Archives for 2011

Stalemate in Minnesota Shutdown Affects DMV

“The Minnesota state government officially shut down all non-essential services on Friday, July 1st, 2011. The situation is eerily similar to what is presently occurring in Washington, D.C. Because the executive and legislative branches of government, at odds over spending and taxation, were unable to reach a budget compromise. While the kings and queens of the political chess board do battle, it is the pawns that are paying the price. In this case, the pawns are the citizens of Minnesota.

This has left the citizens with many questions regarding what government services will be provided and what services will not be provided during the Minnesota government shutdown. In particular, how the shut down relates to motor vehicle registration and licensing to drive. Because the law enforcement agencies in the state will still be operating and expecting to see the proper licenses and documentation for operating a motor vehicle on the state’s roadways.

The Department of Driver and Vehicle Services will not be operational during this shutdown. Kind of, sort of, well, they will to a degree. The computerized functions of the DVS will still be functioning. The data bases used by law enforcement will remain operational and online. The walk-in offices that fill the majority of citizens needs will not. The services that are taken for granted will for the most part not be fully available until the situation is resolved.

Drivers license renewals can be done by county Deputy Registrars. However, all that will be issued to those renewing a license will be paper documentation. That lovely photo that accompanies the laminated card will have to wait until the DVS offices statewide reopen.

Those reaching that magical age of sixteen expecting to apply for a drivers license will just have to wait. No new licenses will be issued because there will be no driving examinations given until the shutdown is ended. The same thing applies to new residents moving into the state. They will not be able to obtain a Minnesota drivers license either. The vendors that produce them are not working. You will just have to wait.

Another item that is worrying to motorists is renewing a license plate and registration on their vehicle. The good news is that as long as a local DVS office has a supply of them, residents and businesses will be able to obtain a new plate or tab and the requisite registration documentation.

The bad news is that while this shut down is ongoing, there will be no new registration of commercial motor vehicles. There will be no car inspections performed during this period either. You will just have to wait. The lack of new registration of commercial vehicle registration is of particular concern to businesses and individuals. The state employed inspectors are not working.

Commercial vehicles move people and commodities, providing a great many people with a job driving these vehicles. The fact that no new registrations will be issued until the conflict is resolved is of particular concern. Commercial vehicles are replaced on a consistent basis due to the wear and tear inflicted by the nature of the use of these vehicles. Taxi cab and tractor trailer fleets unable to be replaced and registered; the men and women who inspect these vehicles unemployed because there is no need for their services. You will just have to wait.

The effects of the longest state government shutdown in the history of the United States are just beginning to truly be felt. One thing everyone can agree on is that this a frustrating experience for all the citizens of Minnesota. This political impasse is costing the state millions in lost revenue. A cost that can only be calculated when it comes to an end.

But it is costing the state more than just revenue. The price of frustration and confusion, the price of confidence and trust in government are incalculable. Sadly, the cost to individual lives and business owners is calculable. They will just have to wait to total up the tab until after this chess match has been played.”

For more information, click here:

Minnesota Government shutdown FAQ

Minnesota North Star

Minnesota Government Shutdown Costs Taxpayers Millions

The cost of Minnesota’s Shutdown:A Warning to Washington

Texas DMV Fights Moving Scams with New Online Tools

There is a new scam that is becoming quite common in Texas. Two individuals got recently scammed by a moving company they hired to move them. What happens is that they hire the moving company to move them and when the truck arrives at the destination, the company demands a payment significantly higher then what was agreed upon. In both cases the two individuals only did a verbal agreement. There are actions that could be taken to make sure that one does not get scammed. Some of the key things to do include: Getting a written contract drawn up, verifying that the company is insured, and making sure the driver has a commercial driver’s license. The DMV in Texas has set up an online site where people can verify information on various moving companies to help individuals out.

