To most people, a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles is the very definition of boredom, as they expect long lines and tedious waiting while waiting to get assisted. But here is a list of some of the amenities and services you can come to expect at the DMV, and also some other features that your local Department of Motor Vehicles can offer you.

Going to the DMV usually means that you have to get your driver's license renewed, and since it expires on your birthday, you may want to go a few days before so that you don't spend your birthday taking yet another bad driver's license picture. However, you can also get information for your motor vehicle, as well as auto insurance information on your next trip to the DMV. Here's how some of the new services at the Department of Motor Vehicles work:

The DMV may be able to supply all the information you require concerning car insurance premiums. In fact, Progressive auto insurance and some other companies have formed partnerships with DMV's across the United States to aid customers in obtaining inexpensive quotes for car insurance based on age, marital status, and the model of vehicle you drive. If you need to go to the DMV to take care of another matter, you can also take advantage of this convenient new feature.

You can also get background checks at the Department of Motor Vehicles. This service has been around for a while, so if you have to get a background check for school or if you're staring a new job, you can take care of this at the DMV, and you may not even have to wait in line as long--these days, there are separate lines for different services, so you won't have to spend all day there.

You can locate all of your financial and automotive paperwork through the local Department of Motor Vehicles. Once collected, it will be possible to approach an insurance professional in an educated fashion. If a decision is still pending on the state of your insurance, you can help by authorizing the release of an official copy of your record from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Most of these services are even available online these days--if you need to renew the license plates on your car, have to make the registration on your vehicle current, or want to create your own vanity plates, you can put in your request online and have your materials mailed to you. Advanced DMV resources are also available in states like Arizona and Pennsylvania, but it's a good idea to look up the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state to find out specific services that are available.