Officials with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Connect program will visit Smithfield to assist residents with vehicle and driver’s license-related services while the state works to open a new local DMV office.

State Delegate Emily Brewer announced that DMV Connect will visit the Smithfield Center at 220 N. Church St. on Sept. 28, Sept. 30, Nov. 4-6 and Dec. 2-4. Services will be by appointment only, scheduled online at dmvnow.com/appt.

“After receiving many phone calls and emails from my constituents regarding the temporary relocation of the Smithfield DMV, I knew it was vital for my constituents to be provided the same level of service and professionalism that they have received for many years at the Smithfield DMV on Church Street,” said Brewer, whose 64th District includes Isle of Wight. “I am pleased to work with the Virginia DMV as they prepare for their new and improved location.”

Smithfield’s DMV office at 912 S. Church St. is unlikely to reopen in that location, officials said earlier this summer. The office closed on March 18 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. DMV officials said the size and layout of the facility, specifically a lack of a public restroom, prevent the building from reopening in accordance with health guidelines for social distancing and hand-washing.

Jessica Cowardin, a DMV spokeswoman, said in July the agency has sought to move the Smithfield office to a larger facility for years. The coronavirus pandemic accelerated that initiative, and she said the DMV is working to reopen a local office as soon as possible.

The agency is encouraging customers to conduct business online or by mail whenever possible.

Starting this month, the DMV said it will offer most eight-year credential holders the option of using online services to obtain a new two-year driver’s license or ID card. Doing so will temporarily suspend the requirement to renew in person. Previously anyone holding an eight-year license would have been required to renew in-person at a DMV location.

In addition, driver’s licenses, identification cards and learner’s permits that display an expiration date between Aug. 1 and Oct. 31 of this year are extended for 60 days. A complete explanation of extensions and policy changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is on the agency’s website, dmv.virginia.gov.