Transforming the DMV experience: Insights from the AAMVA annual conference

By Brian Shell, Vice President, Customer Partner at Kyndryl

I had the pleasure of joining motor vehicle administrators and industry leaders from across the country at the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Annual International Conference between September 9-11 to discuss the future of Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) services and explore how identity, security, and AI are transforming the way government serves its people. The energy and focus from attendees highlighted a shared drive to improve how states support their communities.

The DMV: A catalyst for government transformation

Many people view their local DMV as simply a place to renew a license or register a vehicle. But as I’ve seen firsthand, the DMV is one of the most interconnected agencies in state government – linking services across public safety, courts, transportation and more. Modernizing the DMV is not just about improving citizen experience; it’s about laying the groundwork for digital transformation that enables better service across all state agencies.

Breaking down silos for smarter government

A key theme at this year’s conference was using new technologies to break down silos between agencies. Siloed systems have long hindered governments’ ability to share information and deliver services efficiently. By investing in platforms that support interoperability and real-time data sharing, states are making significant strides toward smarter, more responsive government.

Modernization goes beyond adopting new technology — it’s about transforming how agencies collaborate and deliver on their mission. When systems are connected, citizens benefit from faster processing, stronger security, and immediate access to essential services.

Arizona’s DMV saw payment time reductions from 90 seconds to just 2 seconds per transaction.

Customer wait times in Arizona fell to all-time lows with current door-to-door averages of around 20 minutes.

Kyndryl currently works with 30 U.S. states and territories, supporting mission-critical government functions that benefit over 268 million citizens.

Modernization in action

One standout example of smarter government in action is Arizona’s DMV modernization, powered by the MAX platform – a solution developed through close collaboration between the State of Arizona, Kyndryl, and AstreaX. MAX provides a secure, modular, and intuitive foundation for DMV services, designed around the citizen to streamline interactions across back-office systems, service counters, and digital channels.

Virginia is also taking bold steps to modernize its DMV operations. Through a newly announced partnership with the Commonwealth, Kyndryl is helping overhaul aging systems and elevate the customer experience. The initiative is focused on improving the speed, accuracy, and reliability of more than 200,000 daily transactions, enabling the Commonwealth to better serve its citizens.

Industry trends: The road ahead

As emphasized at AAMVA, agencies are prioritizing customer satisfaction, digital identity, and operational efficiency. Electronic titles, digital IDs, and self-service kiosks are becoming standard features, reflecting a shift toward more accessible and user-friendly government services.

As technology continues to evolve, DMVs are well-positioned to lead the way in government transformation. By investing in interoperable platforms, prioritizing cybersecurity, and embracing digital innovation, states can deliver faster, more efficient, and citizen-centric services.

Kyndryl is proud to support DMVs on this journey – helping agencies disrupt the status quo and focus on what matters most: serving their constituents better.

Learn more about Kyndryl’s DMV services or book a consultation with me or another industry expert.

Brian Shell

Vice President, Customer Partner

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