History of DMV

The Origin of the Motor Vehicle Division

The motor vehicle began as a dangerous novelty. Initial laws required that the few horseless carriages on the road pull to the side when horse- or mule-drawn carriages passed so as to protect both the animals and those who held the reins. Further, automobiles were considered too dangerous to be driven at night, despite their characteristic loud honks and beeps.

However, the utility of the invention soon made it ubiquitous, and Arizona eventually had to take the reins itself, policing owners with driver licenses and car registration.

Today, the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) has close to 100 offices and third-party outposts to guide and protect motorists according to the rules of the road, and more than 4.6 million registered vehicles on that road.

In addition to licensing drivers and registering automobiles, it oversees vehicle sales transfers, revenue collection, safety initiatives, and the compliance of transportation laws.

The Future of the MVD

The MVD is always working to facilitate the needs of those who utilize motor vehicles in the state of Arizona. For the future, it has outlined goals that it hopes will make "a difference by setting customer commitment at its highest level."

The MVD will work to ensure the safety and efficiency of transportation in the Grand Canyon State. It will also regulate, license, and administer transportation laws to ensure the security of the public.

Further, its representatives will focus on superior customer service and workplace decorum to cultivate a top-notch, effective staff system. Lastly, the MVD will prioritize electronic processes to streamline information receipt and delivery, thereby maximizing its service to the community.