DMV stands for Department of Motor Vehicles, the government office where people go to get a driver's license, register a car, or take a driving test. When someone turns 16 and wants to start driving (in most states), they head to the DMV to take a written test and eventually a road test with an examiner sitting in the passenger seat.

The DMV handles everything related to vehicles and driving: issuing licenses, registering cars so they're legal to drive on public roads, and keeping records of who owns which vehicles. If your family buys a new car, you'll need to visit the DMV to get license plates and registration papers. If you move to a new state, you'll need to get a new driver's license from that state's DMV.

The DMV has a reputation for long waits and slow-moving lines, which has made it famous in jokes and complaints. Many states now let people handle simple tasks online to avoid the wait. Some states call it by different names, like the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) or MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration), but they all do the same job.