PHOENIX – Arizona is launching a program through which drivers on the autism spectrum can place their credentials in special blue envelopes to enhance communication with law enforcement officers during traffic stops. 

This voluntary program, which includes education for law enforcement officers, follows a model used successfully in Connecticut. The envelope will have instructions for the driver and law enforcement officer to follow and advise the officer that the driver may respond differently to instructions in situations that can increase anxiety. 

To provide the necessary groundwork and training, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is partnering with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and the University of Arizona’s Police Department, Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (ArizonaLEND) training program.

“When I heard about this program in Connecticut, I was extremely fascinated and intrigued to see if we could incorporate it here in Arizona,“ ADOT MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “MVD is thrilled to be partnering with DPS and the University of Arizona Police Department to help calm what can otherwise be potentially stressful situations.”

This program will function similarly to the one Connecticut established in 2020. The blue envelope is a voluntary way to hold important vehicle documents such as insurance and registration, while also being a communication tool between the driver and law enforcement during an interaction.

"This program provides explicit support for drivers who choose to participate," said Jennifer Casteix, UArizona Clinical Professor and ArizonaLEND faculty member. "Better understanding of communication differences should positively impact these interactions."

After his interim appointment at the University of Arizona in May 2023, Police Chief Chris Olson shared his desire to bring the Blue Envelope Program to the university. Creating partnerships with University of Arizona units that specialize in autism research and caring for the community have been key in laying the groundwork for this program at the University of Arizona. 

According to Chief Olson, “The Blue Envelope program is an outstanding public safety initiative that seeks to improve communication between police officers and autistic drivers during traffic stops.” 

Director Jeffrey Glover of the Arizona Department of Public Safety said, “The AZDPS is proud to support and be a part of the Blue Envelope Program. A program like this, seeking to enhance safety for both members of the public as well as all law enforcement officers in the State of Arizona, is absolutely invaluable.”

"We are implementing this program with an evidence-based approach to better support law enforcement and autistic drivers to improve safety outcomes," said Dr. Nell Maltman, UArizona Assistant Professor with the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.

Training with officers and volunteer drivers to simulate a traffic stop with the blue envelopes will be happening next week at the University of Arizona’s Tucson campus.

The envelopes are expected to be available through ADOT MVD offices, various law enforcement locations as well as other locations across the state starting in May.

For additional information about this program, please visit azdot.gov/BlueEnvelope. 

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.

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. 

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. 

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is adding yet another option for digital identification. Arizonans can now keep a digital driver license or state ID in Samsung Wallet on their Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

“Arizona is proud to be the first state to offer Samsung Wallet for carrying and presenting a driver license or state ID,” Arizona MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “ADOT MVD continues to find easy new ways for Arizonans to conveniently and securely conduct business. Whether that is utilizing your smartphone to digitally present your identity safely, or the ability to take care of MVD services securely online at azmvdnow.gov, or even a quick easy chat with an MVD expert online to get you out of the line and safely on the road.”

Arizona is the first state to offer four options to keep your digital license or ID in your smartphone. Arizona first offered the mobile driver license (mID) in 2021, then in 2022 was the first state to add Apple Wallet, and just last month Google Wallet for Android devices became available for Arizona driver licenses or ID cards. 

Digital identity is a new technology that Arizonans can utilize and securely present it as a valid ID at select TSA airport security checkpoints. Arizona residents should continue to carry their physical driver license or state ID card to use in other situations, including with law enforcement.

To learn more about mobile options for Arizona driver licenses and state IDs, please visit azdot.gov/DigitalIDs.

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.

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.

PHOENIX – Donate Life America presented the director of the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division with its Lifesaver Award to honor ADOT’s commitment to making it easy for customers to register as organ and tissue donors. 

The Donor Network of Arizona nominated Eric Jorgensen for this national award, citing his leadership on initiatives to promote organ and tissue donation registrations through the MVD.

“This recognition is for everyone at MVD who continues to promote and help this important cause,” Jorgensen said. “The vast majority of people who register to become organ donors do so through MVD. We continually find ways to make sure people have the opportunity to register and potentially help save lives.”

