MVD

Ringtail on the new Arizona driver licenses needs a name

Ringtail on the new Arizona driver licenses needs a name

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Ringtail on the new Arizona driver licenses needs a name

Ringtail on the new Arizona driver licenses needs a name

June 3, 2014

This ringtail needs a name! Give your suggestions at azdot.gov/ringtail.

Look very closely at the newly designed Arizona driver license and you’ll spot a ringtail lounging in the bottom right corner…

He (or she?) isn’t there just for decoration. The ringtail was actually incorporated into the license background image as one of many new security features.

Besides having that important job, the ringtail also serves as Arizona’s official state mammal.

Pretty impressive resume for such a little creature! We think the ringtail deserves a nickname, which is why we’re kicking off the “name the ringtail” contest to solicit ideas on what to call the critter.

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The ringtail was incorporated into the new license background image as a safety feature.

You can submit your naming ideas by visiting azdot.gov/ringtail. On that page, you’ll also be able to vote on the suggestions submitted by others.

The contest runs through June 6. There are no prizes – just bragging rights!

Need some more information on this little animal with a big tail? Head over to the Arizona Game and Fish Department website for details. There you’ll learn that ringtails are primarily a night-time animal that “can be extremely bold and unconcerned about the presence of humans. Calls consist of a repertoire of barks, chirps, growls, howls and yips.”

The new license and a new process for getting your license will be implemented on June 16. You can learn more about both by visiting our MVD website or by checking out our previous blog post.

Additional energy efficient license plates now available exclusively for plug-in hybrids

Additional energy efficient license plates now available exclusively for plug-in hybrids

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Additional energy efficient license plates now available exclusively for plug-in hybrids

Additional energy efficient license plates now available exclusively for plug-in hybrids

May 20, 2014

Program requirements for qualifying vehicles have changed.

*** UPDATE (5/6/15) *** The availability of energy-efficient license plates for owners of qualified vehicles has ended as the maximum number of plate applications has been reached.

Please see our recent blog post for the latest.

Beginning today (May 20), specific hybrid vehicle owners will have another opportunity to obtain one of the “Clean Air – Blue Skies” Energy Efficient license plates being made available by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

The federal program, which began in 2007 as a pilot, is designed to test the impact of allowing 10,000 hybrid vehicles to use the HOV lanes in Arizona during peak travel times without occupancy restrictions. ADOT is again offering the opportunity to Arizona owners of qualifying vehicles to obtain a “Clean Air – Blue Skies” plate for unrestricted access to HOV lanes. The maximum limit of 10,000 is still part of program stipulations; there are 1,800 of the special plates now available as a result of non-renewed or canceled registrations.

Until Sept. 30, 2017, states may allow low emission vehicles, and those certified and labeled as low emission and energy-efficient vehicles (including alternative fuel vehicles) that do not meet the established occupancy requirements to use high-occupancy vehicle lanes so long as the state establishes procedures to enforce the restrictions on the use by these vehicles.

The program requirements for qualifying vehicles have changed.

Qualifying vehicles will be limited to include only plug-in hybrid electric vehicles according to the certification list established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA is responsible for issuing the rules that establish the certification and labeling requirements for low emission and energy-efficient vehicles.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles may be driven for a longer period of time on solely electric power, reducing both the amount of fuel consumed and tailpipe emissions released compared to normal hybrid vehicles. Reduced vehicle pollution supports the purpose of the “Clean Air – Blue Skies” program by encouraging the use of low-emission vehicles to improve the air quality in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

To qualify for the Energy Efficient plate, a customer must own one of the following plug-in hybrid electric vehicles from specific model years, which must be currently registered at the time of application: Chevrolet Volt (2011-2014), Fisker Automotive Karma (2012), Ford C-MAX Energi (2013-2014), Ford Fusion Energi (2013-2014), Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid (2014), and Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (2012-2014). (UPDATE: Please see our most recent blog post for additional details on qualifying vehicles.)

If qualified, the vehicle owner must complete the online Energy Efficient plate application process located only on ServiceArizona.com and submit a payment of $8 (initial application fee) plus postage and handling. Plates will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Energy Efficient plates will not be distributed at Motor Vehicle Division or Authorized Third-Party offices. The standard Arizona vehicle license tax applies to all plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Only owners of currently registered, qualifying vehicles under the revised program requirements will be able to secure one of the 1,800 plates. Those with a temporary registration paper plate or permit are not eligible until the owner actually receives an issued license plate.

