A Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a state-level government agency that primarily administers vehicle registration and licensing services. Depending on the state that you live in, your DMV-equivalent may be called something different, like the Division of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Driver Services Program, or Registry of Motor Vehicles.
No matter the name, these agencies all generally serve the same purpose — to handle state regulated requirements surrounding vehicles and drivers. This includes everything from car registration, driver’s license renewal, learners permit and driving tests, driving records, title transfers, bills of sale, and more.
You may have to visit your local DMV or equivalent agency’s office in person when registering a new car or renewing your license. However, depending on the state you live in, you may be able to complete many tasks online through your agency’s website.
In this article
Department of Motor Vehicles and equivalent agencies by state
Each state has its own rules when it comes to vehicle and driving regulations. Below is contact information for DMVs and equivalent agencies in all 50 states.
State | DMV or equivalent agency phone number | DMV or equivalent agency website |
|---|---|---|
Alabama | (334) 242-9000 | |
Alaska | (855) 269-5551 | |
Arizona | (602) 255-0072 | |
Arkansas | For license, ID, and driving record questions: (501) 371-5581; For title and registration questions: (501) 682-4692 | |
California | (800) 777-0133 | |
Colorado | (303) 205-5600 | |
Connecticut | If you are within the Hartford area: (860) 263-5700; All other parts of CT: (800) 842-8222 | |
Delaware | Wilmington: (302) 434-3200; Delaware City: (302) 326-5000; Dover: (302) 744-2500; Georgetown: (302) 853-1000 | |
District of Columbia | (202) 737-4404 | |
Florida | (850) 617-3000 | |
Georgia | (678) 413-8400 | |
Hawaii* | Motor Vehicle Safety Office: (808) 692-7650 | |
Idaho | (208) 334-8000 | |
Illinois | Inside Illinois: (800) 252-8980; Outside Illinois: (217) 785-3000 | |
Indiana | (888) 692-6841 | |
Iowa | General information: (515) 239-1101; Driver's license information: (515) 244-8725 | |
Kansas | Driver's license information: (785) 296-3671; Driver services: (785) 296-3671 | |
Kentucky | (502) 564-1257 | |
Louisiana | (225) 925-6146 | |
Maine | (207) 822-6400 | |
Maryland | (410) 768-7000 | |
Massachusetts | (800) 858-3926 | |
Michigan | (888) 767-6424 | |
Minnesota | Driver services: (651) 297-3298; Vehicle services: (651) 297-2126 | |
Mississippi | (601) 987-1212 | |
Missouri | Driver services: (573) 526-2407; Vehicle services: (573) 526-3669 | |
Montana | (406) 444-3933 | |
Nebraska | Driver's license division: (402) 471-3861; Vehicle information: (402) 471-3918 | |
Nevada | License and registration: (775) 684-4830; Vehicle title services: (775) 684-4810 | |
New Hampshire | (603) 227-4000 | |
New Jersey | (609) 292-6500 | |
New Mexico | (888) 683-4636 | |
New York | (518) 486-9786 | |
North Carolina | (919) 715-7000 | |
North Dakota | Driver services: (701) 328-2600; Vehicle services: (701) 328-2725 | |
Ohio | (844) 644-6268 | |
Oklahoma | Driver's license services: (405) 425-2300 | |
Oregon | (503) 945-5000 | |
Pennsylvania | (717) 412-5300 | |
Rhode Island | (401) 462-4368 | |
South Carolina | (803) 896-5000 | |
South Dakota | (605) 773-3541 | |
Tennessee | Driver's license issuance: (615) 253-5221; Driver's license reinstatement: (866) 903-7357 | |
Texas | Local: (512) 465-3000; Toll free: 1 (888) 368-4689 | |
Utah | Salt Lake City area: (801) 297-7780; Toll free: (800) 368-8824 | |
Vermont | (802) 828-2000 | |
Virginia | (804) 497-7100 | |
Washington | Diver's license information: (360) 902-3900; Vehicle registration information: (360) 902-3770 | |
West Virginia | (304) 558-3900 | |
Wisconsin | Driver services: (608) 264-7447; Vehicle services: (608) 264-7447 | |
Wyoming | Driver services: (307) 777-4800 |
Note: Hawaii is the only U.S. state where no part of the state government performs DMV functions. County governments throughout Hawaii handle DMV operations and offices.
How to find the DMV near me
In each state, there are multiple DMV office locations. Cities and counties have their own agency offices that you can visit in person, depending on what area of the state you live in. You should go to your state’s DMV website to determine where your closest agency office is. By visiting your agency’s website, you might learn that you don’t need to visit the office in person at all, and may be able to complete certain tasks, like license renewal, online.
You can also call your state’s DMV or equivalent agency’s office. Most offices typically have a general customer service line with extensions for specific issues, like licensing or vehicle registration.
When you go to a DMV office in person, you should make sure you bring photo identification, like your driver’s license, passport, or other form of identification.
How to make an appointment at the DMV
You can typically walk into a DMV office without an appointment for many tasks, like if you need to register your car or change the title of your car to someone else’s name. That said, you typically do need to make an appointment for things like a driver’s license test.
To make an appointment ahead of time, you should visit your local agency’s website or call the office closest to you. If your DMV or similar agency doesn’t take appointments or you can’t make an appointment for your specific needs, it’s a good idea to get to the DMV office early in the morning. If you don’t have an appointment, people are typically seen on a first come, first serve basis.
Does the DMV take credit cards?
Depending on what state you live in, and what the purpose of the transaction is, your local DMV office may accept credit cards and debit cards both online and in-person.
That said, some states may require you to pay only using a certified check or a money order made payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles or a related agency.
You may have to pay the DMV fees for a variety of reasons, like a registration fee when you register your car or a fee to get a renewed or duplicated driver’s license.
