Virginia Beach DMV locations and their hours

Virginia Beach has two full-service DMV offices. The main location is at 2300 MacArthur Avenue, and a second office operates at 4620 Princess Anne Road. Both are open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no Saturday or Sunday hours. Neither location offers extended evening service.

The MacArthur Avenue office is the larger facility and typically handles a higher volume of transactions. The Princess Anne Road location serves the southern part of the city and can be less crowded during peak times, though wait times vary by day and time of day at both sites.

Virginia does not publish real-time wait times online, so you cannot check how busy a location is before you arrive. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times is your best option — the main number for Virginia Beach DMV services is (757) 518-7400.

Key Takeaways

  • Both Virginia Beach DMV offices are open 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with no weekend hours.
  • The MacArthur Avenue location is the main office; the Princess Anne Road location serves the southern part of the city.
  • Virginia does not post real-time wait times online, so calling (757) 518-7400 before you go can help you plan your visit.
  • Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
  • You must bring required documents for your specific transaction — the DMV does not accept incomplete applications.

Best times to visit Virginia Beach DMV

Monday mornings and Tuesday through Thursday mid-morning tend to have shorter lines than Friday afternoons or the last hour before closing. The lunch hour (noon to 1 p.m.) is often busy because people visit during work breaks.

The first week of the month is typically busier than the third or fourth week, since many people renew licenses or handle registration matters around the same time. If you have flexibility in your schedule, visiting on a Wednesday or Thursday morning gives you the best chance of a shorter wait.

Arriving 15 to 20 minutes after opening (around 8:30 or 8:45 a.m.) is often better than arriving exactly at 8:15 a.m., because staff need a few minutes to set up workstations and process the first batch of customers.

What to bring before you go

The documents you need depend on your transaction. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing online or by mail instead, you can avoid the office entirely for many renewals.

For vehicle registration or title work, bring your current registration, proof of ownership, proof of residency, and a valid ID. For a first-time license, bring your birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, two proofs of residency, and a completed process form (available at the office or online at dmvnow.com).

Check the Virginia DMV website (dmvnow.com) before you go to confirm the exact documents for your specific transaction. Arriving without the right paperwork means you will have to return another day.

Alternatives to visiting in person

Virginia allows many common transactions online through dmvnow.com. You can renew a driver's license online if it is not suspended, if you have not changed your address, and if you do not need a new photo. Vehicle registration renewal is also available online for most vehicles.

Some transactions can be handled by mail, including certain license renewals and registration renewals. The DMV website lists which services are available by mail and provides the mailing address and required forms.

If you need a new photo or are changing your address, you must visit in person. The same applies to license reinstatement, commercial license transactions, and most title work. Checking dmvnow.com first can save you a trip to the office.

Handling a long wait

When you arrive at the office, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. The number tells you your place in line, and a digital display shows which number is currently being served. You do not have to stand the entire time — you can sit in the waiting area and watch the display.

Wait times at Virginia Beach DMV offices typically range from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the day, time, and complexity of transactions ahead of you. If you arrive during a particularly busy period, you may be able to leave and return later the same day, though the office does not hold your place.

Bring something to read or work on, since the wait can be unpredictable. The office has limited seating, so arriving early gives you a better chance of a seat while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the DMV?

Yes, if your license is not suspended, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo. You can renew online at dmvnow.com. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must visit an office in person.

What is the phone number for Virginia Beach DMV?

The main number is (757) 518-7400. You can call to ask about current wait times or to confirm which documents you need for your specific transaction before you visit.

Do either Virginia Beach DMV office have Saturday hours?

No. Both the MacArthur Avenue and Princess Anne Road locations are open Monday through Friday only, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are no weekend hours at any Virginia Beach DMV office.

Which Virginia Beach DMV office is less crowded?

The Princess Anne Road location typically has shorter waits than the main MacArthur Avenue office, especially during afternoon hours. However, wait times vary by day and time, so calling ahead is the best way to find out which location is less busy when you plan to visit.

What if I do not have all my documents when I arrive?

The DMV will not process your transaction without the required documents for that specific service. You will need to return another day with the complete set of documents. Check dmvnow.com before you go to confirm what you need.