AZMVDNow

Federal deadline for air travel identification is one year away

Federal deadline for air travel identification is one year away

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Federal deadline for air travel identification is one year away

Federal deadline for air travel identification is one year away

May 6, 2024

Arizona Travel ID will get you through airport security after May 7, 2025

PHOENIX – Today marks one year before the federal deadline for domestic airline travelers to have a federally compliant form of identification. If you plan to use your driver license or state-issued ID card for travel after that date, now is a good time to make an appointment at an Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division office to get your Arizona Travel ID. 

Without the Arizona Travel ID or other form of federally compliant identification such as a valid U.S. passport, you’ll risk missing an airline flight because the standard Arizona driver license and ID card will no longer be accepted at TSA checkpoints as of May 7, 2025. 

The gold star in the upper right corner of an Arizona Travel ID shows that the holder has met federal standards requiring extra documentation. This includes:

  • Proof of identity: a birth certificate or U.S. passport
  • Social Security number: just the number, not the card
  • Two documents proving Arizona residency, such as rental or bank statements and credit card or cellphone bills in your name with your current Arizona address.

You can walk -in to an office for this service, but we suggest scheduling an appointment and that can be done online at azmvdnow.gov. The Arizona Travel ID costs $25 and is valid for eight years.

May 7, 2025, might feel like a long way away, but it’ll be here quickly. Join the 2.2 million Arizonans who have already upgraded to the Arizona Travel ID. 

For more information and a full list of qualifying documents, please visit  azdot.gov/TravelID.

 

ADOT and NHTSA remind drivers to check for vehicle recalls

ADOT and NHTSA remind drivers to check for vehicle recalls

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT and NHTSA remind drivers to check for vehicle recalls

ADOT and NHTSA remind drivers to check for vehicle recalls

March 4, 2024

Agencies promoting simple, free tools during Vehicle Safety Recalls Week

PHOENIX – Simple and free tools can help you make sure your vehicle is as safe as possible by learning of any outstanding recalls for your ride. 

The Arizona Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are sharing the lifesaving message “Safe Cars Save Lives” during Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, March 4-10. This week serves as a reminder to vehicle owners of the dangers of lingering vehicle recalls and to get any unrepaired recalls fixed immediately. 

It takes just a few minutes to check for open recalls through ADOT or NHTSA.

The first way is through the MVD customer portal AZMVDNOW.gov. The homepage of your personal account has information for each vehicle registered under your name. Click on each vehicle to see title and recall information tabs associated with that specific vehicle. 

You also can use the free Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Look-Up Tool, located at NHTSA.gov/recalls. This allows vehicle owners to check for open safety recalls on their vehicles or automotive equipment, such as tires and car seats. 

Even with alerts and warnings emailed or mailed by manufacturers, millions of recalled vehicles go unrepaired every year. This puts drivers, passengers and others at risk. By checking for vehicle safety recalls twice a year, you can avoid such unnecessary risks.

If a driver believes their vehicle may have a safety-related defect that isn’t part of a current recall, contact NHTSA online at NHTSA.gov or by calling the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. Sometimes just one complaint is enough to trigger a safety recall.

For more information and vehicle history tools, please visit azdot.gov.

 

Easiest way to visit an MVD office? Schedule an appointment

Easiest way to visit an MVD office? Schedule an appointment

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Easiest way to visit an MVD office? Schedule an appointment

Easiest way to visit an MVD office? Schedule an appointment

February 22, 2024

Visit AZMVDNOW.gov or Live Chat to arrange a day and time

PHOENIX – If a visit to an ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office is in your future, there’s good news: You can schedule an appointment using one of two online options.

Appointments to visit an MVD office can be scheduled through the MVD customer portal at AZMVDNOW.gov or by contacting an MVD employee on the ADOT website through Live Chat

“MVD is constantly looking for ways to make things easier and provide a convenient and fast experience in the office and online,” said MVD Director Eric Jorgensen. “We are committed to our goal of getting customers out of the line and safely on the road.”

