MVD

Contacting ADOT Fraud Hotline clears record of identity theft victim

Contacting ADOT Fraud Hotline clears record of identity theft victim

Contacting ADOT Fraud Hotline clears record of identity theft victim

December 17, 2024

ADOT detectives trained to investigate vehicle and driver license fraud

PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Transportation detectives’ expertise in investigating identity theft and safeguarding personal information cleared a driver’s record after another person gave his name when arrested for driving under the influence.

After the constituent contacted ADOT Fraud Hotline in October, detectives with ADOT’s Office of Inspector General looked into the case and, using an arrest photo and facial-recognition technology, determined that another person, Orlando Garcia, had stolen the constituent’s identity and given it to authorities when pulled over for DUI in September 2024.

Detectives then collaborated with the Phoenix Police Department, which arrested Garcia for aggravated DUI and identity theft charges in this case, and also for outstanding charges of misconduct involving weapons, aggravated DUI, endangerment and drug offenses.

“This was an outstanding effort to not only address the complaint, but to also help get a dangerous individual off Arizona roadways,” said Lieutenant Jason Henderson with ADOT’s Office of Inspector General. “We encourage anyone who suspects fraudulent activity against their driver license or ID card, vehicle registration or title to report it immediately.”

ADOT’s 24-hour Fraud Hotline is available to those who suspect fraud involving driver license, title and registration and criminal activity. Please call 877.712.2370, email [email protected] or file a report at azdot.gov/incident-report.

Detectives with ADOT’s Office of Inspector General, which is part of the Enforcement and Compliance Division, also investigate fraud involving vehicle title and registration, VIN inspections, and licensed and unlicensed dealers. They also support investigations by state, local and federal law enforcement.

Training course required for off highway vehicle registrations

Training course required for off highway vehicle registrations

Training course required for off highway vehicle registrations

December 3, 2024

ADOT MVD partnering with Arizona Game and Fish to offer course online

PHOENIX – Owners registering off-highway vehicles (OHVs) will use AZMVDNOW.gov to take a safety course required by a state law taking effect in January.

The free course, created by Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), will include content related to the safe operations of these vehicles. The educational course consists of a 10-minute instructional video followed by 20 multiple-choice questions. This course will be required one time for at least one of the OHV owners prior to vehicle registrations or renewals between Jan. 1, 2025, and June 1, 2027.

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division and AZGFD are partnering to offer this safety course online. Arizona residents will be able to complete the course through AZMVDNOW.gov, the online portal for motor vehicle services in Arizona as well as MVD office locations across the state. Non-residents will be able to take the course online at AZGFD.gov.

MVD’s online portal is a natural fit to host the training for Arizona residents, as the customer will be able to take the course as well as complete the registration renewal process conveniently and securely in one online location.

The 2025 and beyond OHV decals placed on the vehicle will indicate to law enforcement that the owner has successfully completed the course and the vehicle is legally registered.

If a business has OHVs registered to it, a representative from the business will need to take the course on the business' AZ MVD Now account.

For additional information about this new course, please visit azdot.gov/mvd/OHV

Water damage and other spooky things that can make buying a used car ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’

Water damage and other spooky things that can make buying a used car ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’

Water damage and other spooky things that can make buying a used car ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’

By Bill Lamoreaux / ADOT Communications

October 25, 2024

The headlight of a black car showing its age with peeling paint.

Halloween is here, which means candy, costumes, trick or treating and scary movies. And if you don’t pay attention to the Signs, buying a used car could feel like the Little Shop of Horrors and make you Scream.

After all, used vehicles can have a frightening story. Gremlins such as flood damage, bad repair work, being stolen, swapped identification numbers, odometer tampering, and fraudulent or missing titles and liens can all lead to Hocus Pocus during the purchasing process. But you can avoid these Stranger Things by taking some time and researching the vehicle’s history.