After completing the Energy-Efficient license plate application and the customer chooses to have the disability emblem added, the customer must complete a Disability-Hearing Impaired Plate/Placard Application. The completed application form must be mailed to: Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division-Special Plates Unit; P.O. Box 2100-Mail Drop 801Z; Phoenix 85001-2100.

Customers with a vehicle that qualified under the previous program (Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight and non-plug-in Toyota Prius) and is currently registered with an Energy Efficient plate will be allowed to continue to use their plate on that vehicle and drive in the HOV lane until they sell/transfer the vehicle. The Energy Efficient plate may only be transferred to a qualifying plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that is owned or leased by the same registered owner.

Drivers are reminded that this is a federal- and state-approved program that could be changed or ended at any time. For more information on the Energy Efficient Plate Program, application process and qualifying vehicles, please visit the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division website.

ADOT to launch new driver license process and design

ADOT to launch new driver license process and design

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ADOT to launch new driver license process and design

ADOT to launch new driver license process and design

May 1, 2014

Samples of the new license. Class D is on the left and Under 21 is on the right.

Did you know that Arizona’s first law requiring drivers to be licensed was put into place back in 1927?

Imagine how those first licenses looked. Probably nothing like the one you have in your wallet right now. As much as Arizona driver licenses have changed over the past 87 years, they’re continuing to evolve.

Drum roll, please…

Today, we’re unveiling a newly designed license, complete with enhanced security features to safeguard personal information and help prevent identity theft (see photo above). There’s also going to be a new process involved with getting your license.

New license, new process

Beginning June 16, 2014, ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division is expanding central credential issuance to all offices statewide, meaning that customers visiting a MVD office to obtain a new driver license or identification card will leave with a temporary credential. The permanent license or identification card will be mailed to the customer, and received within 15 days.

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A sample temporary license.

Coupled with that, ADOT is launching a new, high-security credential format. Both changes are designed to protect against identity theft.

What if I don’t want a new license?

If you have a license (that hasn’t expired), you don’t need to do anything. A current driver license or identification card will still be valid until its expiration date – or at least until the 12-year mark when the photo needs to be refreshed. The price of a duplicate credential remains unchanged – $12 for many customers.

How is the new process different?

Customers at ADOT MVD offices will no longer immediately be issued a new permanent driver license or identification card at the end of the application process. The credential will instead be mailed to the address on the resident’s application. It is important to ensure the correct mailing address has been provided in order to receive the credential. Address changes can be made online at azmvdnow.gov.

At the MVD office, you will receive a temporary driver license or identification card. It will contain a photo and the basic information that appears on the actual credential. As in other states that have moved to this process, the decision to accept the temporary credential as proof of identity exists solely with the organization requesting to see the license or identification card.

The process of central credential issuance is used by most states around the country and is a growing trend as states transition to higher-security credentials.

More to come

We’ll have more blog posts and reminders about this change in the coming weeks. But before we sign off, we just want to point out some of the new security features on the new license and identification cards:

  • A larger primary portrait with a smaller redundant ghost portrait ensuring customer appearance is clearly reflected.
  • A high-security design comprised of unique Arizona geological features in the background created by using many different patterns, lines and images. This provides the overall look of the credential.
  • A laser perforation in the shape of Arizona, which when held up to the light is used to quickly authenticate the credential.
  • Tactile date of birth field to assist in authenticating the credential using the sense of touch. The date in this field will have a raised feel to it.
  • Tri-color Optically Variable Device consisting of the state outline, the state name “Arizona,” the state seal, a saguaro cactus and a star. This laminate overlay provides the final layer of the credential and provides one more feature for authentication.
  • The ringtail, the state mammal, is illustrated on the front of the new credential.

For additional information, please visit our MVD Web page.

ADOT to launch new driver license process, design

ADOT to launch new driver license process, design

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ADOT to launch new driver license process, design

ADOT to launch new driver license process, design

May 1, 2014

PHOENIX – Coming soon to your wallet or handbag: a newly designed Arizona driver license – and a new process to get it.

Beginning June 16, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is expanding central credential issuance to all offices statewide, meaning that customers visiting a Motor Vehicle Division office to obtain a new driver license or identification card will leave with a temporary credential. The permanent license or identification card will be mailed to the customer, and received within 15 days.

Coupled with that, ADOT is launching a new, high-security credential format. Both changes are designed to protect against identity theft.

“As part of the new central credential issuance process, a redesigned driver license and identification card is being introduced,” said Stacey Stanton, director of ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division. “The redesigned credential contains enhanced security features to safeguard personal information and help prevent identity theft. The complexity of the new credential, and the security features and processes in place, don’t make it feasible to produce the permanent credential in offices for same-day issuance.”

