Virginia DMV Centers To Reopen In Phases By Appointment

UPDATE: The Richmond Central and Onancock DMV locations will not open on May 18 due to the delayed phase one reopening. The DMV openings will be delayed until after May 28.

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) said Wednesday customer service centers will open in phases into mid-summer. The first locations will open by appointment only on Monday, May 18 in areas where the first reopening phase is set to start.

The nine DMV locations cover most regions in the commonwealth. Northern Virginia, Richmond and Eastern Shore, which will delay phase one reopening through at least May 28, will not have any immediate Virginia DMV openings.

Here are the locations opening on May 18, Monday through Saturday:

• Abingdon (25552 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24211-7466), 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Charlottesville (2055 Abbey Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911-3540), 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Chesterfield (610 Johnston Willis Drive, Richmond, VA 23236-3949), 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Fredericksburg (5700 Southpoint Centre Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22407-2601), 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Hampton (8109 Roanoke Avenue, Hampton, VA 23605-1637), 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Harrisonburg (3281 Peoples Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-7600), 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Roanoke (5220 Valleypark Drive, Roanoke, VA 24019), 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• South Boston (2039 Hamilton Boulevard, South Boston, VA 24592-2141), 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Virginia Beach/Buckner (3551 Buckner Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23453-5101), 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

In March, Gov. Ralph Northam had ordered the closure of 75 DMV customer service centers due to the new coronavirus pandemic. He extended those closures until May 11 and May 18 before announcing 11 locations would open on May 18. Northam said in a news conference Wednesday the reopened locations will focus on services needed in person. Residents are encouraged to utilize online and mail services when available.

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Services provided by appointment include:

• Original driver's licenses
• Original commercial driver's licenses
• Replacement driver's licenses for a name change
• Driver's license renewals
• Original and renewal ID cards
• ID card replacements for a name change
• Original and replacement disabled parking placards
• HAZMAT fingerprinting
• Original and substitute titles
• Original and transfer of vehicle registrations (no title)
• Vital records
• Compliance/Reinstatement of driving privileges, to include insurance payment plan set-up
• Payment plan: monthly installment payment
• Knowledge testing for learner’s permits and business partners (No road testing for passenger vehicles and motorcycles at this time)

The Virginia DMV expects more locations to open for appointments in the coming weeks. Locations must prepare to provide social distancing and install partitions on front counters to separate staff and customers. Staff will be spaced out and may wear face coverings and gloves. Increased janitorial service is expected at DMV locations.

Anyone who is feeling ill or believes they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not come to an appointment. Customers and staff are encouraged to answer screening questions before visiting DMV centers. Face coverings are encouraged for customers, but they must be removed for photos.

The closure of the DMV locations since March 18 came with extensions for certain credentials. Vehicle registrations that would have expired in March or April were extended for 90 days, and those with expirations in May were extended for 60 days. Driver’s licenses and identification cards that would expire on or before June 10 was extended for 90 days, or up to July 31. For example, a credential that would expire between March 15 and May 1 has an additional 90 days beyond the expiration date for renewal. Credentials with expiration date from May 2 to June 10 will expire on July 31.

Northam also directed Virginia State Police to suspend enforcement of vehicle inspections and other measures through July 31. State police are also directed to not enforce expired temporary license plates, the time period when a new resident must get a Virginia driver's license or vehicle registration, and the time period when temporary residents can have out-of-state vehicle license plates.

SEE ALSO:

• Virginia Reopening Starts Friday, NoVA Leaders Speak On Delay
• Manassas Highest Positive Rate In NoVA; Test Counting Criticized