Motor Vehicle Division

MVD Community Connections donates cozy supplies to City of Hope

MVD Community Connections donates cozy supplies to City of Hope

MVD Community Connections donates cozy supplies to City of Hope

By Bill Lamoreaux / ADOT Communications

November 22, 2023

Collage of photos featuring items and recipients of items donated to City of Hop

Employees from two Phoenix-area MVD locations worked together to help those battling cancer know they are not alone in their fight.

The ‘Detect it, Treat it, Defeat it!’ project is part of MVD's community engagement program, "MVD Community Connections." The Avondale MVD office and Phoenix Call Center employees collected blankets, slippers, sweaters, beanies, pillows and other comforting items and brought them to the City of Hope cancer center in Goodyear.

Those fighting the very personal battle against cancer need to know there is always hope. The supplies donated hopefully bring a warm feeling of support and distraction so the treatment can do the work needed to beat the disease.

“The reason I chose this event is because I lost my nana, Shirley Ann, to breast cancer when I was 15 years old,” said Sammi Perkins, Avondale MVD Office Manager. “It was heartbreaking to see all the pain she went through during her treatments. I teamed up with the manager of the Phoenix Call Center, Mayra Kokumo, who was impacted by the loss of her mother in 2012 to cancer, to collaborate within MVD because it means so much to both of us.”

Everyone in the community is impacted by this insidious disease, but thanks to organizations such as City of Hope, prevention and treatment plans are improving results in the battle against cancer.

“I know first hand our donation will help other patients and families going through this difficult time in their lives as I know it was a blessing for my family,” said Mayra Kokumo. “Everytime there is an opportunity for me to help or donate to this organization I think about my mother.”

MVD Community Connections is an effort to provide MVD employees an outlet to positively impact our communities that we all live and work in. Some of the other projects include back to school supply drives, food and water drives, holiday toy and clothing drives and even the collection of aluminum soda tabs to help the Ronald McDonald Houses. Collected items go directly to organizations within the community of each MVD location that participates

Back To ADOT Blog

Google Wallet now available to carry your Arizona ID or driver license

Google Wallet now available to carry your Arizona ID or driver license

Google Wallet now available to carry your Arizona ID or driver license

By Bill Lamoreaux / ADOT Communications

November 7, 2023

A graphic showing a cell phone with a digital ID card.

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division has just added another option for Android devices: keeping a digital driver license or state ID in Google Wallet.

Arizona is among the first few states in the nation whose residents can add an MVD-issued driver license or state ID card to Google Wallet and securely present it as a valid ID at select TSA airport security checkpoints.

Nearly 7 billion people worldwide now use a smartphone, so it makes sense that the functionality of these devices continues to grow. Digital wallets allow you to keep a credit/debit card, event tickets, house and car keys, boarding passes and in some states, a driver license or state ID, digitally on the device that you never leave home without.

Mobile IDs offer privacy and security features that physical IDs can’t. You can prove your age or identity without having to provide additional personal information such as date of birth or home address. MVD continues to seek out opportunities for products and services that provide Arizonans security, privacy and ease of use, as well as the choice to use.

Arizonans now have three digital platforms to choose from for their IDs. Arizona first offered the mobile driver license (mDL) in 2021, then in 2022 Arizonans were the first in the country to be able to use Apple Wallet for digital ID on iPhones and Apple Watches.

Even with these options to choose from, the technology is still new so you should continue to carry the physical driver license or state ID card to use in other situations, including with law enforcement. More information on Arizona driver licenses and state IDs in digital wallets can be found on the ADOT website: azdot.gov/DigitalIDs

Back To ADOT Blog

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

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.

Arizona’s license plate takes the top spot in national survey

Arizona’s license plate takes the top spot in national survey

Arizona’s license plate takes the top spot in national survey

By Bill Lamoreaux / ADOT Communications

August 8, 2023

An Arizona license plate is pictured in the foreground of a desert sunset. The sky is colored shades of yellow, orange, pink, red and purple. Two saguaro cactus can be seen.

