State DMV Offices
By Natalie Moritz | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq. | Last reviewed November 29, 2023
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Every state has a branch of government that regulates issues like driver's licenses, license plates, and vehicle registration. This branch is usually called the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). These DMV locations can also be named something similar.
Each state has a unique procedure for various DMV services. You can check each DMV website for additional information on:
- Registration information for different vehicles
- Getting a commercial driver's license or Real ID
- Information for road tests/drive tests and driver education
- Parking permits
- License reinstatement
- Fighting revocation of driving privileges
- Vehicle records
- Traffic tickets
It's best to check your state's specific laws and regulations before starting any motor vehicle-related processes.
Registering a Vehicle
One of the main issues regulated by state motor vehicle departments is vehicle registration. Vehicle registrations aren't just applicable to cars. It includes all vehicles, such as boats and recreational vehicles.
The vehicle registration procedure varies from state to state, but the procedures of each state have some similarities. Generally, vehicle registration requires the payment of a fee and must usually be renewed each year.
A vehicle must also be re-registered when ownership of a vehicle changes. Finally, states also require that most cars periodically undergo an emissions or smog test before renewing the car's registration.
Driver's Licenses
Another area that the state motor vehicle department regulates is driver's licenses. This includes both issuing and even suspending driver's licenses in certain circumstances.
The requirements for obtaining a driver's license depend on the rules of each state. Generally, each state has a minimum age requirement. The person applying for the license must pass a driving, written, and vision test.
States usually require people to get a new driver's license if they change their name. But, getting a new license because of a name change typically doesn't require that the driver take any tests.
Points Systems for Drivers
State motor vehicle departments are also in charge of ensuring drivers are safe and responsible on the road. Many states employ a driver's license point system to keep track of people's driving records.
This point system assigns a point value to each traffic offense. More serious traffic offenses usually have higher point values.
When someone gets too many points within a specific time, they can have their driver's license suspended or revoked. If a person's license is revoked, they can usually reapply for a license after a waiting period set by law.
State DMV Offices
FindLaw's State DMV Offices section below links each state's relevant motor vehicle agencies and official agency forms (when available online).
Alabama DMV Information
The Driver License (DL) Division of the Alabama Department of Public Safety licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Alabama DL Division
- Office Locations and Schedules
- Driver License Information
- Road Test Study Guide
- Alabama Driver License Manual
- Driver License Point System
Alaska DMV Information
The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
Arizona DMV Information
The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the Arizona Department of Transportation registers motor vehicles, licenses drivers, collects revenues, enforces motor vehicle statutes, and performs related functions.
- Arizona MVD
- Office Locations and Hours
- Driver License Frequently Asked Questions
- Online Services
- Forms & Publications
Arkansas DMV Information
The Office of Driver Services (ODS) at the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration licenses drivers. Testing is administered by Arkansas State Police and the Office of Motor Vehicle registers vehicles.
- Arkansas ODS
- ODS Office Locations
- Driver Examination Information
- Driver Services Forms
- Driver License Practice Test
- Driver License Test Study Guide [PDF]
California DMV Information
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- California DMV
- DMV Office Locations
- DMV Online Services
- Mobile Driver's License (MDL) FAQ
- DMV Forms
- California Driver's Handbook
- Online Learning and Driver Practice Tests
Colorado DMV Information
The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of Colorado's Department of Revenue licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Colorado DMV
- DMV Online Services
- Driver License Office Locations
- Driver License FAQ
- Motor Vehicle Forms and Publications
- Colorado Driver Education
- Colorado Driver Handbook [PDF]
Connecticut DMV Information
The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Connecticut DMV
- DMV Offices
- Connecticut DMV Mobile App FAQ
- DMV Online Services
- DMV Forms
- DMV Manuals
Delaware DMV Information
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Delaware DMV
- Office Locations
- DMV FAQ
- Online Services
- DMV Forms
- Delaware Driver Manual [PDF]
- Delaware Point System
District of Columbia DMV Information
The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- District of Columbia DMV
- Service Locations
- Online Services
- Forms
- DC Driver Manual
- Driver Sample Knowledge Tests
- Driver Point System
Florida DMV Information
The Division of Driver Licenses of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles licenses drivers; the Division of Motor Vehicles registers vehicles.
- Florida Division of Driver Licenses
- Office Locations
- MyDMV Portal - Online Services
- Forms
- Florida Driver's Handbooks and Manual
- Driver Education and Courses
- Driving Violations and Points System
Georgia DMV Information
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Georgia DDS
- Service Center Locations
- Forms and Manuals
- Georgia Driver's Manual
- Driver's License Practice Test
Hawaii DMV Information
Hawaii does not have a statewide Department of Motor Vehicles or Department of Driver Licensing. Both driver licensing and vehicle registration are managed by each county government. The Motor Vehicles Safety Office of the Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees written testing.
