PHOENIX – A partnership between the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division and the Homeless ID Project has helped more than 8,300 people get state-issued IDs in its first year at the Keys To Change campus near downtown Phoenix. 

Nearly 6,600 clients experiencing instability or homelessness have been able to get replacement driver licenses or state IDs at the campus, while an additional 1,800 people were connected with help available beyond the location. Getting a state-issued ID is essential for obtaining housing, services and employment.

MVD’s presence began with an on-site representative and has transitioned to a TeleMVD location connecting clients with live assistance.  

“The TeleMVD setup inside the Homeless ID Project offices is an exciting opportunity for MVD to use technology to provide services at places they are needed at the moment our customers need them,” said Eric Jorgensen, ADOT Motor Vehicle Division Director. “With TeleMVD directly on site, we are excited to assist the Homeless ID Project with their community efforts helping those individuals experiencing homelessness.”

The MVD presence complements the efforts of the Homeless ID Project, which helps provide documents, including replacement copies of birth certificates from all 50 states, on the Keys To Change campus. 

“After one full year, our appreciation for this service remains high,” said Homeless ID Project Executive Director Rick Mitchell. “We are truly grateful to the Department. The partnership with ADOT/MVD has been a game changer in our efforts to help so many of our clients.”

This location is set up with the computer equipment, printer, scanner and camera necessary to help fulfill requests as a TeleMVD office in which customers can conduct many transactions with MVD representatives located elsewhere. TeleMVD allows a customer to complete dozens of vehicle and driver license services without having to travel to an MVD office.

About ADOT MVD: 

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division processes more than 14.5 million transactions each fiscal year, approximately half of those are online through azmvdnow.gov, getting you out of the line and safely on the road.

About Homeless ID Project:

Homeless ID Project is a privately funded nonprofit whose mission is to empower homeless individuals and families to rebuild their lives by providing the critical first step of identification replacement services. The agency was founded in 1988 by Reverend Gerald Roseberry following a month of self‐imposed homelessness during which he discovered that many individuals experiencing homelessness wanting to get a job or find housing had no access to replacement documents that had been lost, stolen, or left behind. 

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 the Hualapai Tribe, Phoenix Rising FC and Rotary International specialty plates, MVD now offers 104 options that can be viewed at azdot.gov/plates and ordered at azmvdnow.gov/plates. 

In addition to the three new plates, Arizona Highways and the redesigned Keep Arizona Beautiful plates are both now available as motorcycle 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:

Hualapai Tribe

This specialty plate is available to anyone, and $17 goes to the Hualapai Tribe for ongoing human services to Tribal elders, healthy and positive activities for Tribal youth, and support for programs related to health, recreation and education in the community.  

“The Hualapai Tribe is proud to have a specialty license plate now available to citizens across Arizona and is grateful to the many Tribal members who helped make this possible,” said Tribal Chairman Duane Clarke. “Those who purchase the Hualapai Tribe specialty plates will be helping with ongoing support for programs in the community. This is a great opportunity, and we look forward to sharing the many benefits with the Hualapai people.”

Phoenix Rising FC

This specialty plate is available to anyone, and $17 goes to provide soccer programs and services to boys and girls K thru 12 whose families have financial challenges.

"Our fans have been asking for a Phoenix Rising license plate for years, and we’re thrilled to finally make this a reality. We involved our fans every step of the way to select the most popular plate while adhering to the state’s guidelines," said Phoenix Rising President Bobby Dulle. "It’s a fantastic way for our fans to show their Rising pride on the road and, best of all, every plate purchased will support our youth programs, helping to make the game more accessible for young players across our community."

Rotary International 

This specialty plate is available to anyone, with $17 going to support the Rotary Clubs of Arizona and their projects.

“These license plates will not only showcase our commitment to service but also provide an opportunity for individuals to support Rotary's humanitarian efforts such as education, health, and clean water," said Stephen Phair, President and Founder of the Rotary Clubs of Arizona. "This has been a collaborative effort involving Rotarians from every corner of our state, and we are grateful for their contributions. The official license plate will serve as a symbol of Rotary's dedication to making a positive impact in communities locally and globally."

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

PHOENIX – ADOT MVD today will enable mobile ID acceptance on iPhone with the Smart ID Verifier app. By using the Smart ID Verifier app, Arizona retailers can easily and securely accept mobile IDs in person to verify the ages of customers purchasing alcohol directly on their iPhones, no additional hardware needed. This new feature will bring Arizonans another way to use their mobile driver licenses.

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is partnering with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control to enable Mobile ID Acceptance on iPhone with the Smart ID Verifier app, available in the App Store. Participating retailers selling age-restricted beverages have an efficient and secure way to verify a customer’s age. Retailers using the Smart ID Verifier app will only be provided the required information necessary for age verification, such as a customer's age and ID photo. The information is encrypted between devices, so customers do not need to hand over their smartphones.   

“ADOT MVD is proud to once again provide new ways for Arizonans to seamlessly conduct business,” said Eric Jorgensen, ADOT MVD Director. “This digital verification process is a more secure and private way to present identification.”

Mobile IDs, including IDs in Apple Wallet and IDs in Google Wallet, as well as the physical MVD-issued ID card can be accepted using the Smart ID Verifier app. Starting today, businesses will be able to verify age and properly record the verification for compliance with alcohol sales laws. Neither MVD nor Apple have access to users’ personal information and neither can see when or where users present their mobile IDs.

“The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control is excited to partner with the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division in the announcement of Mobile ID Acceptance on iPhone with the Smart ID Verifier app,” said Ben Henry, Department of Liquor Licenses and Control Director. “With this new capability, establishments can securely verify patrons' identification and determine they are of legal drinking age - right on iPhone. This will provide additional ease while maintaining compliance with Arizona Liquor Laws.”

Participation in the acceptance of mobile IDs is optional. Arizonans should continue to carry their physical driver licenses or state ID cards for those retailers who don’t yet accept the digital option.

For additional information about the Smart ID Verifier Ap, please visit azdot.gov/smart-id-verifier-app

Arizona was the first state to offer four options to keep your digital license or ID in your smartphone. Arizona first offered the Mobile ID (mID) in 2021, then in 2022 was the first state to add Apple Wallet. Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet for Android devices became available for Arizona driver licenses or ID cards in 2023. 

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

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.

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.