Arizona Title and Registration for Motor Vehicles
Below we have a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding Arizona Motor Vehicle Registration. In Arizona, one you purchase a car, motorcycle or boat you must register the vehicle with the state. The state of Arizona will want information relating to your vehicles, make, model, VIN and your proof of Insurance. Proof of Insurance is important to ensure all drivers are protected.
You can find online forms relating to Arizona Title and Registration here http://mvd.azdot.gov/mvd/FormsandPub/mvd.asp
Your Arizona DMV Offices can be found here /dmv/Arizona-DMV.html
1) What hours are the MVD offices open?
Office hours and availability may vary by location and/or day. Saturday services are also available in some locations. See the Office Locations and Hours listing for the office nearest you.
2) How much does it cost to title and register my vehicle?
It varies depending on the vehicle. There is a $4.00 title fee; an $8.00 registration fee; plus an air quality research fee of $1.50; and a vehicle license tax (VLT) assessed in place of a personal property tax charged by other states. There may also be a weight fee for commercial vehicles and other fees. The VLT is based on an assessed value of 60% of the manufacturer's base retail price reduced by 16.25% for each year since the vehicle was first registered in Arizona (15% before 8/1/98). Then, as of the Dec 1, 2000 reduction, the rate is calculated as $2.80 (new vehicles)/$2.89 (used vehicles) for each $100 of the assessed value. For example, for a new vehicle that costs $25,000, the first year assessed value would be $15,000 and the VLT would be $420.00. The second year the assessed value would be $12,562.50 and the VLT would be $363.06.
For a mobile home the title fee is $7.00. No other mobile home fees are payable to MVD.
3) How much is the fee for a title only?
$4.00
4) What documents do I need to transfer a title and registration?
- Completed, signed title application (see # 6)
- Signed and notarized vehicle title
- Lien release, if applicable
- All applicable title and registration fees (see #2).
- Any other documents that apply (power of attorney - original or certified copy, personal representative papers)
- If there is a lien on the vehicle that has not been paid off, written permission from the lienholder/lender will be required to add or delete a name.
5) What do I need to title and register my out-of-state vehicle?
- Completed, signed title application (see #6)
- Emission compliance form - Phoenix and Tucson areas only (see #7)
- Level I vehicle inspection
- Out-of-state title (or registration, if title is held by lienholder)
- Out-of-state license plates
- Lien clearance, if applicable
- Power of Attorney from lessor (original or certified copy), if leased vehicle
- Payment of all applicable title and registration fees (see #2).
6) What are the ownership rights options (legal status) for a title?
When ownership of the vehicle is in more than one name, the "Or, And, And/Or" box on the title application determines which signatures will be required to sell the vehicle or for other actions.
"OR" Legal Status – This ownership is a joint tenancy, with an expressed intent that either of the owners has full authority to transfer ownership of the vehicle, license plates and/or fees, or to record loan information.
The owners' names will appear on the title as in this example: JOHN DOE OR JOE ROSS
To transfer ownership of the vehicle, license plates and/or fees, or to record loan information, the signature of either party will be accepted. Both signatures are not required. If this legal status is chosen, all owners involved must sign in the Legal Status section.
"AND" Legal Status – This ownership is a tenancy in common.
The owners' names will appear on the title as in this example: JOHN DOE AND JOE ROSS
To transfer ownership of the vehicle, license plates and/or fees, or to record loan information, the signatures of both parties will be required. In the event of the death of either party, the interest of the deceased party must be handled by probate action, or by completing a Non-probate Affidavit.
"AND / OR" Legal Status – This ownership is a joint tenancy with right of survivorship.
The owners' names will appear on the title as in this example: JOHN DOE AND/OR JOE ROSS
To transfer ownership of the vehicle, license plates and/or fees, or to record loan information, the signatures of both parties will be required, if both are living. Upon proof of death, the survivor may sign alone.
7) Which vehicles require an emissions test ?
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is responsible for the emission testing program and laws. Please visit their website for more information www.azdeq.gov.
8) What additional requirements are needed for out-of-country vehicles?
Requirements vary depending on your specific circumstances. For details, speak to a customer service representative at the Customer Service Call Center.
9) How do I apply for a duplicate title and what is the fee?
