What to expect at the Arlington DMV location on North Glebe Road

The Arlington DMV office at Virginia Square is located at 2100 North Glebe Road, Arlington, Virginia 22207, inside the Virginia Square Metro station complex. This is one of two full-service DMV locations in Arlington County. The office handles driver's license renewals, replacements, and new applications; vehicle registration and title work; and identification card services. It does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing or certain specialized transactions that require the main Richmond office.

The office is accessible by the Metro Orange Line at the Virginia Square station — the DMV entrance is directly connected to the station, which makes it easier to reach without a car. Street parking is available on North Glebe Road, though it can be tight during weekday mornings. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Virginia Square DMV is inside the Metro station at 2100 North Glebe Road and handles most driver and vehicle services except CDL testing.
  • You can reach it by Orange Line Metro or by street parking on North Glebe Road; the Metro entrance is the most direct route.
  • Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., with no weekend or holiday service.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction — the office staff can tell you what you need before you visit.
  • Wait times vary by day and time; calling ahead or checking the DMV website for current wait estimates can help you plan your visit.

Documents you need to bring

What you bring depends on your transaction. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current Virginia driver's license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing by mail or online instead, you do not need to visit the office at all — Virginia allows mail and online renewal for many licenses.

For a new driver's license or a replacement, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and proof of your legal name change if applicable. For vehicle registration or title work, bring your current registration, the vehicle's title, proof of insurance, and a bill of sale if you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Virginia.

If you are unsure what documents your specific transaction requires, call the Arlington DMV directly at 703-228-7880 before you go. The staff can confirm what you need and may be able to tell you whether your transaction can be handled by mail instead of in person.

How to get there by Metro

Take the Orange Line to the Virginia Square station. The DMV office entrance is inside the station complex — follow signs for the DMV once you exit the train. The walk from the platform to the DMV entrance is short and clearly marked. If you are coming from downtown Arlington or Rosslyn, the ride is about 5 to 10 minutes. From Ballston or further west on the Orange Line, allow 10 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point.

The Virginia Square station has elevators and escalators, so the route is accessible even if you have mobility concerns or are carrying documents in bags. Parking at the station itself is limited and metered, so using the Metro is usually faster than driving if you are coming from anywhere on the line.

Parking and street access

If you drive, street parking is available on North Glebe Road near 2100, though spaces fill quickly during business hours. There is no dedicated DMV parking lot. Metered parking on North Glebe Road runs about $2 per hour during business hours, and the meter time limit is usually two hours — enough for most DMV visits. Check the posted signs on the block where you park to confirm the rate and time limit.

The office is also accessible from the nearby Ballston Commons parking garage, which is about a 5-minute walk away. If you plan to spend more than two hours at the DMV (which is rare), the garage may be a better option than street parking. The garage charges by the hour and has a daily maximum rate.

Wait times and how to plan your visit

Wait times at the Virginia Square DMV vary by day and time. Mornings on Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be busier than afternoons or later in the week. Fridays are often the busiest day of the week. If you can visit on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon, you are likely to wait less than 30 minutes. Early morning visits (right when the office opens at 8:15 a.m.) can also be shorter.

The Virginia DMV website shows current wait times for this location. You can check the wait estimate before you leave home to decide whether to go now or come back later. Some transactions, like a straightforward license renewal, move faster than others like a title transfer or a new registration. If your transaction is complex, arriving early in the day gives you the best chance of finishing before the office closes.

What you can and cannot do at this location

The Virginia Square DMV handles most common transactions: driver's license renewals, replacements, and new applications; vehicle registration and title transfers; identification cards; and address changes on your license or registration. You can also pay registration fees, get duplicate registration documents, and handle name changes on your license.

This location does not administer the written or road test for a commercial driver's license. If you need a CDL, you must go to the main DMV office in Richmond or another location that offers CDL testing — the Arlington staff can tell you which locations near you do. Certain specialized services, like hazmat endorsements or medical certification reviews, also require the Richmond office or a specific regional location.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Virginia allows online renewal for many driver's licenses if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have certain medical conditions that require in-person review. Check the Virginia DMV website to see if your license is may be able to access. If it is not, you can renew by mail by submitting your current license, a completed process, and the renewal fee.

What is the fastest time to visit the Virginia Square DMV?

Wednesday or Thursday afternoons usually have the shortest waits. Early mornings (8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.) on any day except Monday or Friday are also typically faster. Check the DMV website for current wait times before you go — if the wait is over 45 minutes, you might come back at a different time or try a different location.

Do I need an appointment?

The Virginia Square DMV operates on a first-come, first-served basis — you do not need an appointment. However, you can call ahead at 703-228-7880 to ask about current wait times or to confirm that your transaction can be handled at this location.

Is there accessible parking for people with disabilities?

Yes. Accessible parking spaces are available on North Glebe Road near the office entrance. You will need a valid disability parking permit or license plate. The office entrance and interior are also fully accessible, with elevators and accessible restrooms.

What if I cannot find the office inside the Metro station?

The DMV entrance is clearly marked inside the Virginia Square Metro station. If you are unsure, ask a Metro employee or station attendant — they can point you to the DMV entrance. You can also call the office at 703-228-7880 before your visit if you want directions or have questions about finding the location.