Georgetown DMV locations and their hours

Georgetown does not have its own DMV office. The nearest Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles location is in Arlington, about 5 miles away. If you are in Washington, D.C., the DMV office at 301 C Street NW in Northeast D.C. serves the District. If you are in Maryland, the Motor Vehicle Administration office in Silver Spring is the closest option.

Each location operates on different schedules. Virginia DMV offices typically open at 8:15 a.m. and close between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, with some locations open Saturday mornings. D.C. DMV hours vary by location but generally run 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays. Maryland MVA offices keep similar hours but close earlier on some days. You should check the specific office's website before you go, because hours change seasonally and for holidays.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgetown itself has no DMV office; you will need to travel to Arlington (Virginia), Northeast D.C., or Silver Spring (Maryland) depending on which state you need to visit.
  • Most nearby DMV and MVA offices open between 8:00 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. and close between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, with limited Saturday hours at some locations.
  • Hours change for holidays and seasonally, so verify the specific office's schedule on its official website before making the trip.
  • Wait times at these offices typically range from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the day of the week and time of day you arrive.

Which state's DMV you need depends on where you live

If you live in Georgetown and hold a Virginia driver's license or vehicle registration, you must use Virginia DMV. If you hold a D.C. license or registration, you use the D.C. DMV. If you hold a Maryland license or registration, you use the Maryland MVA. Your current license or vehicle registration tells you which state you belong to.

Your address also matters. If you recently moved to Georgetown from another state and have not yet updated your license, you should still use your current state's DMV until you change your address. Once you change your address with your state, you may be required to renew your license in that state's format, which can take several weeks.

Virginia DMV in Arlington

The Arlington DMV location at 2300 North Clarendon Boulevard is the closest Virginia office to Georgetown. It opens at 8:15 a.m. Monday through Friday and closes at 4:30 p.m. Saturday hours are 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. This office handles driver's license renewals, address changes, vehicle registration, and title transfers.

Wait times at this location average 45 minutes to 90 minutes during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Arriving before 9:00 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m. typically means shorter waits. The office does not take reservations, so you take a number when you arrive and wait your turn.

D.C. DMV in Northeast

The D.C. DMV office at 301 C Street NW in Northeast D.C. is about 3 miles from Georgetown. It is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. This office handles all D.C. driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and address changes.

Wait times here range from 30 minutes on slow afternoons to two hours on busy mornings. D.C. DMV does not use a ticket system; you line up and wait. The office is often busier on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you need to renew your license, you can also renew online through the D.C. DMV website if you meet certain requirements, which may save you a trip.

Maryland MVA in Silver Spring

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office at 6601 Kenilworth Avenue in Silver Spring is about 8 miles from Georgetown. It opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with Saturday hours from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This office handles Maryland driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and title work.

Wait times typically run 45 minutes to 75 minutes during business hours. Maryland MVA uses an online reservation system where you can reserve a time slot before you visit. You can book a reservation on the Maryland MVA website, which often cuts your wait time significantly. Even with a reservation, you should arrive 10 minutes early.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring your current driver's license or ID, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing your vehicle registration, bring your current registration card and proof of insurance. If you are changing your address, bring documents showing your new address.

Check the specific office's website for a complete list of required documents before you go. Requirements differ slightly between Virginia, D.C., and Maryland. Having the right documents the first time means you will not have to make a second trip. If you are unsure what you need, call the office directly rather than guessing.

Avoiding long waits and planning your visit

The slowest times at most DMV offices are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The fastest times are typically 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Monday or Friday, or after 3:30 p.m. on any weekday. Saturday mornings are moderately busy but shorter than weekday afternoons.

If you can use Maryland's online reservation system, do so — it is the most reliable way to control your wait time. D.C. and Virginia do not offer reservations, so your only option there is to arrive early or during off-peak hours. Bring something to read or work on, because even with good timing, you may wait 30 to 45 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going in person?

D.C. and Virginia allow online renewal for some driver's licenses if you meet age and status requirements. Maryland also offers online renewal in certain cases. Check your state's DMV website to see if you are may be able to access. If you are not, you must visit in person.

What if the office is closed on the day I want to go?

All three offices are closed on federal holidays. Virginia and Maryland offices close on different holidays than D.C., so check the specific office's holiday calendar. If you miss a important date because an office was closed, most states extend the important date automatically, but you should verify this with your state's DMV.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Virginia and D.C. DMV offices are walk-in only — no appointments. Maryland MVA uses an online reservation system that you should use before you visit. Even with a reservation at Maryland MVA, you may wait 10 to 20 minutes, but it is much shorter than walk-in wait times.

How long does it take to change my address?

Address changes usually take 10 to 15 minutes at the counter. Your new license or registration card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you need proof of the change when ready, ask for a temporary document before you leave the office.

What if I lost my documents and do not have proof of residency?

You will need to bring alternative documents that show your name and address. Acceptable documents vary by state but usually include bank statements, insurance policies, or government mail. Call the specific office before you visit to confirm what they will accept in your situation.