Transforming the Way Iowans Access Driver and Vehicle Services
The Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Division is updating its decades-old driver and vehicle system (ARTS) with a faster, more secure, and easier-to-use platform.
The current system handles over 300,000 transactions every day and holds more than 30 million records for drivers, vehicles, motor carriers, and businesses. It also collects over $1.3 billion in funding for critical transportation infrastructure each year, and is relied on by more than 15,800 users to conduct business.
These users include:
- All 99 county treasurers
- Vehicle dealers
- Driver’s education providers
- CDL testers
- Auto recyclers
- Insurance and financial institutions
- Law enforcement
- Courts
- Commercial motor carriers, and more.
Each of them plays a vital role in helping Iowans access essential services—and they all depend on this system to do so. In fact, nearly every Iowan is impacted by the MVD system in one way or another.
Modernizing it means better tools for our partners, smoother services for the public, and more reliable connections between the systems that keep Iowa moving.
In the end, this new system is about making everyday tasks simpler and more seamless—whether you’re renewing your license, titling your car, managing a commercial vehicle fleet, updating your address, signing up for driver’s ed, selling vehicles, or checking records for insurance or court purposes.
It’s designed to better serve all Iowans, and to support the many partners – county treasurers, vehicle dealers, law enforcement, commercial carriers, and more – who help keep our transportation system running safely and efficiently.
Why Modernize?
The current system is outdated, inefficient, and unable to meet the growing needs of Iowans, businesses, and local government partners. It's costly to maintain, struggles to keep up with new technology, and limits online service options.
It’s time for a system that meets today’s needs and tomorrow’s expectations: rooted in simplicity, fueled by innovation, with excellence at its core.
What Will Improve?
- Faster, easier services for Iowans, including more online options and shorter wait times.
- Better tools for law enforcement, county treasurers, and auto dealers.
- Improved accuracy and fraud detection, supporting stronger financial oversight.
- Real-time data sharing with state agencies to support public safety, benefits, and elections.
- Flexible technology to quickly adapt to new laws and service needs.
Timeline
