DMV Clerk Salary in the USA

DMV Clerk salary in the United States can be different from one state to another because DMV offices use different job titles and pay systems. A DMV Clerk may work with driver licenses, vehicle registration, identification cards, title records, payments, data entry and customer questions. In the U.S., similar jobs are often listed as Motor Vehicle Clerk, License Clerk, Motor Vehicle Representative, License and Permit Specialist or DMV Customer Service Representative. For a general comparison, DMV Clerk salary is around the middle of the government clerical pay range, with many workers earning about $40,000 to $55,000 a year and experienced workers in higher paying locations earning more. The national 2024 wage data for the closely related Court, Municipal, and License Clerks occupation shows a median pay of about $47,700 per year, or $22.93 per hour. DMV Clerk salary per hour can be lower for new workers and higher with experience, location and government pay grade.

📑 Table of Contents

How Much Does a DMV Clerk Make?

A DMV Clerk makes money by doing public service and office work inside a motor vehicle or licensing agency. The job is not only sitting at a desk and typing. A clerk may talk with many people every day, check documents, enter information into a state computer system, collect fees, process registrations and help customers with driver license or identification services. Because DMV is a government service, the salary is normally based on the state or local government pay scale instead of one national DMV salary.

For a general national benchmark, Court, Municipal, and License Clerks had a 2024 median wage of about $47,700 per year, equal to about $22.93 an hour. The lower 10 percent were around $34,860 a year, while the upper 10 percent were around $72,370. A real DMV Clerk salary can be different because some states place DMV workers under customer service, licensing or motor vehicle classifications.

DMV Clerk Salary Per Hour

DMV Clerk salary per hour is often around $18 to $27 for many regular positions, but the actual pay can be below or above this range. Entry level DMV clerk jobs may start closer to the lower side, while government employees with more experience, higher classifications or work in higher wage states can earn more.

Hourly pay also depends on whether the position is with a state DMV, county office, city motor vehicle department or another government agency. Some states have separate salary steps, so a clerk can receive higher pay after gaining experience or moving into another classification.

DMV Clerk Salary Per Year

DMV Clerk salary per year is commonly affected by the local government salary schedule and the exact job title. A person starting in an entry level DMV position may earn in the $30,000s or $40,000s, while experienced clerks and higher level license or motor vehicle representatives can move into the $50,000 range and sometimes higher.

The national 2024 median for the closely related license clerk occupation was $47,700 per year. This gives a useful idea of the middle of the market, but it should not be treated as one fixed salary for every DMV Clerk in America. State and local pay differences can be large.

What Does a DMV Clerk Do?

A DMV Clerk usually works directly with the public and handles different motor vehicle and driver service transactions. The exact duties are different by state, but the work is normally a mixture of customer service, computer work, document checking and payment processing.

  • Help customers with driver license and identification card services.
  • Process vehicle registration applications and renewals.
  • Check documents and enter customer information into government systems.
  • Collect registration, license and other government fees.
  • Answer questions about DMV services, forms and procedures.
  • Process vehicle title and ownership related paperwork when the office provides this service.
  • Issue or prepare documents, permits, receipts and other official records.
  • Perform data entry and update customer or vehicle records.
  • Handle cashiering and balance payments at the end of the work period.
  • Explain what documents a customer needs for a particular transaction.
  • Follow state rules when processing licenses, registrations and identification documents.
  • Provide general customer service when a transaction cannot be completed.

DMV Clerk Job Description

The DMV Clerk job description is mainly about helping people complete government motor vehicle services correctly. A clerk may work at a public counter for most of the day, use a computer system, check paperwork and handle money. The employee has to be careful because even a small mistake in a name, date, vehicle number or registration record can create problems for the customer.

Some DMV offices are very busy, especially in large cities. In those offices a clerk may serve many customers during one shift. The job can therefore require patience and good communication because customers may already be frustrated about waiting, missing documents or a problem with their license or vehicle registration.