Find out more:

WFAA-TV

DMV website on moving companies

Filed Under: DMV News Tagged With: DMV, moving scams, Texas DMV

Florida Learners Permit Test Online

“Do you need to take the learners permit exam test in Florida? If so, you can now take it online again. This is a very controversial way of allowing people taking the exam test, since people can easily cheat on it. Some people agree with allowing it since it would potentially cut back on time they may spend in the Florida DMV. Florida has tried this in the past, and it was halted after six years.

There are a number of sites that you can learn about the Florida DMV Learners Permit test. You can pay to learn the course. There are also sites that allow you to view cheats and tips on passing the test online. This is controversial because the main goal is to have safe drivers on Florida’s roads and some don’t think that can be accomplished online.

There are even students that don’t agree with it being allowed to be taken online. They feel that it takes away from actually having to learn, since it could be used as an ‘open book’ type of test, which is a form of cheating in this case. There are places that allow you to do open book tests – the Florida DMV shouldn’t be one of them. On the other hand, there are AAA members and people that work for AAA that think the online testing is a good idea.

Rep. Irv Slosberg of Boca Raton is one of the people that think online learners permit testing is a “”no-no”” since his teenage daughter died in a car accident. Michelle Harris, who specializes in driver training by AAA, thinks it is a “”good opportunity””. The Florida Learning Permit Test was failed at the testing centers by 40% of people that passed the test online, which is why it was halted after six years. There are new measures and checks in place, now that it is back online, to stop cheating and to make sure people actually know what they are taking the test on.

What do you think? Would you take your drivers learning permit online? Would you rather go into a facility and take it? If you would take it online, why? Do you think it’s a good idea to take these sort of tests online?”

Additional information at:

Palm Beach Post

The DMV Test Online

Online Learners Permit Test Resumes Online

Learners Permit

Florida DMV

Filed Under: DMV News Tagged With: Florida Learners Permit Test

Vehicle Registration -Do It Simply

The procedure of vehicle registration entails two basic steps:

● Verification of details

● Documentation of a vehicle formally in the official records

Vehicle registration is legally binding, and at the same time, is needed when you want to re-sale your motor vehicle. The law of the State demands that all the modes of transportation should be registered. It is fundamental to establish your possession and rights over the automobile; so it is required when there is a transfer of ownership of the same. If your vehicle is not registered, you cannot even trace it back, in case it is stolen or lost.

If you want to register your vehicle, there is little you need to worry about. It is simple and the steps entail no complication. For vehicle registration, you need to visit the website of DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). The DMV is a government agency that operates at the state-level; it is responsible for the administering of driver licensing, as well as registration of vehicles, in the United States of America. Download the form meant for this purpose, get a print out and fill in the details asked for. After putting the date and your signature, take the form to the local DMV in your area.

A pink slip has to be acquired; ensure that it contains the signature of the sellers. The pink slip might also be referred to as the certificate of title. You need to put your signature in an allotted space on the pink slip. The next step of vehicle registration happens to be obtaining of the odometer disclosure, in case the automobile is not equal to or more than ten years old. The mileage information has to be entered in the selected part of the pink slip too.

If your motor vehicle is more than six years old, you have to provide a smog certificate. After this, the vehicle registration fee needs to be paid. The fees will be calculated by the DMV based on the model of your car and the year of its purchase. Transfer fees need to be paid if the car is sold. You need to pay it within ten days of selling it.

Vehicle registration renewal can be done in a simple manner, as well. All you need for the procedure are a computer, the internet, the notice for renewal, the registration renewal code and a credit card.

For more information, visit https://secure2.gov.mt/vehicleregistration/home

Filed Under: Vehicle Registration Tagged With: Vehicle Registration

How Will You Obtain Your Vehicle Records?

The DMV maintains a copy of your driving records, including your vehicle history reports, any vehicle criminal records and court reports, etc. A copy of your vehicle records is to be given to your employer when you join a company or by your insurance provider, when you insure your vehicle. Your driving safety record can be obtained by filling in an application form and sending to your state’s DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles).