Even with the new license design, there is no need to rush out to an office. A current driver license or identification card will still be valid until its expiration date – or at least until the 12-year mark when the photo needs to be refreshed. The price of a duplicate credential remains unchanged at $12 for many customers.

Customers at ADOT Motor Vehicle Division offices will no longer immediately be issued a new permanent driver license or identification card at the end of the application process. The credential will instead be mailed to the address on the resident’s application. It is important to ensure the correct mailing address has been provided in order to receive the credential.

“With the new central issuance process it is critical that customers keep their address updated with MVD,” Stanton said. State law requires that residents notify the Motor Vehicle Division of an address change within 10 days, although the purchase of a new credential isn’t required. Address changes can be made online at ServiceArizona.com.

This process has already been in place in 14 of ADOT’s offices in communities in Greater Arizona and in the Authorized Third Party offices that process driver licenses. This change will expand it to all offices statewide.

The temporary driver license or identification card will contain a photo and the basic information that appears on the actual credential. As in other states that have moved to this process, the decision to accept the temporary credential as proof of identity exists solely with the organization requesting to see the license or identification card.

The process of central credential issuance is used by most states around the country and is a growing trend as states transition to higher-security credentials.

For at least 12 years, there will be more than one valid Arizona credential format.

Security features of this new credential include:

  • A larger primary portrait with a smaller redundant ghost portrait ensuring customer appearance is clearly reflected.
  • A high-security design comprised of unique Arizona geological features in the background created by using many different patterns, lines and images. This provides the overall look of the credential.
  • A laser perforation in the shape of Arizona, which when held up to the light is used to quickly authenticate the credential.
  • Tactile date of birth field to assist in authenticating the credential using the sense of touch. The date in this field will have a raised feel to it.
  • Tri-color Optically Variable Device consisting of the state outline, the state name “Arizona,” the state seal, a saguaro cactus and a star. This laminate overlay provides the final layer of the credential and provides one more feature for authentication.
  • The ringtail, the state mammal, illustrated on the front of the new credential.

ADOT MVD Releases Redesigned Vehicle Dealer License Plate

ADOT MVD Releases Redesigned Vehicle Dealer License Plate

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ADOT MVD Releases Redesigned Vehicle Dealer License Plate

ADOT MVD Releases Redesigned Vehicle Dealer License Plate

May 1, 2014

PHOENIX – In an effort to curb misuse, the Arizona Department of Transportation has introduced redesigned, bright blue license plates for usage by licensed vehicle dealers and manufacturers on current for-sale vehicle inventory. The redesigned plates hit the street April 28.

With the introduction of the redesigned plates, the previously issued dealer plates – which resembled standard Arizona desert scene license plates with a number series generally starting with “DL” – are no longer valid. All dealers in the state have been mailed the redesigned, solid blue plates with white lettering that show “Vehicle Dealer” on the bottom.

As another major change, the redesigned dealer plates will also be issued validation tabs and registrations that are valid for one year. Previously, dealer plates were issued with permanent validation tabs and registrations.

The redesigned dealer license plate is being implemented in accordance with House Bill 2372 passed during the 2013 Arizona legislative session. The change in state law now allows ADOT to more effectively manage the issuance of the vehicle dealer plate based on a process tied to vehicle sales and the type of dealership to further enhance the administration of the program.

“The Arizona Automobile Dealers Association was pleased to work with ADOT in distributing the new dealer plates,” said AADA President Bobbi Sparrow. “We’re hopeful this and other changes in dealer plate regulations will help prevent misuse of the plates. The actions of a few can negatively impact Arizona’s dealer industry as a whole and we appreciate the management of the dealer plate program by the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division.”

If someone observes what is believed to be the improper use of a dealer license plate, they may call 602.712.6270 or report the information online at azdot.gov/contact-adot.

For any questions about the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division, please visit azdot.gov/mvd.

Driver license service providers increase under ADOT program

Driver license service providers increase under ADOT program

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Driver license service providers increase under ADOT program

Driver license service providers increase under ADOT program

April 25, 2014

PHOENIX – Arizona residents will soon have more options for obtaining a driver license or identification card. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is increasing the number of Authorized Third Party providers able to process driver license transactions.

Four existing businesses are scheduled to expand their operations by mid-June. Beginning April 28, Third Party MVS Services, Inc., located in Mesa, will offer driver license services. Other businesses set to add driver license services are Montes Multiple Services LLC, located in Yuma, on May 12; GG & D Financial & Check Cashing LLC, at their west Phoenix location, on May 27; and Ginger’s Title & Auto, located in Sierra Vista, on June 9. Additional Authorized Third Party businesses are expected to offer driver license services during the remainder of 2014 and beyond.