- DOT Motor Vehicles Safety Office
- Hawaii Driver's Manual [PDF]
- City & County of Honolulu Driver Licensing
- County of Maui Motor Vehicles and Licensing
- County of Hawaii Vehicle Registration and Licensing
- County of Kauai DMV
Idaho DMV Information
The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the Idaho Transportation Department licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Idaho DMV
- Driver Licensing Office Locations
- Online Services
- Class D Drivers - Sample Test
- Idaho Driver's Manual [PDF]
- Idaho Driving Violation Point System [PDF]
Illinois DMV Information
The Driver Services Department of the Illinois Secretary of State licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Illinois Driver Services Department
- Driver Facilities
- Driver Services Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Motorist Forms and Publications
- Address Change Online
Indiana DMV Information
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Indiana BMV
- License Branch Locations & Hours
- BMV Online Services
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Driver's License and Permit Forms
- Indiana Driver's Manual
- Citation Points and Driver Safety Program
Iowa DMV Information
The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) in the Iowa Department of Transportation licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Iowa MVD
- Driver's License Stations Locations & Hours
- Motor Vehicle Division Forms
- Iowa Practice Tests and Manuals
- Iowa Driver's License Manual [PDF]
The Iowa Department of Transportation provides the Iowa Driver's Manual in an audio DVD version. For a copy, phone 1-800-532-1121.
Kansas DMV Information
The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the Kansas Department of Revenue licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Kansas DMV
- DMV Appointments and Locations
- Driver License Exam Stations
- Online Services
- DMV Forms and Publications
- Driver's License Handbook [PDF]
Kentucky DMV Information
The Division of Driver Licensing (DDL) of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet licenses drivers, and the Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing (MVL) registers vehicles.
- Kentucky DDL
- Driver Licensing Regional Offices
- Forms Library
- Driver's Manual [PDF]
- Kentucky Driver Point System
Louisiana DMV Information
The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Louisiana OMV
- Online Services
- Office Locations
- OMV Forms and Documents
- Driver Education and Guides
- Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide [PDF]
Maine DMV Information
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) within the Department of the Maine Secretary of State licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Maine BMV
- Motor Vehicle Branch Offices
- Online Services
- Forms and Applications
- Driver License Manual [PDF]
- Motorist Handbook and Study Guide
Maryland DMV Information
The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) of the Maryland Department of Transportation licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Maryland MVA
- Branch Office Locations
- Driver and Vehicle Records
- MVA Forms and Documents
- Online Services
- Maryland Driver Manuals
- Driver Practice Test
Massachusetts DMV Information
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Massachusetts RMV
- Branch Locations
- Forms & Applications
- Online Service Center
- Massachusetts Driver's Manual
Michigan DMV Information
The Bureau of Branch Office Services of the Michigan Department of State licenses drivers and registers vehicles; the Bureau of Regulatory Services conducts driver's license reexaminations and hearings.
- Michigan Driver's License and State ID
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Online Services
- Self-Service Station Locations
- Driver's License Publications & Forms
- What Every Driver Must Know - Driving Manuals
Minnesota DMV Information
The Division of Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Minnesota DVS
- DVS Office Locations
- DVS Online Services
- Forms and Documents
- Minnesota Drivers' Manual [PDF] | Español
Mississippi DMV Information
The Driver Services Bureau of the Mississippi Highway Patrol licenses drivers and your local county tax collector registers vehicles.
- Driver Services Bureau
- Driver License Locations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Online Services
- Forms & Applications
- Driver's License Manuals
Missouri DMV Information
The Driver License Bureau of the Missouri Department of Revenue issues driver licenses. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Driver's Examination Division oversees the driver examination portion. The Motor Vehicle Bureau registers vehicles.
- Missouri Driver License Bureau
- Office Locations
- Driver Licensing FAQ
- Driver Licensing Forms
- Missouri Driver Guides
- Tickets and Point System
Montana DMV Information
The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the Montana Department of Justice licenses drivers and registers automobiles.
- Montana MVD
- Online Services
- Driver Exam Stations and Locations
- Forms & Other Documents
- Montana Driver License Manual [PDF]
Nebraska DMV Information
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licenses drivers; vehicles are registered at your County Motor Vehicle Office.
