What the Lorton DMV office handles

The Lorton DMV is a full-service Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles office located in Fairfax County. It handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, title transfers, and most other DMV transactions you would need in person. This is not a satellite office or a limited-service location — you can renew a license, register a new vehicle, or get a duplicate title at this location.

The office is at 9100 Lorton Market Street, Lorton, VA 22079. It serves residents of Lorton, Springfield, Burke, and surrounding areas of Fairfax County, though anyone in Virginia can use any DMV office.

Like all Virginia DMV offices, Lorton operates on an appointment system. You cannot walk in without a reservation. The office does not take same-day appointments, so you need to book ahead through the Virginia DMV website or by phone.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lorton DMV is a full-service office where you can handle driver's licenses, vehicle registration, title work, and most other DMV needs in person.
  • You must have an appointment to enter the office — walk-ins are not accepted, and same-day appointments are not available.
  • Appointments are booked through the Virginia DMV website (dmvnow.com) or by calling the office directly at the number listed on the DMV website.
  • The office is located at 9100 Lorton Market Street in Fairfax County and serves the Lorton, Springfield, and Burke areas.
  • Bring all required documents for your transaction type, as the office will not process incomplete applications.

How to book an appointment at Lorton

Visit dmvnow.com and select "Schedule an Appointment." You will choose your transaction type (driver's license renewal, vehicle registration, title transfer, and so on), then select the Lorton location and a date and time that works for you. The system shows available slots several weeks out, though busy periods may have fewer openings.

If you cannot book online, call the Lorton office directly. The phone number is listed on the Virginia DMV website under office locations. Wait times on the phone can be long, especially mid-morning and mid-week, so try early morning or late afternoon if possible.

Bring your confirmation number or appointment email with you. The office staff will check you in using this information. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may have to wait longer to get another slot during busy seasons.

Documents you need to bring

What you bring depends on your transaction. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license, proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing after a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For vehicle registration, bring the vehicle title, proof of insurance, your driver's license, and proof of residency. If the vehicle is financed, bring the lien holder information. For a title transfer, bring the current title, a bill of sale or purchase agreement, proof of insurance, and your driver's license.

The Lorton office does not accept incomplete applications. If you arrive without all required documents, staff will not process your transaction and you will need to reschedule. Check the Virginia DMV website for the full document list for your specific transaction before your appointment.

Fees and payment methods

DMV fees vary by transaction type and do not change by location. A standard driver's license renewal costs $24 in Virginia. Vehicle registration renewal costs depend on the vehicle weight and type. Title transfers have a flat fee plus a processing fee.

The Lorton office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some transactions may have additional fees if you need expedited processing or special services. The staff at your appointment will tell you the exact fee before you pay.

If you are unsure of the fee for your specific transaction, check dmvnow.com or call the office ahead of time. This prevents surprises at your appointment.

Hours and wait times

The Lorton DMV is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Saturday 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Hours may change seasonally or for maintenance, so check the Virginia DMV website before you go.

Even with an appointment, you may wait 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is that day and how complex your transaction is. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. Bring something to read or work on while you wait.

The office is typically less crowded on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and on Saturday mornings. If you have flexibility in when you schedule, these times often mean shorter waits.

Scams and safety alerts

Do not pay anyone to book your DMV appointment for you. The Virginia DMV appointment system is free. Websites or services that charge a fee to schedule your appointment are scams and will not actually reserve your slot. Book directly through dmvnow.com or call the Lorton office yourself.

Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from the DMV asking you to verify personal information or pay a fee to renew your license. The DMV does not contact you by email or text to ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or payment information. If you receive such a message, do not click any links or reply.

When you arrive for your appointment, deal only with staff inside the office. Do not give documents or money to anyone in the parking lot or outside the building. The DMV office is staffed and find — all transactions happen inside at the counter.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

Many driver's license renewals can be done by mail or online without visiting the office. If your license is not expired and you have not had a major change (name, address, medical condition), you may be able to renew online at dmvnow.com. Online renewal takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs $24.

Some vehicle registration renewals can also be done online or by mail. Check dmvnow.com to see if your registration qualifies for remote renewal. If it does, you can skip the appointment entirely.

If your transaction requires an in-person visit and you cannot get to Lorton, you can use any other Virginia DMV office. The nearest alternatives to Lorton are in Fairfax, Annandale, and Woodbridge. All Virginia DMV offices handle the same transactions and accept appointments through the same system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk in without an appointment?

No. The Lorton DMV requires an appointment for all transactions. Walk-ins are not accepted. You must book through dmvnow.com or by phone before you arrive.

How far in advance do I need to book?

You can usually book 4 to 6 weeks ahead, though availability changes based on demand. During busy seasons (spring and summer), slots fill faster. Book as soon as you know you need an appointment to get your preferred date and time.

What if I miss my appointment?

Contact the Lorton office as soon as possible to reschedule. If you miss without canceling, you may have a longer wait for the next available slot, especially during busy periods. Canceling ahead gives your slot to someone else and keeps the system moving.

Can I renew my license online instead of going to Lorton?

Many renewals can be done online at dmvnow.com if your license is not expired and you have not had a major change. Check the website to see if you may have access to. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs the same as in-person renewal.

What if I do not have all my documents?

Do not go to your appointment without all required documents. The office will not process incomplete applications. Check dmvnow.com for the full document list for your transaction type, gather everything, and then book your appointment.