The Arlington DMV location at Virginia Square is in Ballston, near the Metro station

The Virginia Square DMV is the main driver licensing and vehicle registration office serving Arlington County. It sits at 2100 Clarendon Boulevard in the Ballston neighborhood, directly above the Virginia Square Metro station on the Orange Line. This location handles most routine transactions: driver's license renewals, new licenses, vehicle registration, title work, and address changes.

Because it is the only full-service DMV in Arlington, it handles high volume. Wait times often run 45 minutes to two hours during midday and late afternoon, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. Early morning (right at opening) and Tuesday or Wednesday mornings tend to be quieter. The office does not take walk-ins for road tests; those must be scheduled in advance through the Virginia DMV website.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia Square DMV is located at 2100 Clarendon Boulevard in Ballston, directly above the Virginia Square Metro station.
  • The office handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, title transfers, and address changes, but not road tests.
  • You must take a number when you arrive; the office does not accept walk-ins for road tests or certain services.
  • Wait times are typically shortest on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and longest on Thursday and Friday afternoons.
  • Parking is available in the Ballston Common garage below the building, though street parking fills quickly during business hours.

What services you can complete at Virginia Square

The Virginia Square location handles the full range of driver and vehicle services. You can renew or replace a driver's license, obtain a new license if you are moving to Virginia, register a vehicle, transfer a title, add or remove a vehicle owner, update your address on your license or registration, and obtain duplicate documents. The office also issues Real ID-compliant licenses and processes commercial driver's license (CDL) transactions.

Road tests are not available at this location. If you need to take a driving test, you must schedule it at a separate testing facility. The Virginia DMV website lists all testing centers and allows you to book appointments online. Testing facilities are spread across Northern Virginia; the closest options outside Arlington may be in Alexandria or Fairfax County depending on your schedule.

Hours, parking, and how to get there by Metro

Virginia Square DMV is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The office is closed on Sundays and federal holidays. If you are using the Metro, the Virginia Square station (Orange Line) is directly connected to the building; follow signs for the DMV once you exit the train.

Parking is available in the Ballston Common garage, which is located beneath the building. The first 90 minutes are free with validation from most businesses in the complex; the DMV does not validate parking, but many nearby restaurants and shops do. Street parking on Clarendon Boulevard and nearby side streets is available but fills quickly during business hours. If you are driving, allow extra time to find a spot, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Documents you need to bring

What you need depends on your transaction. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license and proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). For a new license, bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or out-of-state license), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2), and proof of residency.

For vehicle registration or title work, bring your current registration, proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of insurance, and a completed process form (available at the office or online). For an address change on your license or registration, bring your current license or registration and proof of your new address. The staff at the office can tell you if you are missing anything when you arrive, but bringing documents ahead of time shortens your visit.

Taking a number and what to expect during your visit

When you arrive, look for the ticket machine near the entrance. Select your transaction type on the screen, and the machine will print a number. The display boards throughout the office show which numbers are being served at each window. You do not need to stand in line; you can sit in the waiting area until your number is called.

Processing times vary by transaction. A driver's license renewal typically takes 10 to 15 minutes at the window. Vehicle registration or title work can take 20 to 30 minutes if all documents are in order. Address changes are usually quick, 5 to 10 minutes. If the staff finds a problem with your documents, they will tell you what is missing and may ask you to return another day or direct you to a different office.

When to avoid peak hours and what to do if you cannot visit in person

Thursday and Friday afternoons (2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.) are the busiest times. Midday (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) on any weekday is also congested. If you can visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning between 8:15 a.m. and 10 a.m., you will likely wait less than 30 minutes. Saturday mornings are moderately busy but shorter than weekday afternoons.

Some transactions can be completed by mail or online without visiting the office. Driver's license renewals can often be done online through the Virginia DMV website if your license is not expiring within 30 days and you have not renewed online in the past five years. Vehicle registration renewals can also be completed online or by mail. Check the Virginia DMV website to see if your specific transaction qualifies for a remote option before making the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to Virginia Square?

Yes, if your license is not expiring within 30 days and you have not renewed online in the past five years. Visit the Virginia DMV website to check your may be able to access and complete the renewal. If you do not may have access to for online renewal, you must visit an office in person.

How long does it take to get a new driver's license after I explore?

Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive your license by mail at the address you provided. If you need it faster, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee when you explore at the office.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You will need at least one document showing your name and current address dated within 60 days. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail. If you have just moved and do not have a dated document yet, ask the staff what alternatives they accept.

Is there a way to skip the wait or make an appointment?

Virginia DMV does not offer appointment scheduling at this location. You must take a number when you arrive. Visiting early in the morning or on Tuesday or Wednesday will reduce your wait time, but there is no way to reserve a specific time slot.

What should I do if I need a road test?

Road tests are scheduled separately through the Virginia DMV website. You cannot take a test at Virginia Square. The website shows all testing locations in Northern Virginia and allows you to book an appointment at a facility near you.