The Arizona license plate was just voted the best plate in the country, according to an Insurance.com survey across all 50 states. The online article highlights some of the favorite license plates according to the survey respondents.

Arizona’s standard license plate, displaying a desert sunset, was voted best for capturing the state’s spirit. California, Alabama, Arkansas and Connecticut round out the top five.

The survey asked 1,000 drivers from across the country which plates stood out on the road, and what made them so appealing. It also asked about color scheme, slogans and imagery.

The online article describes the reasoning for Arizona’s top spot:

The plate features four iconic Saguaro cacti silhouetted against a golden sunset, with the tagline “Grand Canyon State” emblazoned across the bottom in clean, bold lettering. A teal color palette along the top of the plate is reminiscent of the state gem – turquoise. (Fun fact – the City of Sedona would only approve a McDonald’s opening in the tourist town if it changed its iconic Golden Arches symbol to teal.) More than 60% of survey respondents who picked the plate said they liked its color scheme.

The Arizona plate was chosen first overall by drivers in our survey – they were attracted to the imagery and felt it perfectly captured the state’s spirit.

Of course, you don’t have to stick with this plate. Arizona also offers nearly 100 specialty plate options that you can choose from to represent you and your interests. Most specialty plates cost $25 each year. Of that amount, $17 goes to a designated charity or nonprofit group. To see the standard and specialty plate options, visit azdot.gov/plates. Personalization can be added for an additional $25 per year.

Back To ADOT Blog

ADOT unveils five new specialty license plates

ADOT unveils five new specialty license plates

ADOT unveils five new specialty license plates

July 13, 2023

Two redesigned plates also available through Motor Vehicle Division

PHOENIX – Arizonans now have even more choices to support their favorite charitable causes as the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division offers five new specialty license plates.

In addition to more than 90 other speciality plates that can be viewed at azdot.gov/plates and ordered at azmvdnow.gov/plates, MVD now offers Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock, Arizona Realtors® Homes for All, Cancer Support for Families, Diné College Warriors and U.S. Army.

“We know that people who choose specialty license plates for their vehicles take pride in displaying their connection to these community organizations,” MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “MVD is pleased that we can partner with the various organizations dedicated to helping Arizonans.”

Most specialty plates cost $25 each year. Of that amount, $17 goes to a designated charity or nonprofit group. During the fiscal year that ended June 30, 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.

In addition to the five new plates, Arizona Coyotes and the Families of Fallen Police Officers plates have been redesigned. The Families of Fallen Police Officers plate has been changed to Honoring Fallen Police Officers.

Learn more about each of these plates:

Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock

This speciality plate supports free art, music and dance programs for all youth at Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers in Phoenix and Mesa. The designated $17 goes to provide a safe space for all teens ages 12-20 to spend time, receive positive mentorship and free music, art, dance, photography and recording studio lessons and opportunities.

"Arizona is known for great sunsets, cactus, the best Mexican food, monsoons and, now, an Alice Cooper specialty license plate,” the legendary Arizona rocker said. “More importantly, this specialty plate will assist Solid Rock Teen Centers in providing free music, art and dance programs to all Arizona teenagers. We hope that many of my fellow Arizona neighbors will get this speciality plate for their cars and motorcycles to support teens in Arizona.”

Arizona Realtors® Homes for All

This specialty plate is available to anyone, and proceeds go to the Arizona REALTORS® Foundation for Housing and Community Outreach to help Arizona communities establish housing projects.

“The Arizona REALTORS® is grateful for the opportunity to support affordable housing projects across our great State as we help Arizonans on their path to the American Dream of homeownership,” said Eric Gibbs, 2023 Arizona REALTORS® President. “This plate furthers the mission of the Foundation for Housing and Community Outreach whose projects and efforts address the condition of, access to, and availability of housing. Together, we can reduce homelessness and foster the dream of owning a home.”

Cancer Support for Families

This specialty plate is available to anyone, with proceeds going to Cancer Support Community Arizona’s emotional and social support services.

