DMV: It Usually Doesn’t Have A Negative Meaning On TikTok

The acronym “DMV” induces anxiety in most Americans. The Department of Motor Vehicles (called the Registry or Bureau of Motor Vehicles in some states) handles car registrations and driver’s licenses, and it is generally known for long lines and long waits, frustrating bureaucracy, and expensive fees.

In conversations, the use of the term “DMV” is usually accompanied by sighs, head-shaking, and/or curse words. On social media, those emotions may be expressed in videos complaining about users’ experiences at the DMV; some TikTok content creators have produced parody videos making fun of sullen DMV visitors or workers who can make a visit even more trying.

The term may also be used as a hashtag (#DMV) in posts about activities and events occurring in the three-state area that surrounds the District of Columbia: Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.

Much more often, though, the inclusion of “DMV” in TikTok videos or bios has a very different meaning that’s closely related to the most popular genre of TikTok content.

What Does DMV Mean on TikTok?

The social media platform soared to popularity in the late 2010s thanks to the short-form dance challenges that captured the imagination of TikTok users.

Millions of people participate in the most popular challenges, with more than 42 million having created videos in response to the biggest one ever: “Laxed (Siren Beat)” and the hit song “Savage Love” that sampled it.

And that widespread fascination with dance challenges gave rise to the popular use of the acronym “DMV” on TikTok. It’s often used on the app to refer to dance music videos, either the vids that trigger a popular challenge or the ones created by users to replicate the signature dance moves demonstrated in the original post.

Two of the most common places you’ll spot “DMV” being used are in people’s TikTok profiles and bios. Users use the term to describe one of their claims to fame, or their most important primary social media interest.

So, don’t tense up when you come across references to “DMV” on TikTok. In most cases, it’s meant to trigger happiness and joy, not frustration.