It is easy to get your driving vehicle records. A computer, a stable internet connection, a printer, a pen and a postage stamp are all that you need. At first, you need to access the DMV page of the state that issued your driver’s license. In the DMV website, there is a link where you click to get the forms meant to order a driving record’s copy. Download the form and get a print out.

Fill the particulars asked by the application form; for instance, your name, address, date of birth, license number, Social security number and other details may be asked. Your state might also have a requirement of a fee to be paid to provide your driving vehicle records; if it is so, you will find it mentioned on the form itself. Get the address where the form is supposed to be mailed. Look at the bottom of the form, and in all likelihood, you should get it there.

You could also be looking for your DMV vehicle records, and in that case, you should remember that every state has a set of rules of its own regarding the procedures. You will require a credit card and a vehicle identification number for the purpose. You could find out your DMV record by ordering a history report of your vehicle from a private company like CARFAX, if you want quicker results.

Your seventeen-digit Vehicle Identification Number has to be obtained and then, with the help of internet, locate the website of the company. The VIN number is to be entered and ensure that you find out a relevant result in context of the automobile for which you want to obtain DMV vehicle records for. You need to pay a certain sum of money for the history report; you may make the payment online with the help of your credit card.

Alternately, you can obtain your DMV vehicle records directly from the DMV website or local DMV office and filling the application forms.

For more information, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_vehicle_speed_records

Filed Under: Vehicle Records Tagged With: Vehicle Records

Driving Records – How To Find Them

Your driving records can be used by several different agencies for different purposes. Most commonly, the Federal or State governments use it to monitor your driving habits. How a particular offense is treated may vary from one state to another. For example, some states consider driving under influence a misdemeanor, which means that you lose points and could lose your license, if your commit repeated offenses. Some states follow the ‘three times and you are out’ policy. Other states treat DUI as a criminal offene, which means that it would appear, as such, on your driving record and could affect your employability. Other driving offenses that are of a criminal nature include hit and run or motor homicides.

Driving Records Search

First Name

Last Name

State

Your driving records play an important part in several other things, such as how much insurance you have to pay or even your employment prospects. Insurance companies decide on the premium amount that you have to pay based on your previous record of accidents or offenses. Hence, if you have offenses such as DUI on your records, then your motor vehicle insurance premiums would go up significantly.

Employers also like to know everything they possibly can about a prospective hire before they finally recruit him. One of the checks done by employers is a check of driving records. If you have a criminal offesce listing on your driving record, then chances are that the company will not hire you, as they may have doubts about your ability to handle responsibility. For business owners who run transportation services, a search of the driver’s record is crucial, as they would have to trust their motor vehicles to the driver’s care for carrying passengers or goods from one place to another.

For an individual, it is possible to get driving records either through a written or email request followed by a personal visit to the DMV offices. Another method of getting this information is through using authorized third parties online who can get the records for you. There are, however, certain restrictions as to who can get this information. Some states have strict laws that protect the privacy of their residents and this information can only be given to an insurer or a genuine employer on producing sufficient proof of the need for it. This is done to prevent third parties from getting access to the personal details of the individual and using it for unauthorized purposes, such as email marketing campaigns.

For more information, visit http://dor.mo.gov/drivers/records.php

Filed Under: Driving Records Tagged With: Driving Records

DMV Locations – Tips to Finding One Close to You

Being aware of the DMV locations close to your home can help you save a lot of trouble. Getting caught by the DMV can cause your license being revoked if you lose a lot of points on your license due to repeated offences. The various criteria for which a person’s license can be taken away by the

DMV could be due to several reasons, such as driving under the influence. Besides this, being aware of where the nearest DMV office is located can help with other important things that you need to do to drive safely and without worries.

DMV locations have offices that handle various issues related to driving and motor safety. These offices deal with issues such as licenses, titles, registration of vehicles and permits. In addition, they are also responsible for issuing commercial driver’s licenses, non driver IDs and other documentation. They are almost a one-stop-shop for all issues related to driving a motor vehicle. As you get older, getting a vision test done frequently is essential for maintaining your driver’s license and these tests can also be taken at DMV offices. Besides, other tests such as knowledge tests for beginners and those undergoing a refresher course, as well as road tests, can be taken at these locations.

