{"id":355871,"date":"2020-05-04T06:43:12","date_gmt":"2020-05-04T11:43:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/traffic\/drivers-license-vehicle-info\/getting-an-id-will-the-dmv-check-for-warrants.html"},"modified":"2023-11-30T12:21:00","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T17:21:00","slug":"getting-an-id-will-the-dmv-check-for-warrants","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/drivers-license-vehicle-info\/getting-an-id-will-the-dmv-check-for-warrants.html","title":{"rendered":"Getting an ID: Will the DMV Check for Warrants?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Getting an ID: Will the DMV Check for Warrants?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Going to the DMV to get an ID, renew your driver’s license, or reinstate your driving privileges after a license suspension<\/a> can be tedious. Having a warrant makes this process even more stressful.<\/p>\r\n

Most department of motor vehicles<\/a> offices will check for warrants when they run your information. This doesn’t necessarily mean you will get arrested on the spot at the DMV if you have a warrant. Depending on the nature of the warrant and the jurisdiction, DMV locations handle these situations in a few different ways.<\/p>\r\n

Warrants for your arrest can happen for several reasons. Administrative mistakes like never receiving court date information or missing court due to scheduling conflicts can happen. Whether you accidentally or purposefully avoided court, arrest warrants<\/a> can further complicate legal situations.<\/p>\r\n

This article will help you know what to expect when visiting your local department of motor vehicles<\/a> with a warrant.<\/p>\r\n

Will the DMV Check for Warrants When I Try to Get a State ID?<\/h2>\r\n

Yes. The DMV will check to see if you have outstanding warrants, including bench warrants. A bench warrant is explicitly issued for failure to appear in court or comply with a court order.<\/p>\r\n

A DMV office is a government building. It must uphold the law by screening drivers<\/a> for good vision and their legal eligibility to drive. They also must follow specific procedures for handling residents with active warrants. But, how strictly they follow these rules can vary from city to city.<\/p>\r\n

The DMV may have a Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer on-site. This is a tactic that some cities use to arrest people with outstanding warrants.<\/p>\r\n

But, having law enforcement in person at DMV offices is not the most common tactic for catching those with warrants. Apprehensions for warrants are still most likely during a routine traffic stop<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Can I Go to the DMV with a Warrant?<\/h2>\r\n

Yes, you are free to go to the DMV. DMV offices do not run your ID information at the door. But, they will likely need some form of identification when serving you. Once they run your information, they can see any active warrants for your arrest.<\/p>\r\n

If this happens, the DMV worker may handle this in a few different ways:<\/p>\r\n