DMV Clerk Duties and Responsibilities

DMV Clerk duties can change depending on the state and the office. Some workers mainly handle customer service and registration, while others may work more with licensing, testing support, records or specialized transactions. A DMV Clerk is expected to follow government procedures and protect customer information while completing the daily work.

  • Receive and review applications and forms.
  • Verify required identification and supporting documents.
  • Enter accurate information into DMV databases.
  • Process vehicle registration and renewal transactions.
  • Assist with driver license and ID card transactions.
  • Collect fees and provide receipts to customers.
  • Explain DMV rules and available services in simple language.
  • Maintain accurate paper and electronic records.
  • Handle routine corrections and refer complex problems to supervisors.
  • Work with other DMV employees when a customer needs another service.
  • Keep customer information confidential.
  • Follow security, cash handling and workplace procedures.

DMV Clerk Requirements

DMV Clerk requirements are usually not as high as requirements for professional government positions. Many entry level positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, basic computer skills and the ability to communicate with the public. Some states may have their own examination, background check, typing or customer service requirements.

For example, government motor vehicle representative jobs can involve cashiering, data entry and direct customer assistance. A person applying for this type of work should be comfortable using computers, reading official documents and dealing with customers face to face.

  • High school diploma or equivalent may be required.
  • Basic computer and data entry skills.
  • Good verbal and written communication.
  • Ability to work with the public.
  • Basic math and cash handling ability.
  • Good attention to detail.
  • Ability to follow government rules and procedures.
  • Professional and patient customer service attitude.
  • Ability to work in a busy office environment.
  • Background screening may be required for some government positions.

DMV Clerk Starting Salary

DMV Clerk starting salary is usually lower than the pay of an experienced clerk because most government agencies use entry salary steps. A new employee may start somewhere around the high $30,000s or $40,000s depending on the state, local wage level and job classification. Some locations can start higher, especially where government wages and living costs are high.

Starting pay should always be checked against the actual job announcement because DMV offices do not all use the same salary system. One state may call the job Motor Vehicle Representative while another state may use License and Permit Specialist or Customer Service Representative. The name is different but some of the daily work can be very similar.

DMV Clerk Salary Factors

There are several things that can change how much a DMV Clerk makes. Location is one of the biggest factors, but experience and job classification also matter. A clerk in a large metropolitan area may have a higher wage than someone doing similar work in a smaller town.

  • State: Every state has its own government pay structure and labor market.
  • City or county: Local government jobs can have different salary schedules.
  • Experience: Experienced employees may move to higher salary steps.
  • Job title: Motor Vehicle Representative and License Specialist jobs may pay differently than basic clerk positions.
  • Education: Some positions may offer better opportunities with additional education or skills.
  • Government level: State, county and city agencies can have different pay systems.
  • Work responsibilities: Jobs handling more complex licensing or records can pay more.
  • Location cost: Higher wage areas can also have higher living costs.

DMV Clerk Benefits

One reason people look for DMV Clerk jobs is not only the salary. Government jobs can offer benefits that are useful for long term employment. The exact package depends on the agency and whether the position is permanent, temporary or part time.

  • Health insurance may be available.
  • Dental and vision coverage may be offered.
  • Paid vacation and sick leave can be available.
  • Retirement benefits may be available for eligible employees.
  • Government retirement savings plans may be offered.
  • Paid holidays can be part of the employment package.
  • Some positions have opportunities for promotion.
  • Training may be provided after hiring.

DMV Clerk Salary by State

DMV Clerk salary by state can be quite different across the United States. Government agencies do not use one national DMV pay scale, and some states use different names for similar motor vehicle jobs. The figures below are useful salary estimates for comparing DMV Clerk type work across states. Actual pay can change by agency, experience, job classification, city and current government salary schedule.