Although you need personally to visit the DMV locations for taking tests for vision, knowledge and the road test, it is now possible to schedule an appointment online. A person can schedule up to three online appointments to get a time for an office visit either to update details of the vehicle, such as title or registration, or to take tests. It is important to get an appointment at a DMV office close to you to avoid having to travel a long distance.

Fortunately, finding DMV locations is now possible by using websites. There are several websites that allow you to search for the nearest DMV office by listing out the various locations in a city wise alphabetical listing. Besides this, you can do a state wise search to find DMV offices across the United States that are close to you, whichever state or city you reside in. In addition, you will find useful information related to driving a motor vehicle such as insurance, road safety manuals, DUI lawyers listings, as well as articles that provide information on what you can do if you commit a DMV offence, such as driving under influence.

For more information, visit http://www.flhsmv.gov/offices/

Filed Under: DMV Locations Tagged With: DMV Locations

How To Get Your Driver’s License

Having Driver’s License is, no doubt, an important document for all drivers. When you want to get a license, there are quite a number of

processes which you need to go through, and all of them are important in their own ways. When you are looking for a license in the United States, you should at first try to read the driver’s handbook, which is available in your state. You will find that a variety of rules related to driving have been printed in it and it is very important for you to read them and get familiar with them. Different kinds of specific techniques required to obtain your Driver’s License are also mentioned in this handbook, and you should take a very close look at them.

In the various cities and towns of the United States, you will find that arrangements for license tests can be made. You just need to get in touch with the field office that offers these tests. You can fix the test time, as per your convenience, just by making a phone call or sending an e mail. When you want to sit for the Drivers License written test, which act as one of your first hurdles, you need to bring a variety of legal documents along with you. These documents are needed to prove your identification.

When you are living in the United States, the legal age for obtaining a Driver’s License varies from one state to the other. You should be aware about this fact before applying for a license. For example, in the state of South Dakota, 14 is the legal age for obtaining a license, and in New Jersey, it is 17. When you arrive to sit for the test, do not forget to carry your birth certificate and social security number with you.

Before you sit for the written examination, a comprehensive vision test is also taken. If there is a major problem with your vision, you are not allowed to sit for the Driver’s License test. After passing this license test, you are provided with an instruction permit. As per this permit you are allowed to drive, but a driver with a valid license needs to sit beside you.

After you need the practical Driver’s License test passing, you are accepted as a legal holder of a license. You need to surrender your permit before the test and. if you pass. A legal license is given to you. If you fail in the test, the permit is given back to you once again and you will have to make another attempt for your license.

For more information, visit http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/drvlicen.shtml

Filed Under: Driver's License Tagged With: drivers license

How to Renew Your Driver’s License

Most state department of motor vehicles (DMVs) now offer you in-person, by mail, or online options for renewing your driver’s license as well as extensions and other alternatives for residents located out of the state.

Exactly what steps you must take to renew your driver’s license depends on your state’s motor vehicle rules and regulations.

Renewing a regular non-commercial driver’s license
Renewing a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Renewing a driver’s license online

Renewing a Driver’s License

Few people can bear the thought of standing in long lines at their local DMV, so in many cases you can renew your driver’s license by mail or via the internet. Here are some tips:

Renew as soon as you can prior to your license expiration (usually your birthday).
Driving with an expired license is illegal and you’ll get a ticket, at best, if you’re stopped.
Some state DMVs do and some do not charge fees for late renewals. Check with your local DMV for details, but the safest bet is to renew your license promptly.
For in-person driver’s license renewals you’ll typically need: proof of identification (birth certificate, passport, official ID card, etc.), proof of residence (utility bill, rent/mortgage statement/bill, etc.), and your social security number.

If you must appear in person to renew your license, find out if your state provides local driver’s license offices. Where used, these satellite locations are dedicated exclusively to handling driver’s license business—new licenses, driver’s tests, and renewals—and can significantly reduce your time spent in long lines.

