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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.

Going to the DMV usually means that you have to get your driver's license renewed, and since it expires on your birthday, you may want to go a few days before so that you don't spend your birthday taking yet another bad driver's license picture. However, you can also get information for your motor vehicle, as well as auto insurance information on your next trip to the DMV. Here's how some of the new services at the Department of Motor Vehicles work:

The DMV may be able to supply all the information you require concerning car insurance premiums. In fact, Progressive auto insurance and some other companies have formed partnerships with DMV's across the United States to aid customers in obtaining inexpensive quotes for car insurance based on age, marital status, and the model of vehicle you drive. If you need to go to the DMV to take care of another matter, you can also take advantage of this convenient new feature.

You can also get background checks at the Department of Motor Vehicles. This service has been around for a while, so if you have to get a background check for school or if you're staring a new job, you can take care of this at the DMV, and you may not even have to wait in line as long--these days, there are separate lines for different services, so you won't have to spend all day there.

Your credit reports and vehicle history are also available at the DMV, and this information will help you to find which insurance companies are best for you based on your qualifications. Your driving record can also be sent to the insurance companies from the local DMV to help companies make their final decision about your insurance.

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.