State Estimated Annual Salary Estimated Hourly Pay
Alabama$39,000$18.75
Alaska$50,000$24.04
Arizona$43,000$20.67
Arkansas$38,000$18.27
California$54,000$25.96
Colorado$48,000$23.08
Connecticut$51,000$24.52
Delaware$47,000$22.60
Florida$41,000$19.71
Georgia$42,000$20.19
Hawaii$51,000$24.52
Idaho$41,000$19.71
Illinois$47,000$22.60
Indiana$41,000$19.71
Iowa$41,000$19.71
Kansas$40,000$19.23
Kentucky$39,000$18.75
Louisiana$39,000$18.75
Maine$43,000$20.67
Maryland$49,000$23.56
Massachusetts$53,000$25.48
Michigan$43,000$20.67
Minnesota$47,000$22.60
Mississippi$37,000$17.79
Missouri$41,000$19.71
Montana$40,000$19.23
Nebraska$41,000$19.71
Nevada$47,000$22.60
New Hampshire$46,000$22.12
New Jersey$53,000$25.48
New Mexico$40,000$19.23
New York$54,000$25.96
North Carolina$41,000$19.71
North Dakota$42,000$20.19
Ohio$42,000$20.19
Oklahoma$39,000$18.75
Oregon$49,000$23.56
Pennsylvania$44,000$21.15
Rhode Island$48,000$23.08
South Carolina$40,000$19.23
South Dakota$39,000$18.75
Tennessee$40,000$19.23
Texas$42,000$20.19
Utah$44,000$21.15
Vermont$44,000$21.15
Virginia$45,000$21.63
Washington$51,000$24.52
West Virginia$38,000$18.27
Wisconsin$43,000$20.67
Wyoming$40,000$19.23

Highest Paying States for DMV Clerks

The highest DMV Clerk salaries are generally found in states where government wages and overall labor costs are higher. California, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Alaska, Washington, Hawaii and Connecticut can offer stronger pay for similar clerical and motor vehicle positions. But a higher salary does not always mean better purchasing power because housing and other daily costs can also be much higher.

  • California can offer higher pay for motor vehicle representative type positions.
  • New York has relatively strong government and clerical wages.
  • Massachusetts has higher wages in many public service occupations.
  • New Jersey can offer good pay around large metropolitan areas.
  • Washington has relatively high wages for government customer service work.
  • Alaska can pay more partly because of its labor market and location.
  • Hawaii can have higher wages but also a very high cost of living.
  • Connecticut can provide competitive government clerical salaries.

Lowest Paying States for DMV Clerks

DMV Clerk salary can be lower in states where general wages are lower. States such as Mississippi, Arkansas, West Virginia, Kentucky and Alabama can have lower estimated pay for similar clerical work. A lower salary, however, can sometimes be balanced by lower housing costs and other living expenses.

  • Mississippi has some of the lower wage levels for clerical occupations.
  • Arkansas can have lower starting pay for government clerical jobs.
  • West Virginia generally has lower overall wage levels.
  • Kentucky has moderate to lower government clerical pay.
  • Alabama can have lower entry level DMV type salaries.
  • Louisiana and Oklahoma can also have lower estimated annual wages.

DMV Clerk Salary in California

DMV Clerk salary in California can be higher than the national average for similar license and motor vehicle clerical jobs. California commonly uses the title Motor Vehicle Representative for DMV customer service work. These employees can handle driver licenses, identification cards, vehicle registration, cashiering, data entry and customer assistance. The exact salary depends on the classification and step of the government position.

California is also one of the states where location matters a lot. A position in a major metropolitan area can have a different financial picture than a similar position in a smaller community because rent and other expenses can be very different.

DMV Clerk Salary in Texas

DMV Clerk salary in Texas is often around the low to middle $40,000 range for comparable motor vehicle clerical work, although actual government jobs can be above or below this estimate. Texas has a large motor vehicle system, so workers may find positions connected with registration, title services, licensing support and customer service.

Texas can be attractive to some workers because housing costs are lower than in several coastal states, although costs are very different between cities. Experience, government classification and county or state employer can also change the final pay.

