How to Schedule DMV Appointments
By making a DMV driving test appointment, you can expedite the process of obtaining your drivers license and avoid a long wait at your local DMV. In some states, using the DMV appointment system is required if you wish to take a drivers license exam, motorcycle exam or commercial drivers license exam. Additionally, you may be able to make an appointment for other drivers license related services, including initial applications for licenses and state identification cards, renewals, replacements and written exams. To learn more about DMV appointment guidelines in your state, please visit your state’s page:
Select a state to begin:
Select a state to begin:
In some states, a DMV online appointment system may be available. Online appointments provide customers with a higher degree of convenience as appointments may be created online, rescheduled or canceled. If an online system is not available, you may still be able to set up an appointment by contacting your local DMV by phone or in person. To learn more about DMV appointments, review the information found below.
Driving Test Appointments
It is recommended that you make an appointment at a DMV near you if you need to take a driving exam for a standard drivers license, motorcycle endorsement or commercial drivers license. By doing so, you can shorten your wait time during your visit to the DMV as well as insure that an instructor will be available for you to take your exam.
In many states, a drivers license appointment is required in order to take at least one of these types of drivers license exams. However, a few states or county locations may also refer you to perform a drive test with a third party company. This is most commonly required in the case of commercial drivers licenses.
Therefore, it is important to review the requirements that are set by your state and local DMV location. If you need to schedule a DMV appointment, it is recommended that you do so in a timely manner as many locations may have limited appointments or scheduling booked out for several weeks at a time.
Other Services Covered by the DMV Appointment System
A drivers license appointment may be available for other services, depending upon your state and local DMV office. While some states offer numerous services by appointment, other states may offer a handful of services, or none at all.
Therefore, you should check DMV appointment availability in your area to see if any of the following services may be available:
- Driving tests.
- Drivers license applications.
- State identification card applications.
- Vehicle registration and titling processes.
- Registration, license or identification card renewals or replacements.
- Vehicle inspections.
Process for Making a DMV Appointment
The DMV appointment system will vary by state. Therefore, it is important that you review how to schedule an appointment in your home state. A state DMV may allow online scheduling or you may have to contact your local DMV in person or over the phone to schedule an appointment.
You may also receive a DMV appointment number, depending on the state that you reside within. A handful of states will provide a confirmation number that can be used to modify your appointment later if needed.
What to Bring to Your DMV Appointment
When preparing for your drivers license appointment, it is important to make a checklist of the documents that you will be required to present during your appointment. Failing to present the appropriate documentation will likely result in the cancellation of your scheduled appointment.
If you have a DMV driving test appointment, you will likely need to provide:
- Your learners or commercial learners permit.
- Proof of insurance that meets your state’s insurance requirements.
- Proof of motor vehicle registration.
If you are renting a vehicle, you will likely need to provide proof of the rental and be listed on the rental agreement. If you have an appointment for a motorcycle road skill exam, you will likely be required to wear the appropriate safety gear, such as an approved helmet and appropriate clothing.
If you have a drivers license appointment for another service, you will be required to provide the documentation related to that service. For example, if you have an appointment scheduled for a new drivers license or state identification card application, you will likely need to provide documentation such as proof of identity, proof of age, proof of residency and proof of citizenship or lawful status. It is recommended that you check your current state laws and requirements in order to determine what documentation you may be required to present during your appointment.
How to Cancel or Reschedule a DMV Appointment
If you need to reschedule or cancel appointment with DMV, it is important that you do so as soon as possible. To cancel or reschedule, you will be required to notify your local DMV. In some cases, a state may permit customers to make changes to a scheduled appointment online while other states may require you to contact the DMV you are scheduled with in person or by phone.
You should reschedule a DMV appointment as soon as you know that you cannot make it to your assigned appointment. By doing so, you will be more likely to get another appointment in the near future, if one is needed, as well as avoid additional fees. Some DMVs, though not all, will charge a fee if you do not provide enough notice with a cancellation or reschedule. Other DMVs may limit your ability to make an appointment in the near future.