MVD

ADOT MVD Community Connections gets an A+

ADOT MVD Community Connections gets an A+

ADOT MVD Community Connections gets an A+

ADOT MVD Community Connections gets an A+

By Bill Lamoreaux / ADOT Communications
August 9, 2023
A photo collage showing people gathered around school supplies that will be donated to students.

It’s the start of another school year, and the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is helping kids and teachers head back with the supplies they need. MVD teams across the state collected school supplies from co-workers as part of the MVD's community engagement program, "MVD Community Connections."

For the second straight year, team members in Nogales, Tucson, Yuma, Casa Grande, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Avondale, Cottonwood and Globe gathered paper, pencils, folders, glue,  backpacks and other classroom essentials, as well as hand sanitizer, facial tissues and paper towels. They delivered these to schools in their communities. 

MVD Community Connections engages with the communities our team members live and work in. Other Community Connection efforts include bottled water drives during the summer, food and clothing drives during the holidays, soda can tab collections to benefit the Ronald McDonald Houses in Arizona and even a pet supply drive. Couldn’t forget about our furry friends.. Together, we are making a difference all across the State of Arizona.

ADOT, Homeless ID Project join forces at Human Services Campus

ADOT, Homeless ID Project join forces at Human Services Campus

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT, Homeless ID Project join forces at Human Services Campus

ADOT, Homeless ID Project join forces at Human Services Campus

August 8, 2023

Motor Vehicle Division station helps Phoenix facility’s clients get state-issued IDs

PHOENIX – A partnership between the Homeless ID Project and the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is enabling clients at the Human Services Campus near downtown Phoenix to get replacement state-issued IDs without having to travel several miles to the nearest MVD office.

Clients experiencing instability or homelessness can now get IDs, which are essential for obtaining services and employment, in a campus office set up with the computer equipment, printer and scanner, and camera. Staffed 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday by an MVD representative, the office can be converted to a TeleMVD office in which customers can conduct many transactions with representatives located elsewhere.

“Clients who come to us for replacement ID services encounter one more barrier when faced with the 45-minute bus ride to the nearest MVD office. Now with MVD services available on campus, that barrier is removed. This is a huge win for our clients,” said Homeless ID Project Executive Director Rick Mitchell.

“This is another great opportunity where MVD can serve the community in ways previously not possible,” said Eric Jorgensen, ADOT Motor Vehicle Division Director. “This partnership is a first step in using technology to expand our reach and get services to the place they are needed at the moment our customers need them.

Homeless ID Project’s Director of Programs, Eric Ortega, added that, “Providing services to our clients experiencing homelessness in our office and meeting them where they’re at will make an enormously positive difference in obtaining identification. This will cut out the bus trips and waiting in the extreme summer heat as well as making it easier for the most vulnerable amongst the vulnerable to be assisted without the fear they can’t make it to an MVD office of their own. We are so appreciative to the MVD for making this happen and we know it will change our clients’ lives for the better.”

During 2022, Homeless ID Project provided 12,143 documents, including 8,000 state-issued IDs and 4,000 replacement copies of birth certificates from all 50 states, from their office in the Brian Garcia Welcome Center on the Human Services Campus and in outreach programs across Maricopa and Pima counties. Housing the MVD’s replacement ID services on campus in the Homeless ID Project offices will allow clients to receive replacement state-issued IDs, eliminating the need for them to travel to a MVD office, allowing them to continue the journey to end their homelessness sooner than ever before.

About ADOT MVD: 

Connecting Arizona. Everyone, everywhere, every day. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division processed more than 14.5 million transactions during the previous fiscal year, approximately half of those were 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. The agency now serves the community from two permanent locations and 12 shared space locations. The agency is currently running their 1000 Voices Campaign which seeks to add 1000 new supporters to the conversation on ending homelessness. More information is available at homelessidroject.org/1000-voices.

 

Arizona’s license plate takes the top spot in national survey

Arizona’s license plate takes the top spot in national survey

Arizona’s license plate takes the top spot in national survey

Arizona’s license plate takes the top spot in national survey

By Bill Lamoreaux / ADOT Communications
August 8, 2023
An Arizona license plate is pictured in the foreground of a desert sunset. The sky is colored shades of yellow, orange, pink, red and purple. Two saguaro cactus can be seen.