“Cancer Support Community Arizona is extremely excited to have a specialty license plate that will highlight what we do in our community,” said Annet Ruiter, Cancer Support Community Arizona Chief Mission Officer. “This is just another great way people can get involved with Cancer Support Community Arizona and ultimately make a bigger impact for people impacted by cancer in Arizona. Anyone who purchases this plate helps us offer more than 100 free programs per month that are specially designed to support cancer patients, their families, and caregivers including support groups, healthy lifestyle programs, education presentations, social connections, and embedded hospital navigators who connect cancer patients to resources. Thank you for helping us ensure that Community is Stronger than Cancer.”

Diné College Warriors

This specialty plate is available to anyone, with proceeds supporting the educational pursuits and success of students at Diné College on the Navajo Nation.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division to release these special license plates," said Dr. Charles “Monty” Roessel, President of Diné College. "By displaying these plates on their vehicles, our students, alumni, and supporters can proudly showcase their commitment to education and their connection to the Navajo Nation. We encourage all Navajo Nation members, Diné College supporters, and those who value education and cultural heritage to consider purchasing these special license plates. Your support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and contribute to the continued success of Diné College."

U.S. Army

This specialty plate is available to anyone, with proceeds going toward scholarships for children of soldiers and spouses of active duty enlisted soldiers.

“The directors and all-volunteer team at the Army Scholarship Foundation are most grateful to the State of Arizona and the Arizona retired military community for making the U.S. Army specialty license plate possible,” said Jeff Gault, U.S. Army retired, and Chief Executive of the Army Scholarship Foundation. "We are especially appreciative of Chief Warrant Officer Robert Rosales, U.S. Army retired, of Tucson, AZ for his leadership and untiring efforts to see this project to completion. We are so grateful for this incredible opportunity and are also most appreciative of the generosity, service, and patriotism of all who purchase the license plate. This will assist our American military family members who are in pursuit of their educational dreams for a better life and a better America."

Those who currently have Arizona Coyotes and Families of Fallen Police Officers plates may request the new designs for a $5 replacement fee plus postage. The previous design will remain valid for use.

Proceeds from the Arizona Coyotes plate go to the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, which supports organizations and programs that promote access to education, health and wellness and economic advancement in underserved and diverse communities. The Honoring Fallen Police Officers plate benefits C.O.P.S. Arizona, which provides support and resources to survivors and co-workers affected by line-of-duty deaths.

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

Arizonans are first in the nation to add driver licenses to Apple Wallet

Arizonans are first in the nation to add driver licenses to Apple Wallet

Arizonans are first in the nation to add driver licenses to Apple Wallet

March 23, 2022

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division embraces the motto, “Out of the line and safely on the road.” This is a nod to MVD’s commitment to putting Arizonans first by reducing in-office wait times and offering customers a growing number of digital options.

Today, ADOT MVD is aiming higher – literally – and that motto could easily be revised to “out of the line and safely in the sky.”

That’s because Arizona is the first state in the nation whose residents, beginning today, can add their MVD-issued driver license or state ID card to Apple Wallet on an iPhone or Apple Watch and securely present it as a valid ID at select TSA airport security checkpoints at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

“With this technology, Arizonans are at the front of the line for experiencing a streamlined airport security process,” Governor Doug Ducey said. “This puts our state at the leading edge of a new technology that offers choice, convenience, privacy and security.”

After adding a driver license or state ID to Apple Wallet, upon arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, travelers can use Apple Wallet to present their ID at designated TSA airport security checkpoints.

“Arizona is proud to be the first state to give our residents the choice to add their ID to Apple Wallet,” Arizona MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “We will continue to seek out opportunities for products and services that provide Arizonans security, privacy and ease of use.”

At this time, an Arizona driver license or state ID in Apple Wallet can be used to present a resident’s ID only at select TSA airport security checkpoints. This is a new technology and its use case will grow over time. Arizona residents should continue to carry their physical, plastic driver license or state ID card to use in other situations, including with law enforcement.

