Michael Phelps -- VIP at DMV ... Say CHEEEEESE!!! (PHOTOS)

Michael Phelps does the DMV the same way he swims -- FAST.

The Olympic legend hit up the Dept. of Motor Vehicles in Arizona on Thursday -- and unlike most people, this dude was in and out in a flash.

People who happened to be at the office tell us Phelps was whisked around like a VIP -- with an employee escort who quickly got him in front of the camera and out of the building as soon as possible.

As for why Phelps was there -- not really sure ... but since he recently bought a brand new home in the area, it's possible he was just getting his official AZ license.

Fun fact -- AZ licenses are good until the driver is 65 years old ... so, see ya back in 2050?