6/5/2023
Updated
The famous DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles performs essential paperwork for citizens, residents and immigrants. If you need to do some paperwork at a DMV office near you, here's how to find it. In addition, we tell you what are the main functions offered by this agency and what procedures you can perform.
DMV office near you
If you are looking for a Department of Motor Vehicles location near you, you have several options to find it. Here is the easiest and most direct way, if you are using the Internet: use Google Maps to find it.
Offices and phone numbers of all DMVs by state
The Departments of Motor Vehicles are state entities, and it is the government of each state that manages its own corresponding division. In addition, in each territory it is called by a different name, and you can find other names such as Division or Bureau.
You have the option of using the DMV office locators on the corresponding web pages of each state's department. Here is a list of all the search engines and their contact telephone numbers:
What is the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)?
This acronym stands for the Department of Motor Vehicles, a federal agency that is in charge of registering cars and issuing driver's licenses.
In the United States, these offices have a state administration, except in Hawaii, where local government officials are responsible for these functions.
Although the UVC gives preference to the use of the acronym DMV, this agency may have different names depending on the state where you reside. Other common names are:
- Bureau of Motor Vehicles
- Department of Driver Services
Main Functions of the DMV
The Department of Motor Vehicles is an essential part of the databases of people and cars within the United States. This importance is due to its main functions:
General Identification
In most states, this agency can provide additional residency identification for those who do not possess a driver's license.
Liquor ID
In some jurisdictions, this ID is used for residents to purchase liquor upon proof of age of majority. Basically, it is a measure to prevent young people under the age of 18 or 21 from purchasing alcohol.
Driver Certification
In some states, this office is responsible for regulating private driving schools and their instructors. Each DMV publishes a driving manual that drivers should be familiar with and whose knowledge is tested before a permit or license is issued.
Driver's license
In the U.S., there is no official national ID card, so a driver's license often replaces these documents.
In fact, the various Departments of Motor Vehicles are responsible for identifying the population. Since identification is fundamental to daily life, the REAL ID Act of 2005 attempts to provide a national standard.
Vehicle Registration
The Department of Motor Vehicles or its equivalent is responsible for assigning an identification number to cars, either with a temporary or permanent tag (license plates).
The registration program keeps detailed track of vehicle information, such as odometer history, to prevent crimes related to tampering.
Most DMVs allow third parties to issue registration materials. These may be dealers or companies that specialize in processing paperwork for tags. While these agents have direct access to DMV systems, dealerships use what is known as EVR.
Vehicle Ownership
The title to a car, truck or van is a certificate of ownership issued by the DMV in each state. The types of vehicles certified by the DMV vary from state to state.
Generally, titles issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles are for highway vehicles. Titles for boats, motor homes or off-road vehicles are issued by the DNR (Department of Natural Resources).
The DMV is also responsible for registering liens on a car as collateral for a secured loan. There are several Motor Vehicle Divisions that offer a lien and title program for creditors.
Traffic Law Enforcement
Other functions of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles include enforcement of state laws relating to cars and the like. There are a number of enforcement bodies that monitor compliance with regulations.
For example, in North Carolina there is 'license and theft': stolen vehicles, false license plates/registrations are investigated by inspectors working for the DMV.
These officers also investigate independent inspection stations that have permits from the respective Division of Motor Vehicles.
These facilities sometimes violate the law relating to automobiles and related items. The most common violation is passing an inspection with non-compliant smoked glass, which carries a $1,000 fine.
DMV organization within administrations
DMV organization tends to vary from state to state. For example, in Hawaii they have delegated their functions to the counties. In the case of the District of Columbia, this office is part of the mayor's office.
Similarly, in Kentucky, the Transportation Cabinet is in charge of registration and licensing policies, but this work is done by county or judicial circuit clerks.
In Virginia, this agency handles vehicle registration and licensing, while the State Police and the Department of Environmental Quality handles safety/emission inspections.
In addition, in some states the DMV is part of a larger agency, such as the Departments of Justice, Taxation, Safety, Transportation, among others.
Español: DMV cerca de mí (Departamento de motores y vehículos)