DMV Clerk Salary in Florida

DMV Clerk salary in Florida is commonly around the low $40,000 range for comparable work. Florida motor vehicle services can be handled through different government offices and tax collector offices, so job titles and salary structures are not always the same.

A Florida DMV Clerk may help with registration, titles, driver license related services, identification documents and customer questions. The exact duties depend on the office and the position.

DMV Clerk Salary in New York

DMV Clerk salary in New York can be above the national average for similar license and government clerical work. New York also has large differences between locations. A position around New York City and one in a smaller upstate community may have very different living costs even when the job classification is similar.

New York DMV workers can perform customer service, registration, licensing, records and payment related duties. Government employees may also receive benefits and structured salary increases depending on the position.

DMV Clerk Salary in New Jersey

DMV Clerk salary in New Jersey can be relatively strong compared with many states. New Jersey motor vehicle agencies serve a large population and clerical employees can work with licenses, permits, registrations, titles and other customer transactions.

The actual salary depends on the government classification, experience and location. Employees working in areas close to major metropolitan markets may also see different wage levels than employees in smaller communities.

DMV Clerk Salary in Washington

DMV Clerk salary in Washington can be around the upper part of the national range for similar license clerk and government customer service jobs. Washington has higher general wages in many occupations, although living expenses can also be high in some cities.

Workers with stronger computer skills, customer service experience and knowledge of government procedures may have better chances of moving into higher level positions.

DMV Clerk Salary in Pennsylvania

DMV Clerk salary in Pennsylvania is generally around the low to mid $40,000 range for comparable work. Pennsylvania has a large population and many government service locations, creating different types of motor vehicle and license related positions.

Salary can change depending on whether the worker is employed directly by the state or by another organization that provides motor vehicle services. The job announcement should always be checked for the current pay range.

DMV Clerk Salary in Illinois

DMV Clerk salary in Illinois can be around the national median for similar license and government clerical occupations. Larger cities and metropolitan areas may have different pay levels from smaller communities. Employees can work with vehicle registration, driver's license services, records and customer assistance depending on the position.

DMV Clerk Salary in Ohio

DMV Clerk salary in Ohio is commonly around the low $40,000 range for comparable work. Ohio has different motor vehicle service locations and job classifications, so the exact salary depends on the employer and responsibilities.

DMV Clerk Salary in Michigan

DMV Clerk salary in Michigan can be around the low to mid $40,000 range. Motor vehicle service workers may help customers with registration, title records, licenses, identification and other transactions. Government experience can help employees qualify for higher classifications over time.

DMV Clerk Salary in Georgia

DMV Clerk salary in Georgia is generally around the low $40,000 range for comparable clerical and license service work. Georgia uses different agencies and local offices for motor vehicle services, so the job title can change from one employer to another.

DMV Clerk Salary in North Carolina

DMV Clerk salary in North Carolina can be around the low $40,000 range. Employees in these positions can spend much of the day helping customers, processing documents, entering information and handling fees. Good attention to detail is important because DMV records must be accurate.

DMV Clerk Salary in Colorado

DMV Clerk salary in Colorado can be higher than in many lower wage states. The estimated pay for comparable work is around the upper $40,000 range. Colorado also has higher living costs in some areas, especially around major cities and popular communities.

DMV Clerk Salary in Arizona

DMV Clerk salary in Arizona is commonly around the low $40,000 range for comparable government clerical work. Customer service ability and computer skills are important for these positions because many transactions are completed through electronic systems.

DMV Clerk Salary in Massachusetts

DMV Clerk salary in Massachusetts can be around the low $50,000 range for comparable license and government clerical work. Massachusetts has higher average wages than many states, but employees also need to consider the high cost of living in many parts of the state.

DMV Clerk Salary in Maryland

DMV Clerk salary in Maryland can be around the upper $40,000 range for similar work. The state has a large public sector and many government service positions, with salary depending on the job grade and employer.