Scheduling an MVD appointment is easier than ever; however, an office visit may not even be needed. Many MVD services and transactions can be completed easily and securely at AZMVDNow.gov. More than 4 million Arizonans have activated their accounts and are taking advantage of convenient, self-service options to complete their business with MVD. Here’s a sampling of what can be done through AZMVDNow.gov:

  • Renew vehicle registration
  • Renew driver license
  • Order a replacement driver license or ID card
  • Change of address
  • Order specialty and personalized license plates
  • Submit a sold notice 
  • Schedule appointments to visit an MVD office

Customers are also able to contact MVD via chat through azdot.gov to schedule an appointment directly with an MVD expert. This online way to address questions, or even complete some services, allows people to text directly with an MVD expert on the ADOT website from the comforts of their own computer or cell phone in real time. Here’s a sampling of what can be done via Live Chat:

  • Registration credit refunds and disbursements 
  • Title and registration fee estimations and registration status letter requests 
  • Submit a sold notice 
  • Change of address
  • Replace a disability placard 
  • Schedule appointments to visit an MVD office.

Appointments are not required. MVD locations always accept walk-ins, where average wait times remain low, at just over 10 minutes. However, scheduling an appointment through AZMVDNow.gov or Live Chat  can save time, especially if you need to visit an office during the busiest part of the day. 

 

Specialty license plates make a rockin’ birthday gift

Specialty license plates make a rockin’ birthday gift

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Specialty license plates make a rockin’ birthday gift

Specialty license plates make a rockin’ birthday gift

February 6, 2024

Support charitable efforts that move you too

PHOENIX – Arizona, the Valentine’s State, turns 112 this month. February also includes the birthday of one of our state’s most famous exports: rock legend Alice Cooper. 

You can celebrate both occasions – and jazz up your vehicle – with specialty license plates available through the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

For fans of “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “School’s Out” and his other hits, there’s an Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock plate that supports free art, music and dance programs for all youth at Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers in Phoenix and Mesa. The centers provide a safe space for everyone ages 12-20 to spend time, receive positive mentorship and free music, art, dance, photography and recording studio lessons and opportunities.

There are many options if you’re celebrating our great state, including Arizona Centennial, Arizona Highways Magazine, Route 66, State Forty Eight, not to mention all the different Arizona sports teams and universities. Each plate supports a designated organization that benefits the community. 

Most specialty plates cost $25 each year. Of that amount, $17 goes to a designated charity or nonprofit group. Last fiscal year sales of specialty plates contributed over $12 million for various causes and charities.

Specialty plates are authorized by the Arizona Legislature and have been offered since 1989. Plate designs complete a review by ADOT and law enforcement. Personalization can be added for an additional $25 per year.

To view and order any specialty plate, please visit azmvdnow.gov

 

Water damaged vehicles can flood your car buying experience

Water damaged vehicles can flood your car buying experience

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Water damaged vehicles can flood your car buying experience

Water damaged vehicles can flood your car buying experience

By Bill Lamoreaux / ADOT Communications
January 23, 2024
A flooded street with submerged cars.

In the market for a car or truck? A used vehicle is a great option to save money, as long you know what to look for during the buying experience. Thanks to the internet, the perfect vehicle for you can be found anywhere in the country. However, with that wider search comes more possibilities for hidden or unreported issues like rust, and water damage. 

Cars damaged by floodwaters along the East Coast, heavy rain storms in California or severe weather anywhere else can sometimes be sold by unscrupulous individuals.

When looking for a new-to-you vehicle, it is important to know its history. Pay close attention to a vehicle’s condition and title status, especially in private sales. If a vehicle is flood-damaged, the title should say “salvage” or “flood damage.” But occasionally people fraudulently remove flood history from vehicle titles, making it more difficult to title or insure the vehicle after the sale is completed.

Potential buyers should remain vigilant when looking at used vehicles, closely inspect the vehicle, don’t sign anything until the vehicle has been checked over bumper to bumper and be prepared to walk away if things don’t smell right – quite literally in some cases.

 ADOT recommends buyers follow these guidelines:

  • Check out all of the vehicle’s nooks and crannies. Look under the carpet and floor mats and examine the trunk for dirt, silt and mold. Check under the dashboard and other hard-to-reach places as well. Scammers usually don’t clean all of those places. Finally, take a good whiff in those areas. Water damage leaves a distinctive smell.
  • Check the electrical and mechanical components. Water wreaks havoc on electrical systems, so check to see if any of those systems aren’t working quite right. Also check the engine for signs of rust or even random new parts. If possible, ask an auto mechanic you trust to check the suspension for water damage. Any of those things could be a sign that you’re in danger of buying a flood-damaged vehicle.
  • Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to obtain the vehicle history through an online service that may charge a fee. This check can uncover a vehicle’s status as “salvage” or “nonrepairable,” as well as maintenance problems, collisions, insurance claims and titles issued in other states.
  • Visit the MVD website for more information about buying or selling a vehicle. 