The Arizona license plate was just voted the best plate in the country, according to an Insurance.com survey across all 50 states. The online article highlights some of the favorite license plates according to the survey respondents.

Arizona’s standard license plate, displaying a desert sunset, was voted best for capturing the state’s spirit. California, Alabama, Arkansas and Connecticut round out the top five.

The survey asked 1,000 drivers from across the country which plates stood out on the road, and what made them so appealing. It also asked about color scheme, slogans and imagery.

The online article describes the reasoning for Arizona’s top spot:

The plate features four iconic Saguaro cacti silhouetted against a golden sunset, with the tagline “Grand Canyon State” emblazoned across the bottom in clean, bold lettering. A teal color palette along the top of the plate is reminiscent of the state gem – turquoise. (Fun fact – the City of Sedona would only approve a McDonald’s opening in the tourist town if it changed its iconic Golden Arches symbol to teal.)  More than 60% of survey respondents who picked the plate said they liked its color scheme.

The Arizona plate was chosen first overall by drivers in our survey – they were attracted to the imagery and felt it perfectly captured the state’s spirit. 

Of course, you don’t have to stick with this plate. Arizona also offers nearly 100 specialty plate options that you can choose from to represent you and your interests. Most specialty plates cost $25 each year. Of that amount, $17 goes to a designated charity or nonprofit group. To see the standard and specialty plate options, visit azdot.gov/plates. Personalization can be added for an additional $25 per year.

ADOT MVD services now available virtually in St. Johns

ADOT MVD services now available virtually in St. Johns

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT MVD services now available virtually in St. Johns

ADOT MVD services now available virtually in St. Johns

July 26, 2023

Pilot program brings TeleMVD station to eastern Arizona community

PHOENIX – A partnership between the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division and the eastern Arizona community of St. Johns allows residents to complete MVD transactions in City Hall through a new teleMVD station

TeleMVD connects with an MVD employee located elsewhere, allowing a customer to complete dozens of vehicle and driver license services without having to drive to an MVD office.

“ADOT MVD is very excited to be able to bring this pilot program to the St. Johns community,” Eric Jorgensen, Motor Vehicle Division Director said. “We are pleased that they see value in this system to get their customers out of the line and safely on the road.”

The customer service station is equipped with computer equipment, a printer/scanner and a payment device so a majority of MVD services can be completed right there. This pilot program opens the possibility of bringing MVD services to additional cities and towns across the state through intergovernmental agreements to host TeleMVD locations.

Customers also can visit azmvdnow.gov, the official service website for the Motor Vehicle Division, to take care of dozens of MVD-related transactions.

Here is a short video that shows a TeleMVD interaction: bit.ly/3QayeBL.

 

ADOT unveils five new specialty license plates

ADOT unveils five new specialty license plates

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT unveils five new specialty license plates

ADOT unveils five new specialty license plates

July 13, 2023

Two redesigned plates also available through Motor Vehicle Division

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

In addition to more than 90 other speciality plates that can be viewed at azdot.gov/plates and ordered at azmvdnow.gov/plates, MVD now offers Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock, Arizona Realtors® Homes for All, Cancer Support for Families, Diné College Warriors and U.S. Army. 

“We know that people who choose specialty license plates for their vehicles take pride in displaying their connection to these community organizations,” MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “MVD is pleased that we can partner with the various organizations dedicated to helping Arizonans.”

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.

In addition to the five new plates, Arizona Coyotes and the Families of Fallen Police Officers plates have been redesigned. The Families of Fallen Police Officers plate has been changed to Honoring Fallen Police Officers.

Learn more about each of these plates:

Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock

This speciality plate supports free art, music and dance programs for all youth at Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers in Phoenix and Mesa. The designated $17 goes to provide a safe space for all teens ages 12-20 to spend time, receive positive mentorship and free music, art, dance, photography and recording studio lessons and opportunities.

"Arizona is known for great sunsets, cactus, the best Mexican food, monsoons and, now, an Alice Cooper specialty license plate,” the legendary Arizona rocker said. “More importantly, this specialty plate will assist Solid Rock Teen Centers in providing free music, art and dance programs to all Arizona teenagers. We hope that many of my fellow Arizona neighbors will get this speciality plate for their cars and motorcycles to support teens in Arizona.” 