DMV Clerk Salary in Oregon

DMV Clerk salary in Oregon can be around the upper $40,000 range for comparable work. Oregon government positions can provide structured pay and benefits, while actual wages vary by classification and location.

DMV Clerk Salary in Minnesota

DMV Clerk salary in Minnesota can be around the upper $40,000 range. Workers with good customer service, computer and document processing skills may have opportunities to move into higher government classifications.

DMV Clerk Salary in Nevada

DMV Clerk salary in Nevada can be around the mid to upper $40,000 range. Large population centers such as Las Vegas can create strong demand for public-facing motor vehicle services, although living costs should also be considered.

DMV Clerk Salary in Virginia

DMV Clerk salary in Virginia can be around the mid $40,000 range. Government employment is a major part of the state's labor market, and experienced employees may have opportunities for advancement into higher level administrative or customer service positions.

DMV Clerk Salary in Utah

DMV Clerk salary in Utah can be around the mid $40,000 range for comparable work. The position can be a good fit for people who like office work but also want regular interaction with customers.

DMV Clerk Salary in Wisconsin

DMV Clerk salary in Wisconsin is generally around the low to mid $40,000 range for comparable license and motor vehicle clerical jobs. Exact salaries depend on the government employer, position classification and experience.

DMV Clerk Career Outlook

A DMV Clerk career can be a stable entry point into government administrative work. The job gives workers experience in customer service, records management, computer systems, cash handling and government procedures. Those skills can be useful when applying for other public sector administrative positions.

The number of DMV Clerk openings can change from year to year because government agencies may hire when employees retire, leave or when public service needs increase. People interested in this career should look at official state and local government job portals instead of searching only for the exact title DMV Clerk.

DMV Clerk Career Advancement

DMV Clerk does not always have to be a long term entry level job. An employee who learns the systems and government procedures can sometimes move into senior clerk, lead worker, licensing specialist, customer service supervisor or other administrative roles.

  • Senior DMV Clerk
  • Motor Vehicle Representative
  • License and Permit Specialist
  • Motor Vehicle Services Specialist
  • Senior Customer Service Representative
  • Government Administrative Assistant
  • Office Supervisor
  • Licensing Supervisor
  • Government Program Specialist
  • Other state or local administrative positions

DMV Clerk Entry Level Salary

DMV Clerk entry level salary is usually lower than the pay of an experienced employee, but it can still be a good starting point for someone looking for a government office job. Many entry level positions are placed into a beginning salary step and employees can receive increases as they gain experience or move into higher classifications.

A new DMV Clerk may start somewhere around $35,000 to $45,000 per year depending on the state and employer. Some areas can offer more than this range, especially when the job is classified as a Motor Vehicle Representative or another higher level public service position. The actual starting salary should always be checked in the current job posting.

DMV Clerk Education Requirements

Education requirements for a DMV Clerk are normally not very high compared with professional careers. Many entry level government clerical positions accept a high school diploma or equivalent. Some jobs may also accept relevant office, customer service or government work experience in place of part of the education requirement.

A college degree is not normally needed for a basic DMV Clerk position. However, additional education can be useful if a worker wants to move into administrative, supervisory or other government positions later.

  • High school diploma or GED may be enough for entry level jobs.
  • Basic computer training can be helpful.
  • Typing and data entry skills are useful.
  • Customer service experience can improve job chances.
  • Office administration experience can be useful.
  • Some state positions may require a government employment examination.
  • Specific education requirements depend on the state and job classification.

Skills Needed to Become a DMV Clerk

A DMV Clerk needs a mix of computer, customer service and organization skills. The person may have to work with many customers while also entering information accurately into a government database. Being friendly is useful, but accuracy is even more important because DMV records contain important personal and vehicle information.

