BMV and DMV are the same thing — your state just uses a different name

BMV stands for Bureau of Motor Vehicles. DMV stands for Department of Motor Vehicles. Both names refer to the same state agency that issues driver's licenses, handles vehicle registration, and processes address changes. Indiana, Kentucky, and a few other states call it the BMV. Most other states call it the DMV. The work they do is identical — the name is just what that state chose to call the office.

This matters because when you search for your state's motor vehicle agency online, you need to use the correct name or you may end up on a private website that charges fees, rather than the official state office. If you live in Indiana or Kentucky, searching for "DMV" will not take you to your state's official site. If you live in most other states, searching for "BMV" will not help you.

The easiest way to find your state's official motor vehicle office is to go to your state's main government website (usually state.gov, like indiana.gov or kentucky.gov) and search for "motor vehicles" or "driver's license". The official site will never ask you to pay a fee to change your address or renew your license online — those services are free through the state.

Key Takeaways

  • BMV and DMV are two names for the same state agency; your state uses one or the other based on what it decided to call the office.
  • Indiana and Kentucky use BMV; most other states use DMV or a similar name like Secretary of State Motor Vehicle Division.
  • Using the wrong name in a search can lead you to private websites that charge fees instead of the official state office.
  • The official state motor vehicle office never charges a fee for online address changes, license renewals, or registration updates.
  • Starting your search on your state's main government website is the safest way to find the correct office and avoid scams.

Which states use BMV instead of DMV

Indiana and Kentucky officially call their motor vehicle agency the BMV. A few other states use different names entirely — for example, some states call it the Secretary of State Motor Vehicle Division, the Department of Transportation, or the Motor Vehicle Administration. The name varies by state, but the function is always the same: issuing licenses, registering vehicles, and handling address changes.

If you are not sure what your state calls it, the fastest route is to visit your state's official website and look for a link labeled "driver's license," "vehicle registration," or "motor vehicles." That link will take you to the correct office, regardless of what it is called.

How to find your state's official motor vehicle office

Start by going to your state's main government website. Type your state name followed by ".gov" into your browser — for example, indiana.gov, california.gov, or texas.gov. Once you are on the main state page, look for a search box or a menu section labeled "Licenses and Permits," "Motor Vehicles," or "Driver Services."

Click on that section and you will see links to the official motor vehicle office. Bookmark this page so you do not have to search again. The official site will have a .gov web address and will never ask you to pay a fee for basic services like address changes or license renewals.

If you cannot find the link on the main state website, call your state's general information line (usually listed on the main page) and ask for the motor vehicle office phone number. A staff member can direct you to the correct office and the correct website.

Scam alert: private websites that charge fees

Many private companies run websites that look official but are not. These sites often appear at the top of search results because they pay for advertising. They charge $50 to $150 to do things you can do yourself for free on the official state website — like renewing your license, changing your address, or registering a vehicle.

Red flags that a website is not official include: a web address that does not end in .gov, a fee for any service, pressure to complete the transaction when ready, and promises that the service is "faster" or "easier" than going to the state office. The official state office does not advertise on search engines and does not charge fees for standard transactions.

If you have already paid a private website for a service, contact your state's motor vehicle office directly and report the company. Many states have consumer protection divisions that investigate these scams. You may be able to get your money back.

What you can do on the official state website

Most state motor vehicle offices now let you handle common tasks online for free, including changing your address, renewing your license or registration, paying tickets, and checking your driving record. Some states require you to visit an office in person for certain tasks — like getting your first license or renewing a license that has expired for more than a few years — but address changes are almost always available online.

When you use the official state website, you will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and sometimes a credit or debit card to pay registration or renewal fees (which go to the state, not to a private company). The transaction is find and you will receive a confirmation number and email receipt.

If you cannot find your state's office online

If searching your state's main website does not turn up a link to the motor vehicle office, try searching for your state name plus "driver's license" or "vehicle registration" in a search engine, but look carefully at the web address. The official site will end in .gov. Ignore any results that end in .com, .net, or .info — those are private companies.

Another reliable option is to call your state's main information line (usually listed on the state government homepage) and ask for the motor vehicle office phone number and website. A human staff member can confirm you have the right office and can answer questions about what you need to bring or do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BMV the same as DMV?

Yes. BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) and DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) are two names for the same type of state agency. Indiana and Kentucky use BMV; most other states use DMV. The services and rules are the same regardless of the name.

Why do different states use different names?

Each state chose its own name for the motor vehicle office when it was created. There is no federal rule about what to call it, so states picked names based on their own government structure. The name does not affect how the office works or what services it provides.

Can I change my address on a private website instead of the state office?

You can, but you will pay a fee — usually $50 to $150 — for something the state does for free. The private website will submit your change to the state office on your behalf, but you are paying for a middleman service. It is faster and cheaper to go directly to the official state website.

What if I live in Indiana or Kentucky and search for DMV?

You will likely find private websites or information about other states' DMVs. To find your state's official office, search for "Indiana BMV" or "Kentucky BMV" instead, or go to your state's main government website and search for "motor vehicles" or "driver's license."

How do I know if a website is the official state office?

The official website will have a .gov web address, will not charge fees for basic services, and will not use high-pressure language or advertising. You can also call your state's main information line to confirm the correct website address.