A vertical axis washing machine appliance includes a door pivotably mounted to a cabinet. The door includes a frame, an axle and a lever arm. The axle is fixed to the frame, and the lever arm is fixed to the axle. A door lock assembly is operable to lock the door in a closed position. The door lock assembly includes a latch and an actuator that is operable to move the latch between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The latch is engaged with the lever arm of the door when the latch is in the engaged position.