  • Computer skills: DMV employees use computer systems for records and transactions.
  • Communication: Clerks need to explain procedures to customers clearly.
  • Attention to detail: Names, dates, addresses and vehicle information must be entered correctly.
  • Customer service: Employees deal with people who may be confused or frustrated.
  • Basic math: Cash handling and fee calculations may be part of the work.
  • Organization: Forms and records need to be handled in the correct order.
  • Patience: Busy DMV offices can have long lines and difficult customer situations.
  • Confidentiality: Employees must properly handle private customer information.
  • Problem solving: Clerks need to identify missing information and know when to refer a case.

How to Become a DMV Clerk

How to become a DMV Clerk can be fairly simple compared with many other government careers. The first step is normally finding an open position through the state's official government employment website or the relevant motor vehicle agency. The job may not actually be listed under the words DMV Clerk, so searching for Motor Vehicle Representative, License Clerk, Licensing Specialist and Customer Service Representative can give more results.

After finding a suitable job, the applicant normally submits an application and resume and may need to complete an employment test or screening process. Government hiring can take longer than a normal private company job because applications are reviewed under formal hiring rules.

  1. Complete a high school diploma or equivalent if required.
  2. Build basic computer and customer service skills.
  3. Search official state and local government job websites.
  4. Look for DMV Clerk and similar job titles.
  5. Read the minimum qualifications carefully.
  6. Submit the government employment application.
  7. Complete any required test, interview or background screening.
  8. Complete agency training after being selected.
  9. Learn the DMV computer systems and state procedures.
  10. Build experience and apply for higher positions when available.

DMV Clerk Work Environment

DMV Clerks normally work inside government offices, service centers or motor vehicle facilities. The job is mostly indoors and usually involves a desk, computer, telephone and public service counter. Employees can spend a large part of the day sitting or standing while helping customers.

The work can become stressful during busy periods. A clerk may have to process paperwork quickly while answering questions and dealing with customers who are waiting. For this reason, someone who wants this career should be comfortable doing repetitive office work without losing attention to detail.

  • Most work is performed indoors.
  • Customer interaction is a major part of the job.
  • Computer work can take up much of the day.
  • Some positions involve standing at a service counter.
  • Busy offices can have long customer lines.
  • Some clerks handle cash and government fees.
  • Regular office hours are common, but schedules vary by agency.
  • Work can be repetitive but procedures must be followed carefully.

DMV Clerk vs Motor Vehicle Representative

DMV Clerk and Motor Vehicle Representative can describe very similar work, but the exact duties depend on the state. A DMV Clerk may be a general name used by job seekers, while Motor Vehicle Representative can be the official government classification in some states.

A Motor Vehicle Representative may have more direct responsibility for licensing, identification, registration and customer transactions. Because of this, the salary can be different from a basic clerk position. Job seekers should compare the duties and salary range instead of looking only at the job title.

DMV Clerk vs License Clerk

A License Clerk normally works with licenses, permits and related government records. A DMV Clerk can have a wider range of duties including vehicle registration, titles, identification cards and customer service. There can be a lot of overlap between the two positions.

In some states the names are completely different even though the employee performs similar daily tasks. This is why searching several related titles can help people find more DMV jobs.

DMV Clerk vs DMV Customer Service Representative

A DMV Customer Service Representative is generally focused heavily on helping customers complete motor vehicle and driver service transactions. The employee may explain requirements, check documents, process applications and answer questions.

The job can be very similar to a DMV Clerk, but the customer service representative title may be used for positions with more public-facing responsibilities. Pay depends on the agency and classification rather than the title alone.

DMV Clerk Salary Compared With Other Clerical Jobs

DMV Clerk salary is generally in the range of many other government and office support jobs. The main advantage is that the position can provide government work experience without requiring a specialized professional degree. The tradeoff is that salary growth may be slower than careers requiring advanced technical or professional skills.

Job Typical Salary Range Education Level
DMV Clerk $35,000–$55,000+ High school diploma often enough
Administrative Assistant $35,000–$55,000+ High school diploma often enough
Customer Service Representative $32,000–$50,000+ High school diploma often enough
License Clerk $35,000–$55,000+ High school diploma often enough
Government Administrative Assistant $38,000–$60,000+ High school diploma or college may help

Is DMV Clerk a Good Job?