So avoid Misery and use the following tips and resources so your used car purchase will not turn into (It’s) the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is a national vehicle database established to help protect consumers from vehicle related fraud. You can obtain information on the vehicle’s title, history and condition by obtaining a vehicle history report from an NMVTIS-approved provider.
Check out all of the vehicle’s nooks and crannies for signs of water damage. 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. Finally, take a good whiff in those areas. Water damage leaves a distinctive smell.
Check the electrical and mechanical components. 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.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a website that will provide information on vehicle safety ratings and vehicle recalls.
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.

ADOT also has a helpful car buying checklist you may use as a guide when you find that perfect Munster Mobile for you and your Addams Family.

With these tips and resources, your next vehicle purchase experience may give you Goosebumps, rather than feeling like The Nightmare before Christmas.

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Video shows teens the process of getting a driver license at the MVD

Video shows teens the process of getting a driver license at the MVD

Video shows teens the process of getting a driver license at the MVD

By Kelsey Mo / ADOT Communications

October 22, 2024

A Motor Vehicle Division building in Prescott

Imagine this: You’re freshly 16, and you’re itching to start driving on your own. But you’ve got to pass the Arizona road test first. But it’s a little intimidating and you’re not sure what to expect.

We know taking the actual road test can be stressful and it might be nerve-wracking to walk into a Motor Vehicle Division office without knowing the process. The video below takes teens through what they can expect when they go to the local MVD to get their driver license.

Here’s what you need to know:

Before going to the MVD:

Schedule your road test appointment ahead of time on azmvdnow.gov. All road tests must be scheduled.

When you first walk into the MVD

On the day of your test, arrive 15 minutes early and check in to the system at the kiosk.
Join the “appointment” line.
Once you’re called up, confirm your information and parental or guardian consent (if you’re a minor) with the customer service representative. A parent or legal guardian will need to accompany you if you’re younger than 18.
You’ll get your photo taken (make sure you look nice!) and the customer service representative will give you additional instructions.

At this point, you’ll be directed to pull your car around to the testing location and you’ll meet with your instructor. The instructor will:

Inspect your vehicle for roadworthiness (checking that tires have enough tread, mirrors are in good condition, etc.).
Ask you for your vehicle registration and current insurance. Before you head out to your appointment, make sure you know what these records are and where they’re located.
Ask you to point out operational features of the vehicle (pointing where your windshield wipers are, where the defroster button is, etc.).

After all of that, you’re ready to start the road test! This is what you’ve been practicing. Usually it takes about 20 minutes. When you’ve returned from the test, your instructor will let you know if you’ve passed or failed. If you pass (we hope you do) you’ll go back into the building to receive your temporary paper license.

If you do not pass, don’t be discouraged. You can start the process over and make another appointment to retake the test as soon as the next day.

Hopefully this helps you prepare and eases some of your nerves heading into the road test. Take a deep breath and good luck!

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MVD’s Keys to Change station aids over 8,300 people in first year

MVD’s Keys to Change station aids over 8,300 people in first year

MVD’s Keys to Change station aids over 8,300 people in first year

August 29, 2024

Partnership with Homeless ID Project helps campus clients get state-issued IDs

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.

Students are going off to college soon, send them with a Travel ID

Students are going off to college soon, send them with a Travel ID

Students are going off to college soon, send them with a Travel ID

By Bill Lamoreaux / ADOT Communications

August 15, 2024

A woman walks with a carry-on bag at an airport.

Before your student flies off to college, there is one more piece of homework for them and you: Upgrade their driver license to the Arizona Travel ID while they are still in town, and they’ll be ready for the federal deadline around the corner.

Beginning May 7, 2025, you will need a federally compliant credential such as the Arizona Travel ID to get past TSA checkpoints at airports for domestic flights. This credential is distinguished by a gold star in the upper right corner and is available to Arizona residents as a driver license or identification card.

Don’t get grounded, go to AZTravelID.com to learn more about the process and deadline. Join the 2.25 million Arizonans who have already upgraded to the Arizona Travel ID.

