Jurisdiction

Synonyms: State; DMV; MVA; SDLA.

A jurisdiction is an organization with power, right or authority to interpret, administer and enforces laws. Each jurisdiction has a territorial boundary within which their authority may be exercised.

Usage Note: Within AAMVA systems the term jurisdiction usually refers to the those jurisdictions who administer and enforce motor vehicle laws. The area covered by a given application will vary, so may include some or all of the following:

• 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia,
• 5 U.S. territories,
• U.S. Federal agencies
• 10 Canadian provinces and 3 Canadian territories.
• Mexican Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes (who administer CDLs in Mexico).