Renewing a Commercial Driver’s License

If you’re renewing a CDL, the steps for renewing are the same as those for non-commercial driver’s licenses. Most states offer you the convenience of renewing by mail or online. If you have changed residence, changed your address or are trying to change or upgrade the class of your license, you may be required to appear in person at your local DMV or a driver’s license office and complete the paperwork necessary for processing the changes to your license.

Online Driver’s License Renewal

Good news is that in some situations you may be able to avoid the lines at the DMV or save the postage for a mail-in renewal, by renewing online. DMVs that do offer online driver’s license renewals usually do so only under the following conditions:

No changes to your personal information, including no change of address
No class of license changes: if you currently hold a non-commercial license you can renew the same class of license and vice versa for CDL holders.
Depending on your DMV’s requirements, you may also be required to register as an online DMV user.

If you are located out-of-state at the time your driver’s license is due for renewal and renewing online is not an option, your state likely has one or more alternatives, such as short- or long-term license extensions.

For more information, visit http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Motor_Vehicles.shtml

Filed Under: Driver's License Renewal Tagged With: drivers license renewal

How to Get Your Driver’s License

New driver? Moving to a new state? Getting a driver’s license can be an exciting rite of passage or an aggravating moving task. Your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) administers drivers’ licenses in accord with established state laws and requirements.

New Driver’s License

Every state requires drivers to have a license and each administers its own driver’s license requirements. Technology has made it convenient for DMVs to make many resources available on the web where you can quickly look up new license requirements, download forms and drivers manuals, take sample drivers license tests, and more. To find your state’s DMV website simply enter the following into a search engine: your state dmv (for example: ny dmv).

If you’re a first time driver, here are the basic steps you’ll likely follow to get your drivers license:

Take a driver’s education course in school or through a private commercial driving academy. Many high schools offer driver education classes as part of an elective curriculum.
Apply for a driver’s permit, sometimes called a learner’s permit or temporary permit. Check with your state DMV for the eligible age of new drivers. If you are eligible for a permanent driver’s license at age 16, then it’s likely you will be able to get a learner’s permit sometime during your 15^th year. Most teen driving permits come bundled with restrictions, such as curfews, limit on number of passengers, limit on number of miles away from home, etc.
Log practice driving hours you spend with a parent or guardian. Your DMV will be able to tell you how many practice hours you could be required to have before you are eligible to apply for your real license. The car you’re driving must be registered and, in most states, properly insured.
When you are ready and have all the required paperwork and training, take and pass your driving skills and knowledge tests.
Qualify for a provisional driver’s license. Many states have graduate driver’s programs designed for young adults under age 25. Teens may have to drive with varying restrictions under the provisional license.
Get your permanent license. Pay any license and/or administrative fees required by DMV.

Adults (18+), disabled drivers, and foreign (non-American) drivers may have specific instructions to follow and tests to take, so check with your local DMV office.

Out of State Drivers

As if moving from one state to another was not stressful enough, once there you’ll be legally required to get a drivers license issued by that state, usually within 30 days of residence.

Common documents you’ll need to present to qualify for a new resident driver’s license:

Proof of residence: usually a utility bill satisfies the requirement.
Proof of identification: birth certificate, Social Security Card, legal identification card
Non-expired drivers license from another state
Pay any license and/or administrative fees to the DMV.

Avoid needless waiting in long lines at the DMV by using the driver’s license resources available to you on your state’s DMV website.

For more information, visit http://dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl.htm

Filed Under: Driver's License Tagged With: drivers license

Speeding Tickets And Moving Violations

Sure, you may have read so many articles about how to avoid speeding tickets and moving violations, but the question is, were they all effective? Are you still looking for fool-proof ways on how to avoid them once and for all? Then you have come to the right place. Allow me to introduce to you the simple steps and guidelines on how to avoid these road violations.

