehicles | dmv.hawaii.gov | 808-532-4961 |
| Idaho | Department of Transportation | itd.idaho.gov/dmv | 208-334-8736 |
| Illinois | Secretary of State — Driver Services | cyberdriveillinois.com | 217-782-6900 |
| Indiana | Bureau of Motor Vehicles | bmv.in.gov | 317-234-2000 |
| Iowa | Department of Transportation | iowadot.gov | 515-244-8725 |
| Kansas | Department of Revenue | ksrevenue.org/dmv | 785-296-3671 |
| Kentucky | Transportation Cabinet | drive.ky.gov | 502-564-6800 |
| Louisiana | Office of Motor Vehicles | omv.louisiana.gov | 225-925-6009 |
| Maine | Bureau of Motor Vehicles | maine.gov/dmv | 207-624-9000 |
| Maryland | Motor Vehicle Administration | mva.maryland.gov | 410-787-7758 |
| Massachusetts | Registry of Motor Vehicles | mass.gov/rmv | 857-368-8000 |
| Michigan | Secretary of State | michigan.gov/sos | 888-767-6424 |
| Minnesota | Department of Public Safety | dps.mn.gov | 651-297-3298 |
| Mississippi | Department of Public Safety | dps.ms.gov | 601-987-1212 |
| Missouri | Department of Revenue | dor.mo.gov/dmv | 573-526-2407 |
| Montana | Department of Justice | doj.mt.gov/driving | 406-444-3933 |
| Nebraska | Department of Motor Vehicles | dmv.nebraska.gov | 402-471-3861 |
| Nevada | Department of Motor Vehicles | dmvnv.com | 702-486-4368 |
| New Hampshire | Division of Motor Vehicles | nh.gov/safety/dmv | 603-271-3336 |
| New Jersey | Motor Vehicle Commission | nj.gov/mvc | 609-292-6500 |
| New Mexico | Taxation and Revenue Department | env.nm.gov/mvd | 505-827-2000 |
| New York | Department of Motor Vehicles | dmv.ny.gov | 518-402-8200 |
| North Carolina | Division of Motor Vehicles | ncdmv.org | 919-715-7000 |
| North Dakota | Department of Transportation | dot.nd.gov/dmv | 701-328-2725 |
| Ohio | Bureau of Motor Vehicles | bmv.ohio.gov | 614-752-7500 |
| Oklahoma | Department of Public Safety | dps.ok.gov | 405-521-3154 |
| Oregon | Department of Transportation | oregon.gov/odot/dmv | 503-945-5000 |
| Pennsylvania | Department of Transportation | penndot.gov | 717-787-2937 |
| Rhode Island | Division of Motor Vehicles | ri.gov/dmv | 401-462-4368 |
| South Carolina | Department of Motor Vehicles | scdmvonline.com | 803-896-5000 |
| South Dakota | Department of Public Safety | dps.sd.gov | 605-773-6883 |
| Tennessee | Department of Safety and Homeland Security | tn.gov/safety | 615-251-8590 |
| Texas | Department of Public Safety | dps.texas.gov | 512-424-2000 |
| Utah | Division of Motor Vehicles | dmv.utah.gov | 801-297-7780 |
| Vermont | Department of Motor Vehicles | dmv.vermont.gov | 802-828-2000 |
| Virginia | Department of Motor Vehicles | dmvnow.com | 804-367-0538 |
| Washington | Department of Licensing | dol.wa.gov | 360-902-3900 |
| West Virginia | Division of Motor Vehicles | dmv.wv.gov | 304-558-0238 |
| Wisconsin | Department of Transportation | dmv.wi.gov | 608-266-1353 |
| Wyoming | Department of Transportation | dot.wyoming.gov/dmv | 307-777-4800 |
| District of Columbia | Department of Motor Vehicles | dmv.dc.gov | 202-727-5000 |
What to do if your nearest DMV is closed today
If the location you need is closed, check whether another office in your county or region is open. Most states have multiple DMV locations, and you can usually visit any of them for standard transactions like license renewal, address changes, or written tests. The state website locator will show you all nearby options and their hours.
If all offices in your area are closed and you have an urgent need — such as a license expiring today or a required appointment you cannot reschedule — call the main DMV line and explain the situation. Some states can process limited transactions by mail or online, or they may be able to extend your important date by phone. This varies by state and by transaction type, so ask what options exist before making another trip.
Appointment systems and walk-in policies
Many states now require appointments for most DMV services, though walk-in availability varies by location and time of day. Before you go, check your state's website to see whether the office you plan to visit takes walk-ins or appointments only. If appointments are required, most state websites let you book online; if the system is full, you may see a message saying appointments are not available for several weeks.
Some states hold a small number of walk-in slots each day, usually filled on a first-come, first-served basis in the early morning. If you cannot book an appointment and need service urgently, arriving early — before the office opens — gives you the best chance at a walk-in slot. Call ahead to ask what time walk-in slots typically fill up at your location.
Documents to bring on your visit
The documents you need depend on what you are doing at the DMV, but most transactions require proof of identity and proof of residency. Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one, plus a document showing your current address — such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are renewing, you may only need your current license.
If you are getting a license for the first time or replacing a lost one, bring your birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or tax return, and two proofs of residency. Requirements differ by state and by transaction, so check your state's website before you go. Bringing the wrong documents wastes your visit and may mean you have to come back.
Common reasons DMV offices close unexpectedly
Beyond regular holidays and scheduled maintenance, DMV offices close for staff shortages, weather emergencies, and building issues. Winter storms, flooding, and power outages can close an office for a day or longer. Some states also close offices for staff training or system updates, which are usually announced on the website a few weeks ahead.
If an office is closed unexpectedly,