Most people dread the idea of going to the Department of Motor Vehicles, since this can usually mean long lines and waiting all day and still not getting the service you need. Here are some of the perks that the Department of Motor Vehicles has to offer, as well as some of the other features your area DMV may have available.

Because your driver's license expires on your birthday, you will probably want to plan your trip to the DMV to renew several days in advance. Most people have better things to do on their birthday than to spend it taking a bad driver's license picture. Other information regarding your motor vehicle and auto insurance is now available to you on trips to the DMV. The new services at the Department of Motor Vehicles can help you as follows:

If you are looking for quotes for car insurance, you may be able to find all the information you need at the DMV. Certain car insurance companies, such as Progressive, have partnered with some of the DMVs across the country in order to help customers by giving low quotes based on your age, marital status, and the type of car you have. It's easy and convenient to get these quotes for auto insurance while you already have to be at the DMV, and this feature is fairly new.

The Department of Motor Vehicles is another source for background checks. In fact, the DMV has provided this service for quite some time. The legendary DMV waiting-lines may not live up to their reputation anymore, either, as these days there are separate lines for the various services. Thus, you may not have to allot an entire day to get the background check you need for school or work.

You can locate all of your financial and automotive paperwork through the local Department of Motor Vehicles. Once collected, it will be possible to approach an insurance professional in an educated fashion. If a decision is still pending on the state of your insurance, you can help by authorizing the release of an official copy of your record from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

You can now use most of these services on the internet, including keeping the registration on your vehicle current, renewing the license plates on your car, or perhaps making your own vanity plates. You simply put in the request online, and the materials will be mailed to you. In Arizona and Pennsylvania, advance DMV resources are available, but you can get information about specific services in your state by contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles.