Skip the long DMV queue: Renew your driver's license at the AAA office instead (no membership required)
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If there's a way to get an intuitive response from someone, it's to call the DMV. Regardless of the reason, be it long lines, disgruntled employees, or just general inefficiency, I have yet to meet a single person who doesn't mind the trip.
Just look at all those happy faces.
Unless you live in a rural area, DMV locations are almost always understaffed, which has a lot to do with those ridiculous lines. Instead of opening more or hiring additional staff, some states have opted to take some of the burden off the DMV by allowing residents to renew their existing diving licenses at AAA offices, even if they are not AAA members.
Laws vary greatly from state to state. In some states, you can renew your license online or by mail if AAA renewals are not allowed. Others require everyone to renew it personally at the DMV. Here's a breakdown of what's allowed in each state. Click the link for your state to learn more about the requirements.
States where you can renew your AAA license
- Connecticut
- Florida*
- Indiana *
- Kansas
- Maine*
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nevada *
- Rhode Island*
* Also can renew online or by mail
Note: Not all AAA offices in these states offer license renewals, so you should contact your local office to see if this is available. Some places offer driver's license services by appointment only.
States where you can renew your license online or by mail
- Alabama (mail only)
- Alaska (mail only)
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Idaho (mail only)
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- NH
- New Jersey (by mail only if you were born on or before December 1, 1964)
- New Mexico (online only, by mail to military)
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina (mail only)
- North Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont (mail only)
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wyoming (mail only)
States where you must personally renew your license
- Arizona
- Арканзас
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Kentucky
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Utah
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Note: States that require personal renewals have exemptions for members of the military and those currently living out of state. These individuals can renew their subscription by mail.
Other DMV Services Offered by AAA
Even if you live in a state where AAA license renewals are prohibited, many locations offer other DMV services. Different services are available in each branch depending on state laws. Some of the services offered include:
- Renewal of registration of vehicles and ships
- Duplicate registration and stickers
- Driver's license change of address
- Exemption from liability
- Used car transfer
- Transfers on new and used boats
- Duplicate plates
- parking signs
- Individual license plates
- Rooms for the disabled
- Renewal of registration of off-road vehicles (SUVs, ATVs, etc.)
You can find out which specific services are available in your area by going to the AAA website and entering your zip code. Services are listed under Automotive -> Driving Resources.
The Future of DMV Transactions
Several states are starting to offer self-service kiosks where you can complete DMV transactions without having to visit an office. In Southern California, kiosks are for registration renewals only, but in Nevada, they can do just about anything the DMV offers, including license renewals. Most of them are available around the clock, which is handy if you work during DMV business hours.
Kiosks are also available in Delaware, Maryland and Tennessee. Most are located in either DMV or AAA, and Tennessee's kiosks use iPads.
Did you use a self-service kiosk for a DMV transaction (or know another state that has them)? Tell us about it in the comments below.
