Book your Virginia DMV appointment through the official DMV website or by phone

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles lets you reserve a time slot before you go in person for most services. You book through the Virginia DMV website at dmvnow.com, which is the only official online booking system. You can also call the DMV customer service line at 1-866-368-5463 to book by phone if you prefer not to use the website.

The appointment system shows you available dates and times at the location nearest you. When you book, you choose what service you need — renewing a license, getting an ID card, taking a test, or handling a registration issue. The system then reserves that slot in your name, and you receive a confirmation number you should save or print.

Not every service requires an appointment. Walk-ins are still accepted at most DMV offices, but appointment holders are usually seen first. If you book an appointment and cannot make it, you can cancel or reschedule through the same website or by calling the customer service line.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to dmvnow.com to book your appointment online, or call 1-866-368-5463 to book by phone.
  • You will need to select your service type and choose from available dates and times at your preferred location.
  • The system gives you a confirmation number — keep this for your records and bring it when you arrive.
  • You can cancel or reschedule your appointment through the same website or phone line if your plans change.
  • Arriving 10 to 15 minutes early helps the staff process you smoothly, even with a reserved time slot.

What you need before you book

Before you start the booking process, have your Virginia driver's license or ID card number ready. If you do not have one yet, you will need your Social Security number instead. The system also asks for your date of birth and phone number so the DMV can contact you if there are any changes to your appointment.

Know which DMV office location you want to visit. Virginia has multiple regional offices, and the website shows you which services each location offers. Some offices handle only certain transactions — for example, not all locations do road tests for new drivers. Checking the location details before you book saves you from showing up at the wrong place.

Step-by-step: booking on dmvnow.com

Go to dmvnow.com and look for the "Schedule an Appointment" button on the homepage. Click it to start the booking flow. The site will ask you to enter your driver's license or ID number, or your Social Security number if you do not have a Virginia license yet.

Next, select the service you need from the list. Common options include renewing your driver's license, getting a new ID card, registering a vehicle, or scheduling a road test. Be specific here — the system matches you to available appointments for that service type only.

Choose your preferred DMV office location from the dropdown menu. The website shows you which locations have openings for your service. Select a date and time that works for you. The calendar shows only dates with available slots, so you cannot accidentally book a full time.

Review your information and confirm the appointment. The system generates a confirmation number — write this down or take a screenshot. You will receive an email confirmation as well, but having the number on hand makes check-in faster.

Booking by phone if you cannot use the website

Call 1-866-368-5463 to speak with a DMV representative who can book your appointment over the phone. Have your driver's license or ID number (or Social Security number) ready, along with your date of birth and phone number. Tell the representative which service you need and which location you prefer.

The representative will check available times and offer you options. Once you choose a slot, they will give you a confirmation number over the phone. Write it down when ready. Ask the representative to repeat it if you are unsure, and confirm your phone number so the DMV can reach you if needed.

Phone lines can have wait times, especially during business hours and near the end of the month. Calling early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter waits. If you reach a busy signal, try again in a few minutes or use the online system instead.

What to bring and when to arrive

Bring your confirmation number, a valid photo ID, and any documents the DMV listed for your specific service. For a license renewal, you typically need your current license and proof of residency. For a new registration, bring your vehicle title and proof of insurance. The DMV website details what each service requires — check before you go so you do not make a wasted trip.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment time. The DMV processes appointment holders in order, and arriving early gives you time to check in without rushing. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the DMV may give your slot to the next person in line, though you can usually reschedule.

If you need to change or cancel your appointment

Log back into dmvnow.com with your confirmation number to reschedule or cancel. The website lets you pick a new date and time without losing your place in the system. If you prefer, you can call 1-866-368-5463 and a representative will make the change for you.

Cancel as soon as you know you cannot make it. This frees up the time slot for someone else and prevents the DMV from holding a reservation for you. If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may have to wait longer to book your next one, depending on the office's policy.

Common reasons appointments fill up quickly

Certain times of year see heavier demand — the weeks before holidays, the end of the month when licenses expire, and back-to-school season when teens need road tests. If you cannot find an appointment in your preferred location, try searching a nearby office or a different time of day. Early morning slots and mid-week appointments tend to have more availability.

If no appointments show up for weeks, the office may be temporarily full. Check back in a few days — cancellations happen regularly, and new slots open up. You can also call the customer service line to ask when the next batch of appointments will be released.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to make an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are still accepted at Virginia DMV offices, but appointment holders are served first. Making an appointment means less waiting time, but it is not required. If you cannot book an appointment, you can still visit the office and wait your turn.

What if I lose my confirmation number?

You can log back into dmvnow.com with your driver's license number and date of birth to find your appointment details. You can also call 1-866-368-5463 and provide your name and date of birth, and a representative will look up your confirmation number for you.

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No — the person who needs the service must book their own appointment using their own license or ID number. Parents can help teenagers book, but the system requires the teen's information to create the reservation.

What happens if I am late to my appointment?

If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled time, the DMV may release your slot to the next person waiting. You can usually reschedule for another time, but you may have to wait longer for the next available opening depending on how busy the office is.

Can I change my appointment time after I book it?

Yes — log into dmvnow.com with your confirmation number and select a new date and time. You can reschedule as many times as you need before your appointment. You can also call 1-866-368-5463 to make changes by phone.