DMV Clerk can be a good job for someone who wants stable office work, regular public interaction and a path into government employment. The salary is not normally considered extremely high, but the position can offer benefits, predictable work and opportunities to move into other government roles.

The job may not be a good match for everyone. People who dislike repetitive paperwork, customer complaints or strict rules may find DMV work frustrating. But someone who is organized, patient and comfortable using computers can build a useful career from this type of position.

Is Being a DMV Clerk Stressful?

Being a DMV Clerk can be stressful at busy locations because employees deal directly with the public. Customers may arrive without the correct documents or may not understand why a transaction cannot be completed. The clerk has to stay professional and follow the rules even when the customer is unhappy.

At the same time, the work is usually more predictable than many physically demanding jobs. Once an employee learns the procedures and computer systems, many daily transactions follow a similar process.

Do DMV Clerks Get Benefits?

Many full time government DMV employees can receive benefits, although the package depends on the agency and employment status. Health coverage, paid leave, retirement programs and paid holidays may be included in permanent government positions.

Temporary and part time workers may receive fewer benefits. Anyone comparing DMV jobs should look at both the salary and the complete benefits package before deciding which position is better.

Can a DMV Clerk Work From Home?

Most traditional DMV Clerk jobs are performed in person because the employee needs to check documents, serve customers, process physical paperwork or handle transactions at a government service center. Some administrative work may be performed remotely in certain agencies, but a fully remote DMV Clerk position is less common.

People looking specifically for remote government work may want to search for DMV administrative, records, call center or customer service positions because these can sometimes have different work arrangements.

How Much Does a DMV Clerk Make a Month?

Based on an annual salary around $40,000 to $55,000, a DMV Clerk can make roughly $3,333 to $4,583 per month before taxes. A worker earning close to the national median benchmark of $47,700 would make about $3,975 per month before taxes.

Actual monthly income depends on the salary offered, overtime, part time status, deductions and the government pay schedule. Take-home pay will be lower after federal, state and other payroll deductions.

How Much Does a DMV Clerk Make a Week?

A DMV Clerk earning $40,000 per year makes about $769 per week before taxes, while someone earning $50,000 makes about $962 per week. A salary around $47,700 works out to about $917 per week before taxes.

These numbers are simple annual salary conversions and do not represent the exact paycheck because government employees can have taxes, retirement contributions, health insurance and other deductions taken from their pay.

How Much Does a DMV Clerk Make an Hour?

A DMV Clerk can make around $18 to $27 per hour in many locations, with the exact amount depending on the state, job classification and experience. The 2024 median wage for the closely related Court, Municipal, and License Clerks occupation was about $22.93 per hour.

New employees may start below the median, while experienced workers or employees in higher-paying states can earn more. Overtime or special pay, when available, can also increase total earnings.

Tips for Getting a DMV Clerk Job

Getting a DMV Clerk job can be easier when the applicant searches beyond one job title. Government agencies do not always use DMV Clerk as the official position name. A wider search can find jobs that have almost the same duties.

  • Search the official state government career website.
  • Use keywords like DMV Clerk, License Clerk and Motor Vehicle Representative.
  • Also search License and Permit Specialist and DMV Customer Service Representative.
  • Keep a clean and easy to read resume.
  • Highlight customer service experience.
  • Mention computer, typing and data entry skills.
  • Include cash handling experience when available.
  • Read every minimum qualification before applying.
  • Prepare for government style interviews.
  • Apply for entry level positions even when you do not have DMV experience.

Final Thoughts on DMV Clerk Salary

DMV Clerk salary in the USA is generally a moderate income for an office and public service position. A common range is around $35,000 to $55,000 or more per year, while the exact salary depends heavily on the state, government agency, job classification and experience. The 2024 national median wage for the closely related Court, Municipal, and License Clerks occupation was about $47,700 per year, which gives a useful benchmark for DMV type clerical work.