The Authorized Third Party businesses will be able to complete identification card and all phases of driver license application processing for Class D and G operator licenses, including conducting the knowledge and road skills examinations.

Authorized Third Party service providers have been successfully processing primarily title and registration transactions for more than 20 years with a limited few also conducting driver license services. As Arizona continues to grow, the expansion in the driver license program will give customers more options in carrying out this important transaction. The growth in the program was made possible by the passing of House Bill 2183 in the 2013 Arizona legislative session. This expansion means seven Authorized Third Party offices around the state now offer driver license services.

“Authorized Third Party businesses are private companies that contract with ADOT to conduct motor vehicle services, providing customers with options and expanded service opportunities. The program has grown over the years and there are now 147 locations statewide,” said Stacey Stanton, director of ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division. “ADOT oversees the businesses to ensure that stringent operational requirements are being followed and the Motor Vehicle Division provides Authorized Third Party employees with extensive training to assure proficiency is demonstrated by the businesses. Customers can feel confident using Authorized Third Party offices.”

Prior to the current program expansion, there were three Authorized Third Party offices that processed driver licenses: Academy of Driving Motor Vehicle Center, located in Tucson; Western Motor Vehicle, located in Phoenix; and MVP (Motor Vehicle Processing), located in Willcox.

In order to qualify to provide driver license processing, an Authorized Third Party must meet the requirements specified in Arizona law.

“GG & D Financial is looking forward to continuing its partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division to offer this expanded service,” said Director of Operations Ron Neagle. “We believe that both new and existing customers will greatly appreciate the convenience of driver license services being available at the same locations as the existing title and registration services.”

ADOT MVD offers online vehicle license tax report for 2013 tax returns

ADOT MVD offers online vehicle license tax report for 2013 tax returns

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ADOT MVD offers online vehicle license tax report for 2013 tax returns

ADOT MVD offers online vehicle license tax report for 2013 tax returns

March 27, 2014

PHOENIX – As the April 15 tax deadline approaches, people doing last-minute work on their tax returns may want to know the amount of vehicle license tax they paid on their vehicle. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division offers a free online tool called Vehicle Fee Recap on the official MVD transaction services website, ServiceArizona.com, to help vehicle owners easily obtain both the vehicle registration fees and vehicle license tax paid in 2013.

From the home page of ServiceArizona.com, the Vehicle Fee Recap process starts with the customer entering their name, Arizona driver license or customer identification number and date of birth into a secure form. The result is a one-page, printable report that lists the total registration fees and vehicle license tax fees paid for each vehicle on file under the owner of record. The Vehicle Fee Recap report will only contain a listing of registered vehicle information for which a vehicle license tax was paid. In addition, the reports will only contain information for the previous calendar year.

Owners of Arizona-registered vehicles who wish to use the data provided in the Vehicle Fee Recap report should refer to guidance from the Internal Revenue Service or the Arizona Department of Revenue.

“Vehicle Fee Recap is one of ServiceArizona’s most popular features during tax season,” said ADOT Motor Vehicle Division Director Stacey K. Stanton. “Every customer’s time is valuable. Vehicle Fee Recap is yet another way the MVD utilizes technology to save time for our customers.”

The Vehicle Fee Recap feature of ServiceArizona.com is also accessible by mobile devices.

Information on ServiceArizona.com is transmitted securely using encryption technology and the site does not collect or share user data for marketing purposes.

Information about all the services offered by the MVD can be found at azdot.gov/mvd.

Show Low MVD office moving to a new, larger facility

Show Low MVD office moving to a new, larger facility

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Show Low MVD office moving to a new, larger facility

Show Low MVD office moving to a new, larger facility

February 7, 2014

PHOENIX – Beginning on Monday, Feb. 24, MVD customers in southern Navajo and western Apache counties will conduct their driver license and vehicle title/registration transactions at a new and improved Show Low office. The Motor Vehicle Division of the Arizona Department of Transportation will open the new office at 161 E. Deuce of Clubs (US 60), Suite B4 in Show Low, within the Show Low Plaza, just east of N. Central Avenue.

In preparation for the move, the current Show Low MVD location will be closed from Wednesday, Feb. 19 through Friday, Feb. 21. The office closure will allow agency personnel to prepare the new facility in a timely manner to resume normal business on Monday, Feb. 24 at 8 a.m.

During this temporary office closure, ADOT reminds customers that many of the common MVD transactions can be conducted online at servicearizona.com.