MVD partners with the Donor Network of Arizona to provide opportunities for customers to sign up to become an organ donor at MVD offices, as well as online at azmvdnow.gov.

That box on the driver’s license or state ID application is small – people often make the decision in just a few seconds – yet the implications are huge. Each decision to check the box as an organ, eye and tissue donor can possibly save eight lives and heal 75 more.

ADOT MVD and Donor Network of Arizona have partnered for nearly 20 years to educate people about organ, eye and tissue donation and make it easy to register. Today, more than 4 million Arizonans are registered donors, and about 95% of donor registrations occur when a person applies for or renews their Arizona driver license or state ID card.

Please visit DonateLifeAZ.org to learn more about organ and tissue donation and to register as a donor.

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) now offers more easy ways to find what you need through Live Chat on the azdot.gov website.  

MVD is making it even more convenient to conduct business online by making more services available via Live Chat, including registration credit refunds and disbursements, title and registration fee estimations and registration status letter requests. These add to services such as submitting a sold notice, changing your address, replacing a disability placard and scheduling appointments to visit an MVD office.

Each live chat with an MVD employee saves the customer a trip to their local MVD office, helping shorten wait times for all customers across Arizona. Customers are able to contact MVD via chat through azdot.gov to address their concerns, receive answers to questions or complete services directly with an MVD expert online from their computer or smartphone.   

Use has steadily increased since Live Chat was introduced in September 2022, with nearly 28,000 chats in June 2023 alone. Live Chat is available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday as an easy way to get out of line and safely on the road.

Customers can also use azmvdnow.gov, call MVD at 602.255.0072 or visit an MVD office, where average wait times remain low, at just over 10 minutes. 

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

With the addition of Empower, In Loving Memory and State Forty Eight specialty plates, MVD now offers 101 options that can be viewed at azdot.gov/plates and ordered at azmvdnow.gov/plates. 

“Specialty license plates offer a great way to customize a vehicle and show your proud support for one of these uniquely Arizona organizations,” MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “MVD is pleased to offer the various plates that will have an impact for the organizations dedicated to improving Arizona and our communities.”

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.

Learn more about each of these plates:

Empower

This specialty plate is available to anyone, and $17 from each plate goes to supporting veterans and military families by empowering charitable organizations with resources necessary to carry out their missions. 

“Empower Coalition’s sole mission is to support Veterans and military families,” said Jim Storey, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Empower Coalition. “This license plate enables us to continue this mission by providing additional funds in support of these heroes. For those of you that purchase the license plate, not only will it look fantastic on your vehicle, but most importantly, the proceeds will go to those who need it the most. Empower Coalition is proud to support those who serve and protect; on behalf of the members of Empower Coalition, thank you to everyone who has and continues to serve our country.” 

In Loving Memory

This specialty plate is available to anyone, and $17 from each plate goes to ensure that no child grieves alone by providing a safe community for kids and families experiencing grief.  

“When someone purchases the "In Loving Memory" license plate they are helping support hundreds of thousands of kids and families throughout Arizona who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, child, or another special person,” said Executive Director of Billy’s Place, Kris Friedman. “Billy's Place is a safe community for kids and families experiencing grief, where, as one dad said, families go "from broken, to hopeful, to providing hope." We are grateful to our plate sponsors, New York Life, West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop, Ricky Nolasco, Norb and Judy Friedman, and the Beals Memorial Fund in Memory of Martha Beals.”

State Forty Eight

This specialty plate is available to anyone, with $17 from each plate going to the State Forty Eight Foundation and its mission to support Arizona entrepreneurs and small business owners through grant funding, education and free resources.   

“This is a momentous milestone in our journey to support Arizona entrepreneurs,” said Zach Hall, President of the State Forty Eight Foundation Board of Directors. “The effort to secure the State Forty Eight Foundation's specialty license plate was a significant undertaking, and it wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of both our team and the support of our representatives. Working closely with State Forty Eight CEO, Mike Spangenberg, we took on the challenge of educating our representatives about who we are and the substantial impact we have across the state. With every license plate purchased, the community is providing access to essential resources and grant funding for small business owners in Arizona.” 

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