Governor McAuliffe Announces 50,000th Birth Certificate Issued Through DMV/VDH Partnership

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Milestone Shows Virginians Love Convenient New Service Option

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced a major milestone in the vital records partnership of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Division of Vital Records. As of this month, the number of birth certificates sold at DMV offices topped 50,000.

“Fifty thousand is a very impressive number, and we are barely six months into this exciting partnership,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Clearly, Virginians are embracing this model of responsive service and convenience. As we build a new Virginia economy, Virginia needs a government that can respond to the needs of its citizens and businesses, and this is just one way we’re getting it done.”

The DMV/VDH partnership was recognized with a Governor’s Technology Award presented at the annual Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium (COVITS) in Richmond earlier this month.

The birth certificate service at DMV began on March 1, 2014. In April, Governor McAuliffe officially announced the launch of the service and touted the initial success of the partnership at a news conference at the Chesterfield DMV Customer Service Center in Chesterfield County.

DMV saw a surge in birth certificate transactions in August as parents sought the documents in order to enroll their children in schools.

“We share the Governor’s excitement at this milestone and what it means for our customers,”said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. “Customers at our front counters have been pleasantly surprised that DMV offers this birth certificate service. The response has been tremendous, and the numbers speak for themselves.”

“We are also pleased that the VDH/DMV collaboration has enhanced easy access to these important documents frequently needed by Virginians,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Marissa Levine. “Our partners at DMV understand and share our commitment to the security and accessibility of Virginia vital records, and we look forward to continuing that shared commitment.”

As of September 13, 2014, DMV has served 48,696 customers requesting birth certificates and issued 52,648 certificates. 

The process for obtaining vital records through DMV is the same as doing so directly through the Division of Vital Records. Customers complete an application, submit the required documentation, and pay a fee to the agency. The fee for a birth certificate at DMV is $14. 

The DMV/VDH partnership was authorized by legislation (SB 1039, Newman) passed by the General Assembly in 2013. In addition to birth certificates, the legislation provides that DMV will begin issuing copies of death, marriage and divorce records. DMV and VDH expect to be ready to begin this phase in summer 2015. All original records will continue to be stored securely at the Vital Records office.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Successful Launch of DMV/VDH Vital Records Partnership

Birth certificate (actually, excerpt from the protocol of baptised) of Nikola Tesla. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

People Born in Virginia Will Now Have More Access to Birth Certificates Than Ever Before

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced the successful launch of the partnership of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Division of Vital Records to provide increased access to Virginia birth certificates. As of March 1, 2014, copies of Virginia birth certificates are available statewide at all 75 DMV customer service centers and five mobile offices.

Already, approximately 5,000 Virginians have requested birth certificates at DMV locations. Most of these customers are able to leave DMV with copies of their birth certificates printed and in hand.    

“By increasing access to these vital records, the DMV and VDH are making life a little easier for Virginians,” said Governor McAuliffe. “That is an example of what government should do for its citizens. Efficiency, innovation and good service are and will continue to be cornerstones of my administration.”

The process for obtaining vital records through DMV is the same as doing so directly through the Division of Vital Records. Customers complete an application, submit the required documentation, and pay a fee to the agency. The fee for a birth certificate at DMV is $14.

“We are excited to partner with VDH to offer this option to Virginians,” said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. “DMV is dedicated to providing security, integrity and convenience in delivering this important service.”   

“The Division of Vital Records has long been a trusted steward of Virginia records,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Marissa Levine. “Together with our partners at DMV, we look forward to continuing that tradition while offering new avenues to access important documents.” 

The DMV/VDH partnership was authorized by legislation (SB 1039, Newman) passed by the General Assembly in 2013. In addition to birth certificates, the legislation provides that DMV will begin issuing copies of death, marriage and divorce records on January 1, 2015. All original records will continue to be stored securely at the Vital Records office.

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Governor McDonnell Unveils New “Virginia is for Lovers” License Plate

New Plate Design Will Be Available Beginning March 2014

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell unveiled today the new “Virginia is for Lovers” license plate, which will become the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) standard-issue plate beginning in March 2014.  Governor McDonnell showcased the new plate for the first time during his remarks today at the Governor’s Transportation Conference, themed “Road to the Future,” at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The new plate design will replace the plain blue and white plates which have been the standard for the past couple of decades. 

            

Speaking about the announcement, Governor McDonnell remarked, “In 2007, we honored on Virginia plates the anniversary of the founding of America at Jamestown. Soon, we will utilize Virginia’s timeless slogan to help promote our great Commonwealth. Every time a Virginia-registered car sporting one of these tags travels outside of the state, people around the nation will be reminded that Virginia is a tremendous destination for businesses and tourists.”

            Governor McDonnell commended the Virginia Tourism Corporation and DMV for their collaboration to make this new plate a reality. The license plate will also feature the Web site Virginia.org, the Commonwealth’s official travel and tourism Web site, which has been recognized as the best tourism website in the country. More than 80% of travelers use Internet websites to find, plan, and book their travel. These license plates will drive travelers to Virginia.org, where consumers can find and book their next Virginia vacation.

