Visiting the DMV is one of the most stressful times of the year for many Americans. But, when it comes to the paying part, it can be quite a time-consuming process. However, since Apple Pay is such a popular and fast payment method, you should know the answer to a simple question: does the DMV take Apple Pay?
DMV does not take Apple Pay. This means if you have an Apple digital wallet, you will have to explore other payment methods to take care of your license, vehicle registration, or plate. Surely the most effective way is online, but you can also do it in person.
If you want to know more about this and other payment options at DMV, stick around! I’ve gathered some important information you need to know.
Does DMV Take Apple Pay?
If you consider that more than 230 million Americans have driver’s licenses, knowing all the payment possibilities at DMV is more than important? And considering another fact – about 118 million Americans have an iPhone, most people assume you’re able to use Apple Pay at the DMV. After all, not only is it the latest and probably most sophisticated way of making purchases, but it’s also hassle-free.
However, although it’s already accepted in numerous different gas stations and stores, the truth is you can’t use Apple Pay at DMV offices. So, if you need to pay for some of their services, you know you won’t be able to do it with your iPhone, Apple Watch, or other Apple devices. Instead, make sure you have cash or credit cards with you.
Visiting the local DMV is also an option. So, if you prefer to go to the office in person, you surely can do it and check what payment options you have. One thing is sure – you want to be prepared before getting in line!
What’s the Main Reason This Payment Method Should Be Accepted?
Since online payment is now more popular than ever, many people wonder why DMV doesn’t have Apple Pay as an option. And because of the COVID-19, contactless payment has become both a popular and a needed method. So, it’s only natural that many customers expected DMV would enable it.
However, they say a new payment method will be allowed for the customers with installed apps on their smartphones. That way, a fast pay method will be enabled for DMV transactions. Customers will also be able to use devices other than their phones, but also smartwatches and tablets with mobile pay possibilities. This definitely should be the next step DMV takes because it will ensure the convenience of effortless mobile pay. It’s secure and takes a lot less transaction time.
Acceptable Payments Forms at DMV
If all of this is new to you, don’t despair. In fact, you have to find the most suitable payment method that does not include Apple Pay. After all, you still have to pay for DMV services, but what options are there? The DMV accepts debit cards with a MasterCard or Visa logo, including Discover Card, Visa, American Express, and MasterCard. Luckily you won’t have to go physically to a local office (unless it’s your preferred way to take care of paying DMV’s services). So, check the table below and choose the most suitable method.
| Online | DMV Office | By mail |
| VISA | cash | personal check |
| American Express | money order payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles” or personal check | money order payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles” |
| MasterCard | Prepaid, credit, and debit cards |
Check All DMV’s Fees You’ll Have to Deal With
Since DMV accepts various payments – cash, checks, credit cards, or money, you probably already know there will be fees you’ll have to count on. When it comes to checks, they would be accepted up to a maximum of 90 days from the issuance date unless it indicated otherwise on the check. So, let’s check what D.C. Government accepts:
- Visa,
- MasterCard,
- Discover,
- American Express,
- Outstanding debts – dishonored checks, child support payments, and outstanding tickets should be regularly fulfilled before completing your DMV transactions.
And here are all the driver’s license fees you have to be aware of:
- Vehicle registration fees,
- Vehicle tag fees,
- Vehicle inspection fees,
- Parking permit/reciprocity fees,
- Vehicle title fees,
- Insurance record fees,
- Commercial and dealer fees,
- Towed/boot vehicle fees.
How Does Apple Pay Work?
Apple Pay uses a unique transaction code and a device-specific number when you make a purchase. As a result, neither your device nor Apple servers save your card number. When you pay, Apple never shares your credit card information with retailers. Your transactions are kept secret.
Apple does not impose any fees when using Apple Pay to purchase any business or restaurant. However, because this is a “card present” sale, the merchant may impose additional costs, just as they would for real credit card users.
In the video below, check how to use Apple Pay.
How to Set Up Apple Pay
Setting up an Apple Pay isn’t as hard as you might think. In fact, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to set up the virtual wallet on your iPhone, Apple Watch, and other compatible devices. Here are the steps you need to take:
- First, add a card on your iPhone,
- Open the Wallet app, tap the Add button,
- Tap Credit or Debit card,
- Tap Continue,
- Follow all the steps, and choose your card issuer or a bank with the search bar,
- Verify all the information and, if needed, provide some additional information before approving the card for use with Apple Pay,
- For a paired Apple Watch, there will be an option to add the card to your watch.
Explore Places Where You Can Use Apple Pay
As I’ve already mentioned, Apple Pay is an extremely popular way of payment. So, it’s completely natural that more and more stores are implementing it in their businesses. That’s how the following federal locations do accept the mobile payment apps:
- Treasury Department’s Fiscal Service,
- National Parks,
- U.S. military commissaries,
Know What’s the Fastest Payment Option at DMV
Contactless paying is undoubtedly something that we’re all more or less used to, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak taught us numerous valuable lessons. One of them indeed is that the less time we spend on not so important things, the better. That’s why the innovative paying method like Apple Pay is more than beneficial.
However, keep in mind that you still won’t be able to use Apple Pay at the DMV. However, we still have good old debit and credit cards, checks, and cash, so it’s entirely up to you what payment method you will use.