GetGo is a third-party service that handles DMV transactions on your behalf
GetGo DMV Services is a private company that processes certain Department of Motor Vehicles transactions without requiring you to visit a DMV office in person. The service handles routine tasks like vehicle registration renewals, address changes, and duplicate license or registration documents. GetGo submits your paperwork directly to your state's DMV and returns completed documents to you by mail.
GetGo operates in multiple states but not all. The states where GetGo works, the specific transactions it handles, and its fees vary by location. You pay GetGo a service fee on top of any standard DMV fees. The company is not part of the DMV itself — it is a separate business that acts as an intermediary between you and your state motor vehicle agency.
GetGo's main advantage is avoiding a trip to the DMV office. The main trade-off is the added cost and the time it takes for mail delivery in both directions. For transactions GetGo does not handle, you will still need to visit a DMV office or use your state's online portal if one exists.
Key Takeaways
- GetGo handles specific DMV tasks like registration renewals and address changes, but not all transactions — check their website to confirm your state and transaction type are supported.
- You pay GetGo's service fee in addition to standard DMV fees, so the total cost is higher than going to the DMV directly.
- GetGo mails documents to you, so the full process takes longer than an in-person visit or online renewal, usually one to three weeks depending on mail delivery.
- GetGo is available in some states only; your state DMV website or GetGo's site will tell you whether the service operates where you live.
Which states and transactions GetGo covers
GetGo does not operate nationwide. As of now, the service is available in a limited number of states, though this can change. Before using GetGo, you need to confirm two things: whether your state is on their service list, and whether your specific transaction type is one GetGo handles.
Common transactions GetGo processes include vehicle registration renewals, address changes on your registration or license, duplicate registration documents, and replacement license plates. GetGo typically does not handle new vehicle registrations, commercial vehicle transactions, title transfers, or license renewals. Some states restrict GetGo to certain transaction types even if the company operates there.
The fastest way to find out what GetGo offers in your state is to visit GetGo's website directly and enter your state and transaction type. Your state's DMV website may also list GetGo as an option under "services" or "how to renew." If GetGo does not cover your transaction, you will need to use your state's online portal, mail documents to the DMV yourself, or visit an office in person.
How to submit a transaction through GetGo
The process starts on GetGo's website. You select your state, choose your transaction type, and answer questions about your vehicle and current registration or license. GetGo then tells you what documents to gather and what the total cost will be, including both the DMV fee and GetGo's service charge.
You will need to provide your current registration or license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and proof of insurance if required by your state. Some transactions require a signed form; GetGo will either send you a form to sign and return, or allow you to sign electronically depending on your state's rules. You pay GetGo online by credit or debit card.
After you submit payment and any required documents, GetGo mails everything to your state DMV. You do not interact with the DMV directly. GetGo tracks the status and notifies you when the DMV processes your request. Completed documents are mailed back to you at the address you provided. The entire process typically takes one to three weeks, depending on mail delivery times and DMV processing speed.
GetGo fees and what they cover
GetGo charges a service fee for handling your transaction. This fee is separate from the standard DMV fee you would pay anyway. The GetGo fee varies by state and transaction type — there is no single price. For example, a registration renewal might cost $15 to $30 in GetGo fees, plus whatever your state charges for the renewal itself.
GetGo's fee covers the company's work processing your paperwork, mailing it to the DMV, tracking the status, and mailing the completed documents back to you. It does not cover the actual DMV fees, which go directly to your state. You see both charges itemized before you pay.
If you go to the DMV office or use your state's online renewal system instead, you pay only the DMV fee with no service charge. Whether GetGo's convenience is worth the extra cost depends on your situation — if you cannot easily get to a DMV office or prefer not to, the fee may be reasonable. If your state offers free online renewal, GetGo will cost more than doing it yourself.
When GetGo is useful and when it is not
GetGo works best for straightforward transactions like registration renewals or address changes when you have all required documents ready and are not in a hurry. If you need your documents within a few days, GetGo is not the right choice because mail delivery takes time. If you need to handle multiple transactions or have questions about your specific situation, an in-person DMV visit may be faster.
GetGo is less useful if your state offers free online renewal through the DMV website. Most states now allow registration renewals online at no extra charge, which is faster and cheaper than GetGo. Check your state DMV's website first to see if you can renew online before paying GetGo's fee.
GetGo also cannot help if your transaction requires an in-person visit — for example, if you need to take a written test, pass a vision screening, or sign documents in front of a notary. For those situations, you must go to a DMV office regardless of whether GetGo exists in your state.
How GetGo differs from your state DMV's online services
Many states operate their own online renewal systems through the official DMV website. These state systems are free or charge only the standard DMV fee — no additional service charge. State online renewal is usually faster because documents are processed digitally rather than mailed.
GetGo is a private alternative for people who prefer not to use the state website or who live in a state where the DMV does not offer online renewal for their specific transaction. GetGo's advantage is convenience if you do not want to navigate the state website or visit an office. The disadvantage is the extra cost and slower mail-based processing.
Before paying GetGo, visit your state's official DMV website and look for an online renewal or service option. If your state offers what you need online for free, that is almost always faster and cheaper than using GetGo. Use GetGo only if your state does not offer the service online or if GetGo's convenience is worth the extra fee to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GetGo the same as the DMV?
No. GetGo is a private company separate from the DMV. GetGo acts as an intermediary — it collects your information and documents, sends them to the DMV, and returns completed documents to you. The DMV still processes your transaction and issues the final documents. You pay GetGo a service fee in addition to standard DMV fees.
Can I use GetGo if my state does not have a DMV office nearby?
GetGo may help if it operates in your state and handles your transaction type. However, check your state's online renewal options first — many states allow registration renewals online regardless of office location. If neither GetGo nor online renewal works, you can mail documents directly to your state DMV without paying a service fee.
What happens if GetGo loses my documents?
GetGo is responsible for documents while they are in the company's possession. If documents are lost before reaching the DMV, GetGo should help you resubmit or refund your fee — check GetGo's terms of service for their specific policy. Once documents reach the DMV, the DMV is responsible. Keep a record of your submission confirmation in case you need to follow up.
How long does GetGo take compared to going to the DMV office?
GetGo typically takes one to three weeks because of mail delivery time. An in-person DMV visit can be completed in hours or days depending on wait times and office hours. Online renewal through your state DMV is usually the fastest, often processing within days. Choose GetGo only if you do not need documents urgently.
Can I track my GetGo transaction?
Yes. GetGo provides a tracking number or status page where you can see whether your documents have been mailed to the DMV, received by the DMV, and processed. You can also see when completed documents are mailed back to you. Check GetGo's website or your confirmation email for tracking instructions.