About “Virginia is for Lovers”

The “Virginia is for Lovers” slogan will celebrate its 45th birthday in 2014.  The phrase came from a creative team headed by a Richmond advertising agency, now known as the Martin Agency, which won the Virginia State Travel Service account in 1968. The first ad mentioning the new slogan ran in the March 1969 issue of “Modern Bride.”

By popular vote, “Virginia is for Lovers” was inducted into the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame on September 21, 2009. The slogan was included in the Advertising Icon Museum alongside fellow 2009 inductees, the AOL Running Man, the Budweiser Clydesdales, and State Farm's “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There.”  This recognition came on the heels of Forbes.com tapping “Virginia is for Lovers” as one of the top ten tourism marketing campaigns of all time.

No one knows exactly why “Virginia is for Lovers” has been so durable, but part of the mystique of the slogan is that it has meant many things to different people. Today, a new generation is discovering love for Virginia’s mountains, beaches, history, theme parks, vibrant cities, outdoor activities, sports and hospitality.

And now, Virginia’s love story will hit the roads in March 2014.

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Governor McDonnell Announces Anniversary Milestone of Virginia’s Troops to TrucksSM Program

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Through Program, More than 200 Service Men and Women Have Obtained CDLs to Prepare for Post-Military Careers in Transportation Industry

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced the one year anniversary of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) Troops to Trucks^SM program. Through Troops to Trucks^SM more than 200 military men and women have come one step closer to civilian careers in the transportation industry.

            Through a partnership between the Virginia DMV, the military and transportation-related businesses, participants in the Troops to Trucks^SM program fast-track the process for getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Many service members are trained to operate large vehicles that meet the definition of a commercial motor vehicle. For those with at least two years of military vehicle driving experience, DMV waives the CDL skills test. For those with little or no military driving experience, commercial driver training is conducted on base before leaving service.

            “The Commonwealth is committed to helping those who have served our country succeed in their civilian careers,” said Governor McDonnell. “Troops to Trucks^SM is one of the many military and veteran programs that help meet the goal of Virginia becoming the most military and veteran-friendly state in the country. We must continue to pursue creative ways to serve the men and women who have sacrificed for our great nation.”

            Five military installations in Virginia are certified as third-party testers through DMV – Fort Lee, Fort Pickett, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek. Using a DMV-approved curriculum, military members are taught the needed skills to operate a commercial vehicle. When participants are ready for testing, the DMV 2 Go mobile office goes to the bases to administer tests and issue CDLs.

            Troops to Trucks^SM participants also complete an employment interest questionnaire. DMV provides those questionnaires to the Virginia trucking and busing associations for possible matches with businesses looking for qualified drivers.

            “The characteristics of today’s veterans are the same characteristics that the transportation industry needs in its drivers – dedicated, dependable leaders,” said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. “With a shortage of qualified drivers, we are helping match these men and women with good paying jobs.”

            As more service men and women transition out of the military this summer, the program is expected to grow significantly. For more information about Troops to TrucksSM visit http://www.dmvnow.com/military/

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Governor McDonnell Announces Partnership Between DMV, VDH to Provide Greater Citizen Access to Vital Records

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Legislation Authorizes DMV to Begin Issuing Birth Certificates Next Year

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced the partnership between the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) allowing DMV to issue birth certificates at its customer service centers beginning March 1, 2014.  Beginning January 1, 2015, DMV is authorized to issue certified copies of all death, marriage, and divorce records. The partnership stems from Senator Steve Newman’s (R-Lynchburg) vital records bill passed during the 2013 General Assembly session. 

The partnership was formally announced today by Senator Newman, State Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia Romero and DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb during an event at the Lynchburg DMV Customer Service Center.

            “This partnership will make it easier for Virginians to do business with the Commonwealth by streamlining access to vital records,” said Governor McDonnell. “It is a great example of government working better for its citizens.”

“VDH Vital Records and DMV are already providing outstanding service to citizens,” said Senator Newman. “My bill increases the number of outlets for Virginians to securely access those services. We want to make sure that these vital records, which are held in Richmond, are available to the public as easily as possible.”

            Customers will still be able to obtain documents from the VDH Division of Vital Records office in Richmond, or by ordering online for delivery through the mail. The new partnership will make paper birth certificates from 1912 onward available at all 75 DMV customer service centers throughout the state beginning March 1, 2014.

            “With over 9,000 people stopping by our Richmond office each month, it is clear that Virginians are taking advantage of walk-in vital records services,” said State Health Commissioner Cynthia Romero. “We’re excited to partner with DMV to offer the same services in locations throughout the state.”

            VDH and DMV have already laid the groundwork for issuing vital records by joining the multi-state Electronic Verification of Vital Events (EVVE) network, developed and implemented by the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS). Through EVVE, Virginia DMV can verify a customer’s birth record through databases in 31 states, including Virginia. The transaction takes place while the customer is at the counter and prevents eligible customers from being turned away only to return another day with a paper record to complete their DMV business.

            “We have already been able to verify more than 4,400 birth records for our customers, nearly 3,000 of which were Virginia birth records,” said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. “These are customers who previously would have been turned away from DMV until they could produce a paper birth certificate. We are excited to offer this service, and our customers are appreciative.”

            The cost to the customer for EVVE certification of a Virginia birth record is $14. The other participating states set their own fees, which vary from state to state..

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