- Nebraska DMV
- DMV Examining Locations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- DMV Forms
- Nebraska Driver's Manual [PDF] | Español
Nevada DMV Information
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
New Hampshire DMV Information
The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the New Hampshire Department of Safety licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- New Hampshire DMV
- Online Services
- Office Locations and Hours
- Bureau of Driver Licensing FAQ
- Driver Licensing Forms
- Driver Manual [PDF]
New Jersey DMV Information
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
New Mexico DMV Information
The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the New Mexico Department of Taxation and Revenue licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- New Mexico MVD
- Online Services
- MVD Field Office Locations
- Driver and Vehicle FAQ
- Driver Forms
- New Mexico Driver Manuals
New York DMV Information
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- New York DMV
- Local DMV Offices
- Driver Point System
- Online Services
- DMV Forms
- New York Driver's Manuals
North Carolina DMV Information
The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the North Carolina Department of Transportation is responsible for issuing North Carolina driver's licenses, titles, registration, and plates. It also offers information concerning vehicle safety inspections, financial responsibility, property taxes, and local licenses.
North Dakota DMV Information
The Drivers License and Traffic Safety Division of the North Dakota Department of Transportation licenses drivers; the Motor Vehicle Division registers vehicles.
- Driver License Information
- Driver License Online Services
- Driver License Forms
- Vehicle Questions and Answers
- Noncommercial Driver License Manual [PDF] | Español
- Point Schedule
Ohio DMV Information
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) of the Ohio Department of Public Safety licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Ohio BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles)
- Office Locations
- Online Services
- Driving and Transportation Common Questions
- BMV Forms
- Ohio Driver Manuals - Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws
Oklahoma DMV Information
Driver License Services of the Department of Public Safety licenses drivers; the Motor Vehicle Commission (OMVC) of the Oklahoma Tax Commission registers vehicles.
Oregon DMV Information
The Division of Driver and Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the Oregon Department of Transportation licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Oregon DMV
- DMV Office Information
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Online Services
- Forms
- Oregon Driver Manual
Pennsylvania DMV Information
Pennsylvania's Driver and Vehicle Services (PennDOT) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- PennDOT
- Driver License Center Locations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Online Services
- Forms and Publications
- Online Driver's Manual
- Pennsylvania Driver's Manual | Español [PDF]
Rhode Island DMV Information
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Rhode Island DMV
- Office Locations & Hours
- Online Services
- Documents and Forms
- Rhode Island Driver's Manual [PDF]
South Carolina DMV Information
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- South Carolina DMV
- DMV Office Locations
- Online Services
- DMV Forms and Manuals
- South Carolina Driver's Manual [PDF]
South Dakota DMV Information
The Driver Licensing Program of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety licenses drivers; the Division of Motor Vehicles of the South Dakota Department of Revenue & Regulation licenses and registers vehicles.
- South Dakota Driver Licensing Program
- Driver Licensing Locations
- Driver Licensing FAQ
- Applications and Forms
- All Online Driver Manuals
- South Dakota Point System
- South Dakota Driver Manual | Español [PDF]
Tennessee DMV Information
The Driver License Issuance Division of the Tennessee Department of Safety licenses drivers; the Taxpayer and Vehicle Services Division of the Tennessee Department of Revenue licenses and registers vehicles.
- Tennessee Driver License Issuance Division (Driver Services)
- Office Locations
- Driver Improvement and Points Systems
- Online Services
- Tennessee Driver License Manual [PDF]
Texas DMV Information
The Driver License Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety licenses drivers; the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles licenses and registers vehicles.
- Texas Driver License Division
- Driver License Office Locations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Online Services
- Department of Public Safety Forms
- Texas Driver Handbook [PDF]
Utah DMV Information
The Driver License Division (DLD) of the Utah Department of Public Safety licenses drivers; the Motor Vehicle Division of the Utah State Tax Commission licenses and registers vehicles.
- Utah Driver License Division
- Field Office Locations and Hours
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Utah Mobile Driver License (mDL) Program
- Driver License Handbooks and Forms
- Utah Driver Handbook | Español [PDF]
Vermont DMV Information
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
Virginia DMV Information
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Virginia DMV
- Customer Service Center Locations
- Online Services
- Driver Forms
- Driver Exam Study Materials
- Virginia Driver's Manual | Español [PDF]
Washington DMV Information
The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) licenses drivers and registers vehicles.
- Washington DOL
- Online Services
- Driver Licensing Office Locations
- All Driver Guides
- Washington Drivers Guide | Español [PDF]
West Virginia DMV Information
The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) registers vehicles and licenses drivers.
- West Virginia DMV
- DMV Online Services
- Regional Office Locations
- Forms
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Driver's Licensing Handbook [PDF]
Wisconsin DMV Information
Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation licenses drivers; registers vehicles; administers motor vehicle laws; licenses motor vehicle dealerships; and administers a vehicle emissions testing program.
- Wisconsin DMV
- Driver Licensing Forms and Publications
- Online Services
- Wisconsin Point System
- Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook | Español | Limited Reading Proficiency [PDF]
- Driver License Info - New Residents to Wisconsin
Wyoming DMV Information
The Driver Services Program of the Wyoming Department of Transportation licenses drivers; the Motor Vehicle Services Division licenses and registers vehicles.
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