You can walk into an MVD office for this service, but we suggest scheduling an appointment and that can be done online at azmvdnow.gov. Even if you haven’t activated your AZ MVD NOW account, you can still schedule a Travel ID appointment.

Because the Arizona Travel ID is compliant with the federal standards, you will need to provide extra documentation like a birth certificate, Social Security number and proof of Arizona residency.

Take the time now to update their current driver license or ID card to the Arizona Travel ID and avoid the stress of dealing with this while they are away at college.

Now is also a good time to get your Travel ID so you are ready to fly for parents’ weekend no matter where in the country your student attends.

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

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ADOT unveils three new specialty license plates

ADOT unveils three new specialty license plates

ADOT unveils three new specialty license plates

August 14, 2024

Two more plates also now available for motorcycles

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.

MVD employees donate bottled water and other summertime relief

MVD employees donate bottled water and other summertime relief

MVD employees donate bottled water and other summertime relief

By Bill Lamoreaux / ADOT Communications

August 5, 2024

A collage of photos featuring people collecting water bottles.

In Arizona’s infamous summer heat, you can work up a sweat very quickly and easily from basic yardwork or even a short walk, making that first sip of water a refreshing relief.

Understanding the importance of water during these months, the MVD Community Connections team has organized another bottled water drive to help several different community organizations around the state provide liquid relief.

MVD offices in Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Globe, Mesa/Gilbert, Nogales, Safford, Scottsdale, Tucson and Yuma all donated cases of water and other heat relief supplies like lip balm, deodorant, lotion and sunscreen and delivered them to organizations in their communities. In total, more than 250 cases of water were collected and distributed to organizations around the state that provide food, water, services and shelter for those experiencing hunger, poverty and homelessness. These organizations included Central Arizona Shelter Services, Gila Valley Samaritan Home, Crossroads Mission, La Frontera and Pa de Cristo Outreach Center.

The mission of the MVD Community Connections team is building positive relationships within the community by lending a hand and inspiring others. The team organizes several donation events each year to benefit the local community of each MVD office location.

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ADOT MVD offers retailers a new app for mobile ID age verification

ADOT MVD offers retailers a new app for mobile ID age verification

ADOT MVD offers retailers a new app for mobile ID age verification

July 30, 2024

Arizonans now have another way to use digital driver licenses and IDs

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.

MVD Community Connections turns 2!

MVD Community Connections turns 2!

MVD Community Connections turns 2!

By Bill Lamoreaux / ADOT Communications

July 12, 2024

A collage of photos featuring MVD employees helping out around the community.

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division charitable team known as MVD Community Connections is celebrating two years of giving back to Arizona communities.

Over these last two years, the MVD Community Connections team has organized a variety of donation drives and other opportunities for MVD employees to give back to their communities across the state.

The most recent donation drive collected thousands of water bottles for those in need during the hot summer months. Another favorite event of the team, “Tools for Schools,” is just around the corner. Each year multiple MVD offices across the state collect school supplies just ahead of the new school year and share the supplies with a school within the same community as the MVD office.

The ‘Detect it, Treat it, Defeat it!’ was a very personal campaign for Sammi Perkins, Avondale MVD Office Manager and Mayra Kokumo, Phoenix Call Center Manager. These two locations' employees collected blankets, slippers, sweaters, beanies, pillows and other comforting items and brought them to the City of Hope cancer center in Goodyear. The supplies donated brought a warm feeling of support and distraction so the treatment could do the work needed to beat the disease.

“I know firsthand our donations helped 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. “Every time 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 events included food and water drives, holiday toy and clothing drives, pet food and supply drives for our furry friends and even the collection of nearly 450 pounds of aluminum soda tabs to help the Ronald McDonald Houses in Arizona. Collected items go directly to organizations within the community of each MVD location.

Giving back is a great way to feel connected to the community, and that’s exactly what the MVD Community Connections team has been inspired to do the last two years. We can’t wait to see what year three and beyond will include.

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