4 million Arizonans have discovered the ease of AZ MVD Now

4 million Arizonans have discovered the ease of AZ MVD Now

I-17 101 traffic interchange

4 million Arizonans have discovered the ease of AZ MVD Now

4 million Arizonans have discovered the ease of AZ MVD Now

December 7, 2023

Online MVD portal offers customers speed, security and convenience

PHOENIX – More than 4 million Arizonans have now discovered the fastest, safest and most convenient way to complete services with the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

In just over three years since ADOT launched AZMVDNow.gov, 4,006,210 Arizonans have activated free accounts to access the primary online portal for MVD customers. 

The AZ MVD Now portal offers more web-based services than ever before, with more levels of security and options to get you out of the line and safely on the road.

Here are just a few recent customer comments about AZ MVD NOW: 

“I love how easy everything can be accomplished on this website. The website is one of the best I've ever used. Thanks and keep it up.”

“This is the best online government service available!”

“Very streamlined and easy to complete. Very few steps to renew registration. Probably the best run MVD in the country.”

Here are some of the things you can do with your AZ MVD Now account:

  • View information related to your vehicle, including title status, registration status and MVD service history.
  • Complete dozens of services such as registration renewals, ordering a duplicate license, change of address, updating insurance, title transfers and sold notices.
  • Schedule an in-office appointment for a time that is convenient for you. 

To activate your account, please visit AZMVDNow.gov and follow the prompts. AZ MVD Now accounts are free and protected by several security protocols that are explained on the site and in an accompanying “how to” video.

 

‘Tis the season for Travel ID

‘Tis the season for Travel ID

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‘Tis the season for Travel ID

‘Tis the season for Travel ID

By Bill Lamoreaux / ADOT Communications
December 4, 2023
The latest design of the Arizona Driver License

The holiday season is officially in full swing. Thanksgiving is over, leftovers are cleaned out of the fridge and everyone is busy getting ready for the next holiday celebration. After you get the decorations and ugly sweaters out of the closet, you might want to also take a moment to update your license or ID to the Arizona Travel ID. Take the time now and avoid the last minute rush that will be here before you know it. 

November and December typically see less traffic in our MVD offices and that makes right now a great time to visit an MVD office. You can even set up an appointment at AZMVDNow.gov.

The Arizona Travel ID is a driver license or ID card, as well as a federally-compliant credential, that can be used for gaining clearance at federal TSA airport checkpoints and other restricted federally secured facilities. Travel ID applicants must show proof of their identity, proof of Arizona residency and provide their Social Security Number. For a full list of credentials and documents that meet these requirements, visit azdot.gov/TravelID

You will be issued a new ID that will come in the mail in about two weeks after your visit. The cost is $25 and the credential is valid for eight years, per federal law.

Passports are still needed for international travel. If you choose to carry a Passport domestically, that is accepted by TSA and you wouldn’t need a Travel ID for domestic flights. 

So, while you are out shopping for holiday decorations and gifts, you might want to also schedule time to visit your local MVD office and update your license or ID to the Travel ID. The deadline of May 7, 2025, is not that far away

Reminder: Holiday season a great time to get your AZ Travel ID

Reminder: Holiday season a great time to get your AZ Travel ID

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Reminder: Holiday season a great time to get your AZ Travel ID

Reminder: Holiday season a great time to get your AZ Travel ID

November 21, 2023

Enhanced identification required at TSA airport checkpoints in 2025

PHOENIX – Many things slow down a bit during the holidays, including business at Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division offices. That makes this an ideal time to make an appointment to get your Arizona Travel ID.

The federal deadline is May 7, 2025, for those who wish to use their state-issued credential for air travel. Without the Arizona Travel ID or other form of federally compliant identification such as a valid U.S. passport, fliers risk missing domestic airline flights because Arizona’s standard driver license, which will remain valid for state purposes, will not be accepted at TSA checkpoints. 

