MVD

A little pain, but a whole lot of gain during MVD transition

A little pain, but a whole lot of gain during MVD transition

A little pain, but a whole lot of gain during MVD transition

By Doug Nick / ADOT Communications

April 17, 2020

The old saying for athletes is, “No pain, no gain.”

At the Motor Vehicle Division we are all about reducing the pain of an office visit or using our services online. In fact, over the past few years we’ve made a lot of changes that have increased online service options and significantly reduced wait times in our offices.

That’s the good news. There’s even better news to come, but, there’s a little bit of pain before we get to the better news.

That pain is upon us. Through Tuesday, April 21, MVD will not be able to offer any kind of services throughout Arizona. None at all. Online, offices, through Authorized Third Party providers; nothing. That’s unprecedented and it’s clearly an inconvenience for you. We don’t like that, but the reason is a good one.

Our computer system is old. Really old. So old that Moses might recognize it. OK, not that old, but some parts are more than 35 years old and they’re just not going to be useful anymore. It’s time for a change, and that brings us to this complete interruption of MVD services.

In order to replace the creaky old system, we need to unplug it and put a state-of-the-art computer system in its place. That takes some time and it has to be done all at once. As soon as it’s installed, MVD employees will work long hours to test it again and again to make sure it’s ready to serve you.

When everything’s ready to go, office transactions will be more efficient and the real noticeable changes will be online.

ServiceArizona.com will still be there, but many online services will be directed to your secure, personal AZ MVD Now account. If you’re a current MVD customer, you already have an AZ MVD Now account, you simply need to activate it. You can get there at azmvdnow.gov or through ServiceArizona.com. Setting up the account is easy and free, and it features multi-factor, password protection for your security.

You will be able to get more than 30 MVD services at AZ MVD Now. Do basic title transfers, apply for a license or ID, manage your mandatory auto insurance status, look up your vehicle title and registration status, figure out when you need to pay certain fees or other costs, put money in your account for future needs, request a refund, and a whole lot more.

We live in a world where people buy groceries, pay bills, do banking and so many other things online. MVD is in the digital world, too, and our presence there will continue to grow. That also means for people who need to visit an office, we’ll be able to serve you more rapidly. It’s a win-win.

But for the next few days, there will be some hassle. Short term pain, for long term gain. We appreciate your patience and look forward to serving all our customers very soon.

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Computer replacement requires four-day MVD shutdown starting this weekend

Computer replacement requires four-day MVD shutdown starting this weekend

Computer replacement requires four-day MVD shutdown starting this weekend

April 13, 2020

PHOENIX – The replacement of an obsolete computer system will require a complete shutdown of all Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division services from 5 p.m. Friday, April 17, through Tuesday, April 21.

This shutdown is a total interruption to all services provided at MVD offices, through Authorized Third Party providers and online at ServiceArizona.com.

This interruption is mitigated somewhat by several factors. The first is that registration renewals occur at the beginning of the month or on the 15th. The dates for the shutdown fall between those periods, so customers don’t risk missing a renewal deadline.

Also, the COVID-19 health situation has resulted in a delay of the REAL ID deadline by a full year, so customers should delay getting the AZ Travel ID. In addition, Arizona driver licenses set to expire between March 1 and Sept. 1 have had those expiration dates automatically extended by six months.

These combined factors have significantly reduced the need for office visits.

The introduction of this state-of-the-art computer system has been planned for nearly five years and is required because the current platform used by MVD has elements that are more than 35 years old and are no longer sustainable.

When it becomes operational, the new system will broaden the number and type of services available online any time. The AZ MVD Now application that has been available for several years through ServiceArizona.com will expand to approximately 30 services. It can be accessed at azmvdnow.gov or through ServiceArizona.

Every current Arizona MVD customer already has an AZ MVD Now account waiting to be activated. It’s a free, secure, personal account where customers can add funds to pay for various fees and services. Among the services available are registration renewal, replacing a driver license or identification card, ordering specialty plates, getting a three-day permit, managing insurance, doing title transfers and replacements, scheduling an appointment and much more.

In addition, the changes mean that MVD will now fulfill many services by mail. Documents such as titles, registrations and all license plates will no longer be available at MVD or Authorized Third Party locations but will be sent directly to customers through the mail.

ServiceArizona.com will continue to operate for some basic transactions, but customers are encouraged to activate their personal AZ MVD Now account at azmvdnow.gov for most MVD services.

