Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles — Altavista Customer Service Center
Overview and role in the region
The Virginia DMV Altavista Customer Service Center is the local full-service office that supports Campbell County and nearby communities (including portions of Bedford and Lynchburg). It provides in-person processing for transactions that cannot be completed online or at DMV Now kiosks, including first-time driver’s licenses, REAL ID issuance, vehicle titles, and complex registration matters. Because Altavista is a Customer Service Center rather than a limited DMV Select site, it is equipped to handle duplicate titles, liens, and certified driving records.
Operationally the Altavista center functions as the county-level interface for state motor vehicle administration: staff are trained to verify identity documents against Commonwealth standards, process manual title work when electronic title is not available, and assist with payment and adjudication of vehicle-related fees. For most residents of the 24517 ZIP code and adjacent areas, this office is the recommended in-person location for any transaction that requires original documentation or on-the-spot identity proofing.
Location, hours and contact
Use the DMV office locator at https://www.dmv.virginia.gov to confirm the exact street address and current hours for the Altavista Customer Service Center (search by “Altavista” or ZIP 24517). Because state offices periodically adjust hours for staffing, holidays and local demand, the DMV website is the authoritative source. The central Virginia DMV customer service phone number for general inquiries and confirmation is 804-497-7100; callers can be routed to the specific Altavista office or given the direct local number when available.
Typical Customer Service Center hours across Virginia are Monday–Friday and many centers open between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and close between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., with a lunchtime service rhythm that can affect walk-in throughput. Holiday closures include state holidays (e.g., New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas); check the DMV site calendar for exact dates. If you need a definitive address, phone extension, or appointment link for Altavista, run the DMV office locator or call 804-497-7100 before you travel.
Services provided at Altavista
Altavista Customer Service Center covers the full set of in-person DMV services. Core services include issuance and renewal of Virginia driver’s licenses and ID cards (including REAL ID-compliant credentials), knowledge and road testing coordination for new drivers, learner’s permits, issuance of temporary and permanent license plates, vehicle title transfers, duplicate titles, lien recordings, registration renewals that require original titles, disabled parking placards, veteran/retiree specialty plate processing, and certified driving records (certifications and court-directed records requests).
In many cases the office also assists with citations, reinstatements after suspensions, and limited commercial driver credential questions. For speeding, parking or other ticket inquiries the staff can often provide payment options, explain reinstatement requirements, and supply forms required by the courts. Complex commercial vehicle and heavy equipment registrations may require additional documentation or routing to a regional specialty unit; the Altavista staff will advise customers on those pathways.
Typical documents to bring
- Proof of identity: one primary document such as a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or unexpired foreign passport with immigration documentation; secondary IDs may be required if primary does not show current name.
- Proof of Social Security Number: SSA card, W-2, 1099 or pay stub showing SSN. If you do not have an SSN, bring the federal documentation that establishes ineligibility.
- Proof of Virginia residency: two documents with your Virginia address dated within 60 days (examples: utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or official mail). P.O. boxes are not acceptable as primary residence.
- Vehicle transactions: original title (signed by seller if required), bill of sale (with purchase price and date), proof of insurance that meets Virginia liability requirements, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old.
- Payment: acceptable payment methods at in-person centers typically include credit/debit cards, checks and money orders; bring exact documentation for fee determination (VIN, title number, etc.).
Always check the specific transaction checklist on dmv.virginia.gov before arriving. Missing even a single required document is the most common cause of delay or being turned away and having to return for a second visit.
Fees, processing times and what to expect
Fees vary by transaction and by vehicle weight or plate type. Expect variable costs: title recording fees are commonly in the low-double digits, registration fees for passenger vehicles typically range from several dozen to over one hundred dollars depending on vehicle weight and locality, and specialty plates or expedited services add incremental charges. The DMV website lists fee tables for titles, registrations, and driver credentials; always confirm current amounts at https://www.dmv.virginia.gov to avoid surprises.
Processing time at a Customer Service Center depends on transaction complexity and whether you have an appointment. A straightforward registration renewal with complete documentation can often be completed in 15–30 minutes; title transfers and new-driver credentialing commonly take 30–60 minutes. If the office is busy, walk-in customers may wait longer; making an appointment (when available) reduces average in-office time substantially.
Appointments, online alternatives and kiosks
Virginia DMV strongly encourages customers to use online services at dmv.virginia.gov or the myDMV portal for routine transactions — renewals, address changes, duplicate registrations, and many payments can be completed without an office visit. For in-person needs, schedule an appointment via the DMV appointment system on the state website whenever the Altavista center offers slots; appointments are prioritized and typically reduce wait to under 10 minutes after arrival.
DMV Now kiosks (located in selected retail locations) and authorized DMV Select partners can handle a narrow set of transactions; confirm availability and accepted payments before relying on a kiosk. If you must visit Altavista for original identity verification (REAL ID, initial licenses, secure title issues), bring originals — photocopies are not accepted — and allow extra time for staff to scan and verify documents.
Practical tips and accessibility
- Verify current hours and closures at dmv.virginia.gov and call 804-497-7100 for clarification before traveling; parking and office entry protocols can change seasonally.
- Bring originals of all documents, your insurance card (policy number and effective dates), and a method of payment; organizing documents in a single folder saves processing time.
- If you require ADA accommodations or an interpreter, request services in advance by calling the contact number on the DMV website; most centers can arrange language or accessibility assistance with prior notice.
These practical steps reduce the risk of repeat visits and speed up service. For any transaction that can be completed online, using myDMV saves both time and in-person capacity for customers who need hands-on assistance at the Altavista Customer Service Center.