A DMV, or Department of Motor Vehicles, is a government agency responsible for administering motor vehicle registration and driver licensing. The specific responsibilities of a DMV can vary by state, but generally include:

• Providing an identification number for vehicles, either with a permanent vehicle registration plate or temporary tag.
• Tracking detailed vehicle information, such as odometer history, to prevent automobile-related crimes such as odometer fraud.
• Certifying ownership of automotive vehicles by issuing a vehicle title.
• Recording liens made with an automobile as collateral on a secured loan.
• Enforcing federal and state laws concerning motor vehicles.

In addition to these responsibilities, a DMV may also handle driver licensing, driver certification, and car emissions and safety inspections. It is important to note that different states may have different names for their DMV, such as the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in Maryland or the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) in Louisiana. While many consumers have experienced long waits in line at their DMV when trying to renew driver’s licenses, registering vehicles or getting a title transferred, in recent years the state DMVs have made efforts to streamline their processing – including offering some of their services online.