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How to Use This Directory

Vehicle registration, driver licensing, and motor vehicle records in the United States are administered entirely at the state level. There is no federal DMV. Each state agency goes by a different name, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Department of Transportation (DOT), Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Secretary of State (SOS), or Revenue Department, but they all perform the same core functions.

Use this directory to go directly to the agency you need, whether you are registering a newly purchased vehicle, replacing stolen or damaged plates, requesting title records, submitting a DPPA-compliant owner information request, or renewing your driver’s license.

Common Reasons to Contact Your State DMV

  • Registering a newly purchased vehicle
  • Renewing an existing vehicle registration
  • Replacing lost, stolen, or damaged plates
  • Applying for or transferring a vehicle title
  • Requesting a driving record or vehicle history letter
  • Submitting a formal DPPA-permissible owner records request
  • Updating your address on a registration
  • Obtaining a handicap placard or specialty plate

State DMV Agencies: All 50 States

StateDMV Website
Alabamaalea.gov/mvd
Alaskadot.alaska.gov/dmv
Arizonaazdot.gov/mvd
Arkansasdfa.arkansas.gov/motor-vehicle
Californiadmv.ca.gov
Coloradodmv.colorado.gov
Connecticutportal.ct.gov/dmv
Delawaredmv.de.gov
Floridaflhsmv.gov
Georgiadds.georgia.gov
Hawaiihawaii.gov/dot/highways/motor-vehicle-safety
Idahoitd.idaho.gov/dmv
Illinoiscyberdriveillinois.com
Indianain.gov/bmv
Iowaiowadot.gov/mvd
Kansasksrevenue.gov/vehicle.html
Kentuckydrive.ky.gov
Louisianaexpresslane.org
Mainemaine.gov/sos/bmv
Marylandmva.maryland.gov
Massachusettsmass.gov/rmv
Michiganmichigan.gov/sos
Minnesotadvs.dps.mn.gov
Mississippidps.state.ms.us/motor-vehicles
Missouridor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle
Montanadoj.mt.gov/driving
Nebraskadmv.nebraska.gov
Nevadadmvnv.com
New Hampshirenh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv
New Jerseynj.gov/mvc
New Mexicomvd.newmexico.gov
New Yorkdmv.ny.gov
North Carolinancdot.gov/dmv
North Dakotadot.nd.gov/divisions/motorvehicle
Ohiobmv.ohio.gov
Oklahomaok.gov/tax/Vehicles
Oregonoregon.gov/odot/dmv
Pennsylvaniadmv.pa.gov
Rhode Islanddmv.ri.gov
South Carolinascdmv.net
South Dakotador.sd.gov/motor-vehicles
Tennesseetn.gov/safety/driver-services.html
Texastxdmv.gov
Utahdmv.utah.gov
Vermontdmv.vermont.gov
Virginiadmv.virginia.gov
Washingtondol.wa.gov
West Virginiatransportation.wv.gov/dmv
Wisconsinwisconsindmv.gov
Wyomingdot.state.wy.us/home/titles_plates_registration.html

Submitting a DPPA Records Request

If you need registered owner information for a DPPA-permissible purpose, such as a legal proceeding, insurance investigation, or employer driving record check, the process runs through the relevant state DMV, not through PlateLookup.org.

Each state has its own form, fee schedule, and documentation requirements. Typical steps:

  • Contact the DMV in the state where the vehicle is registered
  • Request their official motor vehicle records request form
  • Provide documentation establishing your permissible purpose
  • Pay the applicable state fee

Processing times vary from a few days for online requests to several weeks for paper submissions during high-volume periods.

FAQs

What is the difference between a DMV and a DOT?
In most states, the DMV handles individual driver licensing and vehicle registration. The DOT handles transportation infrastructure and policy. Some states combine both functions into a single agency, and naming conventions vary widely.
Is there a federal DMV?
No. Vehicle registration and driver licensing in the U.S. are entirely state-administered. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets federal safety standards but does not issue registrations or licenses.
Can I request vehicle records from another state's DMV?
Yes. DPPA-permissible records requests can be submitted to any state DMV for vehicles registered in that state. Contact the relevant state agency directly.
How do I check if my registration is current?
Run a plate search on PlateLookup.org to check registration status, or log into your state DMV's online portal with your registration details.
How long does a title transfer typically take?
Processing times range from a few days for electronic submissions to several weeks for paper applications, particularly at the beginning and end of the year.