For more information: azdot.gov

Heed this message when it comes to MVD services

Heed this message when it comes to MVD services

Heed this message when it comes to MVD services

By Doug Nick / ADOT Communications

April 7, 2020

ADOT gets a lot of attention for the creative highway messages we put up from time to time. Occasionally, we get to have some fun with them, and that’s usually when we get a little love that proves that people really do read these things.

Their impact is huge. And that’s why we’re happy to see some very timely information being added to some of these signs.

For much of April, you may see a message urging you to use ServiceArizona.com for your MVD needs. While that’s always a good idea since more than two-thirds of MVD services are found there anyway, it’s especially important now. The current public health situation means that while MVD offices are open, we’re limiting the available services to just those that absolutely need to be done in person, and we require an appointment, too. It’s all about social distancing and keeping everyone as safe as possible.

We’re helped by a couple of factors. The state has granted an automatic six month extension for driver licenses that were set to expire between March 1 and Sept. 1. Those office visits can be delayed. Also, the REAL ID deadline, which was Oct. 1, 2020, has been pushed back a full year. Getting your AZ Travel ID is still important, but it can wait.

That means very few things really need to be done in person. If you’re unsure, you can call our statewide customer service number at 602.712.2700 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and a customer service representative will help you. Chances are, you can get things done online.

And if you’re rolling down the highway, look for a message board with a friendly “SOCIAL DISTANCE USE MVD ONLINE AT SERVICE ARIZONA” reminder. And tell a friend.

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AZ MVD Now a real-world solution for current MVD needs

AZ MVD Now a real-world solution for current MVD needs

AZ MVD Now a real-world solution for current MVD needs

By Doug Nick / ADOT Communications

March 30, 2020

Did you know that MVD employees live in the real world? Believe it or not, it’s true. We have to register our vehicles, renew our license, take care of title work and all those other things you can get done at MVD.

We know the pros and cons of an MVD visit, and we’d like to think (because data show it) that over the past few years, the customer experience has gotten a lot more efficient and quicker.

Obviously, for the time being things are a bit challenging. And that’s why we’ve had to make some changes on the fly, so to speak. Because of our new favorite term, “social distancing,” we’re limiting MVD office visits to only those essential services that have to be done in an office, and everything is by appointment. The number of services that require you to come by an office is actually pretty small. Of those, two biggies, renewing a license or getting an AZ Travel ID, can actually wait a while.

Getting an AZ Travel ID matters, but it can wait a bit. That’s because the federal government has extended the deadline from October of this year to Oct. 1, 2021. That extra time means that you should put it off until we’re past this public health situation. Also, for anyone whose driver license is set to expire between March 1 and Sept. 1, it’s automatically been extended by six months. It’s already a part of your motor vehicle record, but if you really want a physical license with the new date you can order one online at ServiceArizona.com.

That brings us to our call to action for all of you. Since very few services really need to be done at an office, please try ServiceArizona.com first. Once you’re there, you’ll see an application called AZ MVD Now. This is a secure, personal account that every current MVD customer already has. All you need to do is activate it. Right now, it provides basic title services, a chance to look at your vehicle registration history, take the learner’s permit test online and a few other things. In about a month, a lot more will become available at AZ MVD Now.

We’ve developed a short video explaining AZ MVD Now. It really would be worth your time to take a look and get a better idea of how MVD is working tirelessly to get Arizona out of line and safely one the road. Expanding our online presence is a huge part of how we’re doing that.

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Deadline for AZ Travel ID delayed one year

Deadline for AZ Travel ID delayed one year

Deadline for AZ Travel ID delayed one year

March 26, 2020

PHOENIX – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that the deadline for air travelers to get a driver license or ID that complies with the REAL ID Act, including the AZ Travel ID, has been pushed back a full year to Oct. 1, 2021.

With this delay and the need to reduce customer traffic at MVD locations during this public health situation, all current AZ Travel ID appointments have been canceled. Customers are urged to delay getting an AZ Travel ID until the coronavirus situation has passed to reduce customer traffic at MVD offices.

More than two-thirds of MVD services are available anytime at ServiceArizona.com.

Additionally, customers with a license or permit set to expire between March 1 and Sept. 1 have had that expiration date automatically extended by six months and updated on your motor vehicle record. They do not need to get a new license at this time.

More information: azdot.gov/mvd.