The Arizona Travel ID requires added proof of identification to ensure that your license or identification meets strict requirements of the federal REAL ID Act of 2005. A gold star on the card shows that you’ve provided this additional information.

You can walk into an office to upgrade to an Arizona Travel ID, but we suggest scheduling an appointment through Live Chat or online at azmvdnow.gov. Even if you haven’t activated your AZ MVD NOW account, you can still schedule an appointment. 

Because the Arizona Travel ID is compliant with the federal standards, you will need to provide extra documentation. This includes:

  • Proof of identity: a birth certificate or U.S. passport
  • Social Security Number: just the number, not the card
  • Two documents proving Arizona residency: rental or bank statements, credit card or cell phone bills in your name with your current Arizona address, etc.

More information and a full list of qualifying documents are available at azdot.gov/TravelID

If you are traveling this season, be safe and make sure to schedule an appointment for your Travel ID in 2024 to be ready for the 2025 deadline.

 

Survey: AZMVDNOW.gov is ‘extremely easy’ to use

Survey: AZMVDNOW.gov is ‘extremely easy’ to use

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Survey: AZMVDNOW.gov is ‘extremely easy’ to use

Survey: AZMVDNOW.gov is ‘extremely easy’ to use

October 4, 2023

Motor Vehicle Division online portal is rated high for convenience

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division works hard to make AZMVDNOW.gov a place to easily complete a wide variety of transactions. And we’re proud to say that customers agree we’re succeeding.

A recent survey of MVD customers found that 76.2% of respondents consider AZMVDNOW.gov ”extremely easy” to use. That’s up from 71% in a March survey. 

The percentage of customers who consider the website “extremely difficult” to navigate is trending in the right direction as well: 3.3%, down from 5.6% in March. 

“We are pleased to see that Arizonans value our efforts in providing more convenient ways to conduct business and get customers out of the line and safely on the road,” Arizona MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “We continue to seek opportunities for products and services that provide Arizonans security, privacy and convenience.”

Here are just some of our customers’ comments:

This is THE BEST website! You've made this so easy to understand and complete the registration. Two thumbs up!

Love it.. Lived in 3 states. Best of them all! Thanks

Love how easy it is to renew my registration. The best part of all is I can do it from home instead of standing in line at a MVD office. TY for making my life a little easier

Always find this to be one of the VERY BEST sites! Easy, clear, laid out very well. It is honestly a joy to use this site in comparison to all the other sites that I encounter.

More than 5,000 customers responded in September to the survey asking them to rank the ease of conducting business on the website from extremely easy to extremely difficult. 

Nearly 4 million Arizonans have discovered the safest, fastest and most convenient way to complete services with MVD. Accessing AZMVDNOW.gov offers customers a safe and secure way to conveniently conduct transactions such as renewing vehicle registration, getting a replacement driver license, transfering titles, selecting a specialty plate, receiving registration refunds or simply scheduling an appointment for a convenient time at your local MVD office. 

To activate your free account, please visit AZMVDNow.gov and follow the prompts. Accounts are free and protected by several security features that are explained on the site and in an accompanying how-to video.

 

Four new specialty plates hit the streets

Four new specialty plates hit the streets

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Four new specialty plates hit the streets

Four new specialty plates hit the streets

By Bill Lamoreaux / ADOT Communications
August 8, 2022

Arizona motorists now have four new choices to show their support for community organizations while on the roadways and highways. Thunderbirds Charities, Arizona 4-H, Arizona Education and Congenital Heart Defect Awareness plates are available, along with many other options to display what is important to you.

Placing a specialty license plate on your car can be a fun way to show off your fandom, interests and past experiences. Did you know that specialty plates also raise money for charities in Arizona?

That’s right, for most specialty plates, $17 of the $25 initial application and annual renewal fees goes straight to charity. In fact, nearly 740,000 specialty plates helped generate more than $12 million for charitable causes across Arizona in the past 12 months.

Some of the most popular specialty license plates include:

     1. Veterans

     2. First Responders

     3. Arizona Cardinals

     4. Arizona Highways

     5. Military Support/Freedom 

In fact, the Veterans, First Responder, Arizona Cardinals and Arizona Highways plates each generated more than $1 million in revenue this past fiscal year.

To order a specialty plate and support a great cause, visit azmvdnow.gov, an MVD office or Authorized Third-Party office.