DMV Select is Virginia's online appointment booking system for in-person visits

DMV Select is the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles' scheduling tool. You use it to book a time slot at a DMV office instead of arriving and waiting in line. The system lets you choose your location, the service you need, and your preferred date and time from available slots. When you complete a DMV Select appointment, you receive a confirmation number and a specific time to arrive.

Not every DMV transaction requires an appointment. Some services — like renewing your license by mail or online — do not need one. But for transactions that require an in-person visit, such as getting your first license, renewing an expired license in person, or changing your address on your license, DMV Select is how you reserve your spot.

The system is free to use. You do not pay a booking fee. You pay only the standard DMV fees for the service itself when you arrive at your appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • DMV Select lets you book an appointment online at dmvselect.virginia.gov instead of showing up without a reservation.
  • You choose your DMV office location, the service you need, and your preferred date and time from real available slots.
  • Appointments are free to book, and you pay DMV fees only when you complete your transaction in person.
  • Some services do not require an appointment — mail renewal and online transactions can skip DMV Select entirely.
  • If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may lose your slot and have to book again.

How to book an appointment on DMV Select

Go to dmvselect.virginia.gov and select "Schedule an Appointment." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number or state ID number. If you do not have one yet — for example, if you are getting your first license — you can enter your Social Security number instead.

Next, choose the DMV office location closest to you. Virginia has multiple regional offices, and the system shows you which ones have openings. Select the service you need from a dropdown menu. Common options include "Driver License Renewal," "Address Change," "Duplicate License," and "New Driver License." The system will then show you available dates and times for that location and service.

Pick the date and time that works for you, review your information, and confirm your appointment. You will receive a confirmation number by email and on screen. Save this number — you will need it when you arrive at the DMV office.

What to bring to your DMV Select appointment

The documents you need depend on your service. For a license renewal, bring your current driver's license or state ID. For an address change, bring your license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

For a new driver's license, bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are usually not accepted.

Bring your confirmation number from DMV Select. Arrive a few minutes early. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present for most transactions.

When DMV Select appointments are available

Appointment availability changes based on demand and office capacity. During busy seasons — typically early spring and fall — slots fill up quickly and may be weeks out. During slower periods, you might find openings within days.

The system shows you only the slots that are actually open. If you see no availability for your preferred location and service, check a different location or try again in a few days. Some offices release new slots on specific days of the week.

If you need an appointment urgently and cannot find one through DMV Select, you can visit a DMV office without an appointment, though you will likely wait longer. Walk-in service is available but not may provide, and wait times can exceed an hour depending on the office and time of day.

Canceling or rescheduling your appointment

If you need to change your appointment time or cancel it, return to dmvselect.virginia.gov and select "Manage an Appointment." Enter your confirmation number and your driver's license or ID number. You can then reschedule to a different date or time, or cancel entirely.

Canceling frees up your slot for other people and prevents you from being marked as a no-show. If you miss your appointment without canceling, the DMV may flag your account, and you will have to book a new appointment to return.

Services that do not require a DMV Select appointment

Virginia offers several ways to complete DMV transactions without visiting an office. You can renew your driver's license online at dmv.virginia.gov if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions. You can also renew by mail by submitting your current license and a renewal form.

Address changes can sometimes be completed online through the DMV website, depending on your situation. Duplicate licenses can be ordered by mail. If you are unsure whether your transaction can be done remotely, check the DMV website or call the DMV customer service line before booking an appointment.

What happens if you arrive late or do not show up

If you are running late, call the DMV office directly as soon as possible. Many offices will work with you if you are only a few minutes behind, but if you arrive significantly late, they may not be able to see you and you will lose your appointment slot.

If you do not show up and do not cancel, the DMV records it as a no-show. Repeated no-shows may result in restrictions on future appointments. Always cancel through DMV Select if your plans change, even if it is the day of your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use DMV Select or can I just walk in?

You can walk in without an appointment, but you will wait in line and may not be seen if the office is at capacity. DMV Select guarantees you a specific time slot, which is faster and more predictable. Walk-in service is available but not recommended if you have a choice.

What if I do not have internet access to book online?

Call the DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538 to book an appointment by phone. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number and information about the service you need. Phone booking is free and produces the same confirmation as online booking.

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

You can book an appointment for a family member if you have their driver's license number or Social Security number. However, they must be the one who appears in person at the DMV office. The confirmation is tied to their identity, not yours.

How far in advance can I book an appointment?

You can typically book up to 30 days in advance through DMV Select. The exact window depends on office availability. If you need an appointment further out, check back as new slots open up, or call the DMV to ask about future availability.

Is there a fee to use DMV Select?

No. Booking an appointment through DMV Select is free. You pay only the standard DMV transaction fees when you complete your service in person — for example, a license renewal fee or address change fee.