MVD office appointments required, license expirations extended

MVD office appointments required, license expirations extended

MVD office appointments required, license expirations extended

March 23, 2020

For the most current information about MVD services and appointments, visit azdot.gov/mvd.

*** Updated information December 2020 ***

In December, Gov. Doug Ducey issued an Executive Order deferring requirements to renew standard driver licenses that have an expiration date between March 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021, by one year from their original expiration date.

MVD office visits are by appointment-only and masks are required to be worn in MVD offices. Some MVD office appointments – permit tests, road tests, Travel ID and driver license renewal – can be scheduled online at AZMVDNow.gov. Other MVD appointments can be scheduled by calling the statewide service number at 602.255.0072 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Vist the Contact MVD page for more information.

Two-thirds of all MVD transactions can be completed online at AZMVDNow.gov and ServiceArizona.com. These include registration renewals, ordering a duplicate driver license, title transfers, sold notices, updating insurance information, and many more.

Customers can also complete many transactions at Authorized Third Party offices.

For more information: azdot.gov/mvd.

*** Original news release from March 2020 is below ***

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division reminds customers that all MVD office visits require an appointment. Only services that have to be done in person are available. This does not apply to Authorized Third Party providers.

To reduce the number of people who may require office visits, Gov. Doug Ducey last week issued an Executive Order extending the driver license expiration date by six months for anyone whose license expires between March 1 and Sept. 1.

In order to make an appointment, customers should call the statewide service number at 602.712.2700 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition to setting up appointments, MVD agents will determine if a customer can get their MVD service online and assist if necessary. More than two-thirds of MVD services are available at ServiceArizona.com.

For more information: azdot.gov/mvd.

MVD Update: Office appointments required; change to license expirations

MVD Update: Office appointments required; change to license expirations

MVD Update: Office appointments required; change to license expirations

March 20, 2020

PHOENIX – In order to safely and efficiently serve customers during the ongoing health situation, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division will limit office visits to only those customers who need essential services that must be done in person.

Two-thirds of MVD services are available online, yet many of the nearly 12,000 daily customers statewide visit offices to process transactions that could be accomplished through ServiceArizona.com. Beginning Monday, March 23, appointments will be required for any in-office services. Walk-in customers will be directed to access services online or by phone, or if necessary, to make an appointment to return.

Authorized Third Party offices are not affected by this change and may have services available.

Additionally, in compliance with Governor Doug Ducey’s executive order of March 19, expiration dates for customers whose license or permit expires between March 1 and Sept. 1 have been extended for six months. MVD will automatically update affected customers’ motor vehicle records to reflect that change. Customers may also request a duplicate license through ServiceArizona.com, but this is optional.

“These extraordinary measures are needed because the safety of MVD customers and employees is our first priority,” said MVD Director Eric Jorgensen.

Beginning Monday, March 23, a new statewide customer service phone call-in system at 602.712.2700 will begin operations between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Customers may set up office appointments for essential services that cannot be done on the phone. But in the vast majority of cases, customers will be assisted with those services remotely. A list of services that can be done entirely online can be found at ServiceArizona.com. Many transactions can also be done through the U.S. mail.

In many instances, the MVD staff member will help the customer access his or her AZ MVD Now account to process some services. AZ MVD Now is a secure, personal account that is already available to all current MVD customers through ServiceArizona.com.

Among the transactions that must be conducted in MVD offices are first-time driver license services, including photos, road testing and some written testing, commercial driver license testing, and some out-of-state title services.

To make an appointment for these in-office services, please call 602.712.2700 Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Customers who already have a valid Arizona driver license or permit and a photo on file do not need to come to MVD in the majority of cases.

Avoid the MVD: Explore more than 30 online services at ServiceArizona.com

Avoid the MVD: Explore more than 30 online services at ServiceArizona.com

Avoid the MVD: Explore more than 30 online services at ServiceArizona.com

March 17, 2020

PHOENIX – Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Arizona Department of Health Services, residents needing to conduct business with the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division are encouraged to explore more than 30 available online services instead of office visits.

ServiceArizona.com, the state’s official online portal for MVD services, can quickly and easily perform most common vehicle-related transactions, including registration renewals. By setting up an account at AZMVDNow through ServiceArizona.com, users can take learner’s permit tests at home, conduct vehicle title transactions and receive a range of other services.

The goal during this time is to limit customer traffic at MVD offices to prioritize those who need to conduct business that’s not available online, such as driver license renewals or applications.