The new Show Low MVD office will feature several customer service improvements, such as a larger parking area to accommodate oversize vehicles requiring inspection. The interior offers a spacious and comfortable waiting area, additional work stations to efficiently serve customers and a conference room to allow for administrative hearing video conferencing.

The Show Low office serves MVD customers in the Heber-Overgaard, Pinetop-Lakeside, Fort Apache Tribal Nation, Taylor, Snowflake and Pinedale communities.

The new office is an example of how the Motor Vehicle Division continuously strives to provide high-quality customer service for a wide range of driver license, commercial driver license and motor vehicle title/registration services.

A map of the new Show Low MVD office location is at http://goo.gl/maps/pbRuz.

For more information, please visit azdot.gov/mvd.

ADOT warns public of fraudulent MVD websites

ADOT warns public of fraudulent MVD websites

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ADOT warns public of fraudulent MVD websites

ADOT warns public of fraudulent MVD websites

November 27, 2013

PHOENIX — Most of us will probably need some type of driver license, identification card or vehicle registration services at one time or another. Today many of those services can be performed online. Unfortunately, Internet resources are being used by scam artists misrepresenting themselves as official motor vehicle division entities with the primary goal of taking a customer’s money and obtaining their personal identification.

The Motor Vehicle Division of the Arizona Department of Transportation is alerting customers that there are various websites conducting numerous fraudulent schemes by falsely advertising motor vehicle services for Arizona driver licenses, IDs, vehicle titles or registrations. The fraudulent websites appear in a search with keywords such as MVD or DMV.

The website scams illegally obtain credit card numbers and charge credit card accounts for unauthorized, bogus services and for services that will not be conducted. The captured credit card information may also be used for future fraudulent purchases and charges.

Additionally, consumers should be wary of phone solicitations. ADOT MVD does not conduct phone solicitations for driver license or title/registration services. Customers should protect their personal information when receiving phone calls from an entity fraudulently representing itself as MVD, ADOT or DMV to sell any type of service or product.

In fact, ADOT MVD does not perform any commercial advertising for the services it provides and does not collect personal information from its customers for the purpose of solicitation. ADOT’s goal is to prevent its customers from becoming victims of fraud and identity theft.

There are numerous legitimate businesses that offer motor vehicle support services such as practice tests or tips for completing the driver license application process. ADOT MVD has authorized third-party offices which are private businesses licensed and authorized to perform MVD transactions.

In Arizona, ServiceArizona.com is the only valid, authorized website for all MVD transactions. MVD customers can use ServiceArizona.com to research information or conduct transactions such as apply for a duplicate driver license and driver license reinstatement, perform registration renewals, purchase specialty/personalized license plates, update personal contact information, obtain a copy of a driver license or vehicle record, obtain a vehicle fee recap, register to vote, or check a vehicle identification number (VIN) for liens or other record alerts before purchasing a used car.

Arizona does not allow the issuance or renewal of a driver license via the Internet. An applicant must visit a local MVD or authorized third-party office.

The following are the only authorized ways to conduct Arizona driver license or vehicle title/registration transactions:

  • In person at any ADOT MVD office
  • Online through servicearizona.com
  • In person at an authorized third-party office
  • By standard mail to ADOT MVD

For further information about ADOT MVD services, please visit: azdot.gov/mvd.

MVD, Donor Network of AZ share important partnership

MVD, Donor Network of AZ share important partnership

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MVD, Donor Network of AZ share important partnership

MVD, Donor Network of AZ share important partnership

November 5, 2013

It’s so easy to register as an organ and tissue donor in Arizona…

All you have to do is check a box when you apply for a driver license or identification card (you can also sign up on the Donor Network of Arizona website).

That simple act has the potential to make a very huge difference, as illustrated in the video above.

“It’s hard for me to believe that someone would actually donate something that important to someone else,” says heart recipient and MVD employee Jimmie Willis. “I’m just so thankful.”

Important partnership

Implementing an easy registration process through MVD (again, all you have to do is just check a box) has upped the percentage of registered adults in Arizona from 8 percent in 2003 to 46 percent this year.

“Over 90 percent of those come through the Motor Vehicle Division,” says Donor Network of Arizona President and CEO Tim Brown in the video. “It’s magical to be connected to MVD. People, when they’re there, are checking the box and declaring their wishes, which we honor.”

Nearly 2,200 people in Arizona alone are waiting a life-saving organ transplant. Across the country, that number is just over 112,000. You can learn more about the efforts of Donor Network of Arizona on their website. Find more on ADOT’s partnership with the organization in this blog post from 2011.