For someone looking for a government career without needing a four year professional degree, DMV Clerk can be a practical starting point. The job can provide experience in customer service, government records, data entry, licensing and public administration. With experience, a worker may move into senior clerk, licensing specialist, supervisor or other government administrative positions. Before applying, it is important to check the current official job announcement because DMV titles, duties and salaries are different from state to state.

📚 References

Category: government-admin

Data Year: 2026

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CareerOneStop, and official state DMV career/pay information

Reviewed by: Jana Smith

Reviewed on: October 5, 2026

J

About John Doe

Salary Analyst at Post Salary. Specializes in USA salary trends and career insights. Reviewed by Jana Smith.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a DMV Clerk make in the USA?▼
A DMV Clerk in the USA can commonly earn around $35,000 to $55,000 or more per year, depending on the state, government agency, job title, experience and location. The national 2024 median wage for the closely related Court, Municipal, and License Clerks occupation was about $47,700 per year, or $22.93 per hour. Some experienced DMV employees and workers in higher-paying states can earn more.
How much does a DMV Clerk make per hour?▼
A DMV Clerk can commonly earn around $18 to $27 per hour, although actual hourly pay varies by state and government job classification. Entry-level employees may start below this range, while experienced employees or workers in higher-paying locations may earn more. Government salary schedules can also provide increases as employees gain experience.
What does a DMV Clerk do?▼
A DMV Clerk helps customers with services such as driver's licenses, identification cards, vehicle registration, titles, permits and other motor vehicle transactions. The clerk may check documents, enter information into computer systems, collect fees, issue receipts, answer customer questions and maintain government records. The exact duties depend on the state and agency.
What are the requirements to become a DMV Clerk?▼
Many entry-level DMV Clerk positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, along with basic computer, communication and customer service skills. Some government agencies may require an employment test, background check or specific experience. Requirements are different from one state to another, so applicants should always read the official job announcement before applying.
Is a college degree required to become a DMV Clerk?▼
A college degree is usually not required for a basic DMV Clerk or similar entry-level motor vehicle position. A high school diploma or GED may be enough for many jobs. However, additional education, office experience or government experience can help when applying for higher-level administrative, licensing or supervisory positions.
What is the starting salary for a DMV Clerk?▼
A new DMV Clerk may start around the high $30,000s to $40,000s per year, although starting pay can be higher or lower depending on the state and job classification. Government agencies often use salary steps, meaning an employee can receive higher pay after gaining experience or moving to another classification. The starting salary should be checked in the current job posting.
Which states pay DMV Clerks the most?▼
Higher DMV Clerk or similar motor vehicle clerk salaries can be found in states such as California, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii and Connecticut. However, salary alone does not show the full financial benefit because states with higher wages can also have much higher housing and living costs. The exact pay depends on the government position and location.
Is DMV Clerk a good government job?▼
DMV Clerk can be a good government job for someone who wants office work, regular public interaction and a possible path into government administration. Full-time positions may offer benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, retirement benefits and paid holidays. The job can also provide useful experience for moving into senior clerk, licensing specialist or administrative positions.
Is being a DMV Clerk stressful?▼
Being a DMV Clerk can be stressful, especially in busy offices where employees serve many customers each day. Customers may arrive without the correct documents or become frustrated when a transaction cannot be completed. The clerk must remain patient while following government rules and keeping records accurate. People who are comfortable with customer service and repetitive office work may find the job manageable.
How can I become a DMV Clerk?▼
To become a DMV Clerk, start by checking your state's official government career website and motor vehicle agency job listings. Do not search only for "DMV Clerk" because similar positions may be called Motor Vehicle Representative, License Clerk, License and Permit Specialist or DMV Customer Service Representative. Meet the listed education requirements, prepare a resume showing customer service and computer skills, submit the government application and complete any required testing, interview or background screening.
✍️John Doe
📅
⏱️27 min read
👁️3 views
🇺🇸 USAEnglishReviewed by: Jana Smith