“Every day, the goal of the Motor Vehicle Division is to get Arizona residents out of line and safely on the road. That goal is now more important than ever,” said Eric Jorgensen, director of the Motor Vehicle Division. “Customers needing to conduct routine transactions that are available online are urged to do so through ServiceArizona.com, helping to reduce lines at MVD offices and support safer environments for those who must visit our offices.”

Two-thirds of MVD services are available online, yet many of the nearly 12,000 daily customers statewide visit offices to process transactions that could be accomplished through ServiceArizona.com. Transitioning customers to online services remains a top priority for ADOT. For those who must visit an MVD office, however, rest assured that the department is taking all precautions, including using professional cleaning services throughout the day, keeping ill employees at home with paid leave, and ensuring all offices are stocked with cleaning supplies.

Online services include:

•Replacement Driver License or Identification Card

•Address/Email Change

•Driver License Reinstatement

•Motor Vehicle Record

•Vehicle Registration Renewal

•Aircraft Registration Renewal

•Commercial Vehicle Permits

•Duplicate Vehicle Registration

•Restricted Use 3-Day Permit

•30-Day General Use Permit

•Emissions/Registration Check

•Fleet Registration Renewal

•De-Insured Certificate

•Insurance Update and Vehicle Reinstatement

•Insurance Verification

•Lien Motor Vehicle Inquiry

•Off-Highway Vehicle Decal

•Permanent Placard Renewal

•Personalized/Special Plates

•Plate Credit

•Plate Refund

•Registration-Compliance Violator

•Sold Notice

•Tab Replacement

•Vehicle Fee Recap

From big rigs to doughnut trucks, MVD has good news for commercial drivers

From big rigs to doughnut trucks, MVD has good news for commercial drivers

From big rigs to doughnut trucks, MVD has good news for commercial drivers

By Doug Nick / ADOT Communications

March 3, 2020

We here at the ol' ADOT ranch love the men and women who ply the roadways in commercial vehicles.

Whether it's driving a big rig all over the fruited plain or delivering doughnuts to the local gas station, commercial drivers are, in many ways, the lifeblood of our economy. (Kinda like doughnuts are the lifeblood of many of the hired hands here at the ranch).

But we digress ...

Because of our respect for these hardworking folks, we're proud to let the world know that getting Commercial Driver License (CDL) services at the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division has become a lot easier.

Time was, CDL services were only available at select locations throughout the state. We knew it wasn't the best way to do things, so we made a bold decision, and, well, improved the situation.

That's not a novel idea at the MVD. We're on a mission to continuously improve and implement the principles of the Arizona Management System, which is designed to empower all state employees to make changes for the better.

In the CDL world, this means most CDL services are now offered at all full-time MVD locations statewide and anyone who needs to get a CDL or most other commercial driver service doesn’t have to go to a special CDL office anymore. The only exception is commercial driver road tests, which are available at many, but not all, MVD locations.

You can learn more in this media release we put on our site.

And if there are any doughnut delivery drivers out there ... you know how to find us.

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ADOT MVD Commercial Driver License services now available at all full-time MVD offices

ADOT MVD Commercial Driver License services now available at all full-time MVD offices

ADOT MVD Commercial Driver License services now available at all full-time MVD offices

February 24, 2020

PHOENIX – The days of Commercial Driver License (CDL) customers only being able to go to a handful of MVD offices for those services are over.

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division now offers most CDL services at all full-time MVD locations statewide. Previously, CDL customers were required to travel to a limited number of MVD locations.

“As part of our continuous improvement efforts under the Arizona Management System, we’re training all MVD Customer Service Representatives to perform commercial license transactions,” said MVD Stakeholder Relations Manager Jennifer Bowser Richards.

She added, “That means someone who needs to get a CDL or most other commercial driver service doesn’t have to go to a special CDL office anymore; they can be served at any full-time MVD office. The only exception is commercial driver road tests, which are available at many, but not all, MVD locations.”

The expansion of CDL into more MVD locations is in addition to the existing CDL system. The existing CDL offices, some of which are separate from MVD locations, will continue to operate. This change means staff at all existing CDL offices now serve as examiners who are able to provide a larger number of skills tests by appointment.

“MVD is always looking for ways to improve customer service,” Bowser Richards added. “Adding literally hundreds of employees who can serve commercial customers will speed up those transactions and make all of MVD more efficient.”

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