For more information on Arizona driver licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet, please

visit azdot.gov/AppleWallet and https://apple.co/wallet-id

How to add a driver license or state ID to Apple Wallet

Adding a driver license or state ID to Apple Wallet can be done in just a few simple steps. Arizona residents can tap the + button at the top of the screen in Apple Wallet on their iPhone, select “Driver’s License or State ID” and follow the on-screen instructions to start the set-up and verification process. You will need your physical MVD-issued driver license or ID card to add it to Apple Wallet.

Driver’s license and state ID in Apple Wallet is available on iPhone 8 or later running iOS 15.4, and Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 8.4 or later.

How to use your Arizona ID in Apple Wallet at the airport

Arizona residents can present their driver license or state ID at participating TSA airport security checkpoints by simply tapping their iPhone or Apple Watch at the identity reader. Upon tapping their iPhone or Apple Watch, customers will see a prompt on their device displaying which specific information is being requested by the TSA. Only after authorizing with Face ID or Touch ID is the requested identity information released from their device. Information is all shared digitally, so residents do not need to show or hand over their device to present their ID.

Your Arizona driver license or state ID in Apple Wallet is secure

State IDs and driver licenses in Wallet are private and secure. If a resident loses their iPhone or Apple Watch, they can use the “Find My” app to easily lock their device and help locate it, or remotely erase their device.

Identity data is encrypted and protected against tampering and theft. The MVD and Apple do not know when or where residents present their IDs. Biometric authentication using Face ID and Touch ID ensures that only the person who added the ID to the device can view or present their ID or license in Apple Wallet.

Shazam! Suns specialty license plates are hot

Shazam! Suns specialty license plates are hot

Shazam! Suns specialty license plates are hot

July 15, 2021

The “Valley Oop” slam by Deandre Ayton. The gritty leadership of Chris Paul. The single-minded focus of Devin Booker. The exceptional coaching. All are setting up great moments for Arizona sports fans right now. But even though the NBA Finals are still in progress, there already is a winner: the charitable causes supported by the club through the sale of Phoenix Suns specialty license plates.

According to figures released by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division, Suns specialty license plates generated just over $12,000 in sales for the month of June alone. That’s an increase of about $3,500 from May, in which there were sales of just under $8,500. During the previous 10 months, sales of Suns plates averaged approximately $7,000 per month.

Suns plates require a $25 initial application fee and can be renewed for $25 a year. As with most specialty plates, $17 goes to a charitable organization, in this case the Phoenix Suns Charities for youth education and development, college scholarship programs and community development.

For more information about specialty plates, visit azdot.gov

Globe MVD office closed due to fire restrictions

Globe MVD office closed due to fire restrictions

Globe MVD office closed due to fire restrictions

June 8, 2021

With fire restrictions in place, and to ensure the safety of staff and customers, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division office in Globe is temporarily closed. There is no timetable for reopening.

Customers can complete MVD services by going online at www.azmvdnow.gov or www.servicearizona.com; or call MVD at 602-255-0072.

Two-thirds of all MVD services and transactions can be completed online at www.azmvdnow.gov. Here’s a sampling of what can be done online:

Renew vehicle registration
Renew driver license
Order a replacement driver license or ID card
Change your address
Order specialty and personalized license plates
Submit a sold notice

Face coverings now required for ADOT employees; customers required to follow suit

Face coverings now required for ADOT employees; customers required to follow suit

Face coverings now required for ADOT employees; customers required to follow suit

June 19, 2020

PHOENIX – In order to strengthen efforts to protect the health and safety of all Arizonans during the current pandemic, all Arizona Department of Transportation offices, including the Motor Vehicle Division, now require employees and customers to wear face coverings.

“Our first priority is the safety and well-being of our customers and employees,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “COVID-19 is a significant health threat and we are committed to doing everything we can to protect Arizonans, especially those in vulnerable populations.”