Arizona Realtors® Homes for All

This specialty plate is available to anyone, and proceeds go to the Arizona REALTORS® Foundation for Housing and Community Outreach to help Arizona communities establish housing projects. 

“The Arizona REALTORS® is grateful for the opportunity to support affordable housing projects across our great State as we help Arizonans on their path to the American Dream of homeownership,” said Eric Gibbs, 2023 Arizona REALTORS® President. “This plate furthers the mission of the Foundation for Housing and Community Outreach whose projects and efforts address the condition of, access to, and availability of housing. Together, we can reduce homelessness and foster the dream of owning a home.”

Cancer Support for Families

This specialty plate is available to anyone, with proceeds going to Cancer Support Community Arizona’s emotional and social support services.   

“Cancer Support Community Arizona is extremely excited to have a specialty license plate that will highlight what we do in our community,” said Annet Ruiter, Cancer Support Community Arizona Chief Mission Officer. “This is just another great way people can get involved with Cancer Support Community Arizona and ultimately make a bigger impact for people impacted by cancer in Arizona. Anyone who purchases this plate helps us offer more than 100 free programs per month that are specially designed to support cancer patients, their families, and caregivers including support groups, healthy lifestyle programs, education presentations, social connections, and embedded hospital navigators who connect cancer patients to resources. Thank you for helping us ensure that Community is Stronger than Cancer.”

Diné College Warriors 

This specialty plate is available to anyone, with proceeds supporting the educational pursuits and success of students at Diné College on the Navajo Nation.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division to release these special license plates," said Dr. Charles “Monty” Roessel, President of Diné College. "By displaying these plates on their vehicles, our students, alumni, and supporters can proudly showcase their commitment to education and their connection to the Navajo Nation. We encourage all Navajo Nation members, Diné College supporters, and those who value education and cultural heritage to consider purchasing these special license plates. Your support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and contribute to the continued success of Diné College."

U.S. Army

This specialty plate is available to anyone, with proceeds going toward scholarships for children of soldiers and spouses of active duty enlisted soldiers.

“The directors and all-volunteer team at the Army Scholarship Foundation are most grateful to the State of Arizona and the Arizona retired military community for making the U.S. Army specialty license plate possible,” said Jeff Gault, U.S. Army retired, and Chief Executive of the Army Scholarship Foundation.  "We are especially appreciative of Chief Warrant Officer Robert Rosales, U.S. Army retired, of Tucson, AZ for his leadership and untiring efforts to see this project to completion.  We are so grateful for this incredible opportunity and are also most appreciative of the generosity, service, and patriotism of all who purchase the license plate. This will assist our American military family members who are in pursuit of their educational dreams for a better life and a better America."

Those who currently have Arizona Coyotes and Families of Fallen Police Officers plates may request the new designs for a $5 replacement fee plus postage. The previous design will remain valid for use. 

Proceeds from the Arizona Coyotes plate go to the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, which supports organizations and programs that promote access to education, health and wellness and economic advancement in underserved and diverse communities. The Honoring Fallen Police Officers plate benefits C.O.P.S. Arizona, which provides support and resources to survivors and co-workers affected by line-of-duty deaths.

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

 

Summer is teen driving permit test time across Arizona

Summer is teen driving permit test time across Arizona

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Summer is teen driving permit test time across Arizona

Summer is teen driving permit test time across Arizona

June 8, 2023

ADOT website has materials and practice tests to help aspiring drivers

PHOENIX – The school year is over, and summer has begun. Many students will still be studying for a very important test; their written driver instruction permit test. 

The summer break is typically a busy time for permit tests for the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division. Thankfully, the ADOT website is a great resource for test-takers and their parents, sharing the Arizona Driver License Manual and even free practice tests at azdot.gov/permit-tests

Aspiring drivers must be 15 years and six months old to apply for an Instruction Permit. First-time drivers younger than 18 have a few options for taking the written test. Most choose to take the test online via Permit Test @ Home available at AZMVDNow.gov

The permit test is also offered at MVD office locations. Applicants can schedule their in-person test appointment date and time at AZMVDNow.gov > Schedule an Appointment. Participating Arizona Professional Driving School trainers also administer the written test.