1. Speed Limits will keep you safe.

Speed limits were created for a reason–to keep you driving at a safe rate when on the road. When you are in your town or city you may be very well familiar with the imposed speed limits. But if you are just new to a certain place, it is best to get to know the driving area first as well as the speed limits. Also get to know their rules and regulations as they may have specific rules to be followed at specific times.

2. The night is not a good time to drive.

When night time comes, we all know it is best to drive where the roads are lit and you know the way very well. But when you need to travel far, you may want to postpone it until daylight. You never know what could be waiting for you down that dark and lonely road. It is better to be safe than sorry, as cliche as it may sound.

3. Avoid driving too slow, either.

If you think speeding is bad, so is driving too slowly. This could be a cause of traffic, and other drivers could get mad at your driving skills. It is best to go with how most drivers are reacting to the traffic flow. You don’t want to get lugged around.

4. Driving defensively is always your best bet against drunk drivers.

When you know how to drive defensively and know the warning signs of reckless drivers around you, you can prevent dangers and accidents along the road. If you want to learn how, there are so many courses that offer lessons on defensive driving. Enrolling yourself in one of these courses will surely give you an additional experience in driving as well as hone your skills to become a better and a more responsible driver. Remember, if they can’t be responsible, you still can.

5. It is true what they say–never text and drive.

Cell phones should not be used when driving. You probably have seen these many times over the television, in the radio, and in newspaper ads. And this warning does not only apply to texting, taking calls while driving should not be allowed too. You could easily be distracted, and instead of paying attention to everything on the road, your attention is diverted to the conversation.

If you have followed all these tips and you are still pulled over by the officer down the road, don’t despair, as sometimes these things really happen and there is now way we can tell for certain. But you can do your part and prevent it if you can.

Also keep in mind the defensive driving lessons mentioned earlier, as they can really help your driving skills. Don’t forget, speeding tickets and moving violations are avoidable if you know the techniques.

For more information, visit http://www.kansashighwaypatrol.org/faqs/violations.html

For more information, visit

Filed Under: DMV Tagged With: speeding tickets and moving violations

How To Get A Vehicle Title And What Its Used For

A vehicle title is very important especially if you have just purchased the car. If it is a new car without a previous owner, then it is your responsibility to get a car title for it. If there was a previous owner, the title or what is also known as the “pink slip” will be handed on to you by the seller. Whether or not it is a brand new car that you are about to purchase, it is still necessary to learn the basics of getting a car title because you never know when you are going to need this knowledge in the future.

The auto title contains such valuable information that is necessary to pass onto the next owner of the car. It contains the car owner’s name, the address, the name and model of the vehicle, and the year that it was sold. It is usually kept in much secured places in order to ensure its safety. It is what is otherwise known as a proof of ownership.

If you are buying the vehicle from a previous owner, there are certain steps to take in order for the ownership of the vehicle to be passed on to you. For an easy and successful grant of the pink slip, follow these steps to ensure that the vehicle is now legally yours.

The Department of Motor Vehicles in the US is responsible for any actions towards the ownership of any kind of vehicle. You need to know this because when it comes to getting a pink slip for the car you are about to purchase, you will be doing business with them in order to complete the process.

Locate the office of the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. Some states may not have this, or in cases wherein you cannot seem to find their office, you may go to the local tax department.

The night before you decide to go to the office of that department, you may want to prepare the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin which will be used by the representatives of the department to process your file. Don’t have any ideas where to get this? Ask your dealer and he or she will be the one to provide it to you.

You might want to bring along some information about the previous owner, or what is referred to as the “lien information”. Also make sure that the all signatures of the previous owners are already in the required documents if there are ever documents that need to be signed.

This process does not come free, of course. You are going to have to pay some standard fees for the entire process. When all is completed and you have paid for the services, you may have to wait for up to a month in order for the new pink slip to be given to you, or in most cases, mailed to you and the previous owner. Congratulations, you are now the legal owner of a new car, thanks to the vehicle title.

For more information, visit http://www.vehiclehistory.gov/