Based on guidelines from state and national public health authorities, ADOT is making the wearing of coverings mandatory for employees and customers who have appointments at MVD offices and any other ADOT locations where the public does business. This includes ports of entry and Enforcement and Compliance Division offices, VIN inspection locations and the Executive Hearing Office, among others. Previously, only customers at MVD offices with road-test appointments were required to wear face coverings.

Many Arizona municipalities are requiring people to wear coverings in public, and ADOT urges customers to be aware of the policies in their communities.

The vast majority of customer contacts occur at MVD offices. Locations have been open since the public health emergency was declared in March, but appointments are required and are limited to services such as first-time driver licenses, first-time registrations and road tests.

While the face covering requirement is new, since the declaration of the public health emergency MVD offices have implemented a number of procedures to protect the public’s health:

MVD began limiting all office visits to appointment-only to reduce the number of customer and employee interactions. This also discourages lines forming outside.
Every office now has clear screens separating employees and customers as well as social distancing markers.
To further reduce the need for customers to visit an office, a statewide customer service phone line at 602.712.2700 was established to handle some transactions. Customers may also email MVD through the ADOT Contact page at azdot.gov. Also, online offerings increased significantly with more services added to azmvdnow.gov.
There is added cleaning of each location on a regular basis.
Many MVD services are available online anytime at azmvdnow.gov or through ServiceArizona.com.
Online options are especially important as the customer service experience has been impacted due to the coronavirus. Call center operations have been diminished, meaning call queues can be more than 30 minutes before reaching a customer service representative.

“ADOT continues working with our telephone system providers to improve the customer experience,” Halikowski said. “We are operating in unprecedented times and our customers are feeling the stress of that when trying to do business with us. We recognize this is not the level of service that the public has come to expect, or that we expect from ourselves, and we are working hard to find new ways to safely and effectively serve the public.”

With employees absent due to illness and quarantine requirements, customer service representatives are feeling the pressure to maintain acceptable levels of service – building on the improvements heralded at MVD over the past few years.

“Before this public health emergency, MVD was focused on improving the customer experience and reducing wait times in offices. We haven’t lost that focus,” said Eric Jorgensen, director of ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division. “We know today’s situation for customers isn’t good, and we apologize for that. At the same time, we have offices around the state with front-line workers dedicated to keeping pace with the needs of our customers. Under stressful and hectic conditions, they are pushing forward to provide critical services for the public. We are making process and technology improvements every day to make the situation better for Arizonans.”

The face covering requirement for employees, customers and visitors will be effective Monday, June 22.

For more information: azdot.gov.

MVD customers: Check online before calling statewide hotline

MVD customers: Check online before calling statewide hotline

MVD customers: Check online before calling statewide hotline

April 30, 2020

PHOENIX – With Motor Vehicle Division offices currently limited to essential services that require in-person visits by appointment, the Arizona Department of Transportation strongly recommends that customers try going online, visiting Authorized Third Party offices or using the U.S. mail before seeking office appointments.

Due to the current public health situation, MVD offices cannot accept walk-in customers.

Call volume is very high to the statewide MVD customer service hotline at 602.255.0072, where customers needing to conduct essential transactions can make office appointments, in part because customers are trying to schedule visits for services that don’t require them.

The only essential services that must be done at an MVD office are: first-time driver licenses or ID cards; first-time vehicle registrations; and some complex title work.

For all other MVD needs, there are several options including going online at ServiceArizona.com, which will direct customers to a menu of MVD services, including those offered through secure, personal accounts at azmvdnow.gov. Customers can learn more about setting up an AZ MVD Now account at azdot.gov/motor-vehicle-services.

Authorized Third Party offices provide another option. Many provide full MVD services, while others have limited offerings. For information about hours, locations and the MVD services provided, please visit ServiceArizona.com.

While the learner’s Permit Test @ Home is available online at azmvdnow.gov, no appointments are being accepted to complete the learner’s permit process because of health guidelines limiting capacity at MVD offices. ADOT is encouraging customers to delay getting learner’s permits until further notice.

For more information, please visit azdot.gov.

Subscribe to Motor Vehicle Division