 

Google Wallet soon to be a third digital way to carry a state credential

Google Wallet soon to be a third digital way to carry a state credential

Google Wallet soon to be a third digital way to carry a state credential

Google Wallet soon to be a third digital way to carry a state credential

By Bill Lamoreaux / ADOT Communications
June 2, 2023
Image of the new Arizona Driver License on Google Wallet.

In the coming months, Arizonans using Android devices will be able to add driver licenses and state IDs to Google Wallet, offering yet another way to carry your ID. 

Google just announced Arizona as one of the first states where residents will be able to save their state ID or driver license to Google Wallet and securely present it as a valid ID at select airport checkpoints. When that happens, Arizonans will have three digital platforms to choose from for their IDs. Arizona first offered the mobile driver license (mDL) in 2021, then in 2022 Arizonans were the first in the country to be able to use Apple Wallet for digital ID on iPhones and Apple Watches.

ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division embraces the motto, “Out of the line and safely on the road.” This is a nod to MVD’s commitment to reducing in-office wait times and offering customers a growing number of digital options, including digital driver license and identification cards.

Even with these options to choose from, the technology is still new so you should continue to carry the physical driver license or state ID card to use in other situations, including with law enforcement. More information on Arizona driver licenses and state IDs in Google Wallet will be available soon. So stay tuned!

Number of Arizona Travel IDs now exceeds 2 million

Number of Arizona Travel IDs now exceeds 2 million

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Number of Arizona Travel IDs now exceeds 2 million

Number of Arizona Travel IDs now exceeds 2 million

May 31, 2023

Deadline is May 2025 if you wish to use state credential for travel

PHOENIX – With just under two years remaining before the federal deadline for domestic airline travelers to have a federally compliant ID, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division has issued more than 2 million Arizona Travel ID cards.

May 7, 2025, might feel a long way off, but it’ll be here quickly. So join the 2,013,187 – and counting – Arizonans who have already upgraded to the Arizona Travel ID. 

As of the federal deadline, you will need a compliant credential like the Arizona Travel ID to get past Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at U.S. airports. Without the Arizona Travel ID or other form of compliant identification such as a valid U.S. passport, fliers risk missing an airline flight because the standard driver license will not be accepted at TSA checkpoints.

This federally compliant credential is distinguished by a star in the upper right corner and is available to Arizona residents as a driver license or identification card. 

 To get an Arizona Travel ID, federal standards require the following:

  • Proof of identity: a birth certificate or U.S. passport
  • Social Security Number: just the number, not the card
  • Two documents proving Arizona residency: rental or bank statements, credit card or cellphone bills in your name with your current Arizona address, etc.

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

More information, including a full list of qualifying documents, is available at azdot.gov/TravelID.

 

No need to visit an MVD office!

No need to visit an MVD office!

I-17 101 traffic interchange

No need to visit an MVD office!

No need to visit an MVD office!

May 26, 2023

AZMVDNOW.gov is your easy portal to MVD services

Use AZMVDNOW.gov to access many MVD services online. Renew your driver license, obtain an official Travel ID, take practice driver exams and more. See the full list of online services to save yourself a trip to an MVD office.

 

Apache Junction MVD Remodel starts May 27, 2023

Apache Junction MVD Remodel starts May 27, 2023

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Apache Junction MVD Remodel starts May 27, 2023

Apache Junction MVD Remodel starts May 27, 2023

May 26, 2023

Limited services will be available during the remodel

The Apache Junction Motor Vehicle Division office will be going through a remodel beginning Saturday, May 27, 2023. The remodel is planned to last approximately one month with an anticipated reopening date of Monday, June 26, 2023.

The mobile MVD will be on-site to provide limited services during the remodel. Payments will be by card only and we encourage you to schedule an appointment to limit your wait time on-site.  

The nearest MVD location is the Mesa/Gilbert office, or you can visit any Authorized Third Party locations in the east valley (additional fees may apply). Customers can also complete many transactions online at azmvdnow.gov

More information about services can be found at AZDOT.gov/MVD.