Complete a title application (see #6), check the appropriate box at the top of the form, and pay a $4.00 title fee. A photo identification may be requested for walk-in customers.
10) How do I get a replacement tab/plate and what is the fee?
This may be done at an MVD Office or by mail. For walk-ins, one form of identification is required, and you must have the license plate and/or vehicle identification number. A $5.00 fee will be charged. To transact by mail, send a Plate/Credit Certificate, with a check or money order for five dollars plus return first class postage and the replacement will be sent by mail.
11) How can I get a duplicate (replacement) registration?
To replace your vehicle registration, visit www.servicearizona.com (major credit card), visit any MVD or Authorized Third Party office or write to the address below (check or money order payable to Motor Vehicle Division). The fee for a duplicate registration is $4.37 (for both registration and tabs, $5.37).
If you visit an office a photo identification may be requested. If your registration has been lost or stolen and you have reason to believe someone else is using it, the incident should be reported to your local police department.
12) What should I do when I sell my car?
Remove the license plate and keep it for use on another vehicle. If you do not transfer that plate to another vehicle within 30 days, you must surrender it to any MVD or authorized Third Party office.
As the seller, you must sign off the back of the title and have your signature notarized. Give the title to the purchaser. Complete a Sold Notice online, or on the back of the Vehicle Registration and mail it to the address indicated.
13) My vehicle was involved in an accident and I no longer have it. What do I do?
If you do not have the license plate then submit a Plate/Credit Certificate. As the seller, you must sign off the back of the title and have your signature notarized. Give the title to your insurance company so they can apply for a salvage title; or if you have sold it to a salvage yard, you must apply for the salvage title and give it to the salvage yard. Complete a Sold Notice online, or on the back of the Vehicle Registration and mail it to the address indicated.
14) My vehicle has not been in use, and the registration has lapsed. How do I re-register my vehicle?
If last registered within five years, provide the license plate and/or vehicle identification number and pay applicable fees. In most cases, a Non-Use Certificate can be completed to waive the penalties. If your vehicle has not been registered within the last five years, additional procedures may be required. A customer service representative at the Customer Service Call Center will be able to discuss any additional requirements after reviewing your record.
15) How do I obtain a trip permit?
If you bought the vehicle from a licensed dealer, the dealer will give you a Temporary Registration Plate that allows you to operate the vehicle for any purpose. If you purchased the vehicle from a private sale, you may obtain a Restricted Use 3-Day Permit which is valid only for the purposes of vehicle inspection, emission testing, repairs needed to comply with inspection or emission rules, or to otherwise complete the registration process. The permit is available at www.servicearizona.com, or at any MVD or authorized Third Party office. In order to operate the vehicle for any other purpose, you must first complete the registration process.
16) How do I apply for a bonded title?
Go to any MVD office, request the procedures for a bonded title and obtain a vehicle inspection. There will likely be additional documents needed and steps to follow, which may vary with each situation.
17) What are the types of vehicle inspections and fees?
Level I – Basic inspection to match the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the vehicle ownership documents to determine the identity of the vehicle. Most vehicles are successfully inspected and verified at this level. A Level I verification is conducted by an MVD or authorized Third Party employee or a designated peace officer. There is no fee for a Level I inspection conducted at an MVD office.
Level II – Secondary inspection is conducted when unusual circumstances indicate that a secondary VIN should be examined. A Level II inspection is conducted by a specially certified MVD agent. The fee is $20.
Level III – Highest level inspection is conducted by specially certified MVD agents for restored salvage vehicles, by appointment only. The fee is $50.
Additional fees may apply depending on the circumstances.
18) How do I apply for a restored salvage title?
Complete a title application, have a Level II/III inspection conducted, obtain an emissions compliance certificate (if applicable), surrender the salvage title with the application and pay a $4.00 title fee – plus registration fees (if applicable).
19) Where do I go to get an inspection on my vehicle?
Level I inspections can be done at any MVD or authorized Third Party office. Level II/III inspections are conducted at specific MVD offices in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. Outside the metro area, call the Customer Service Call Center to obtain location information.
20) How do I add/delete a name on my title?
Use the same procedure as a title transfer (see #4). If there is a lien on the vehicle that has not been paid off, written permission from the lienholder/lender will be required to add or delete a name.
21) How do I add/delete a lien on my title?
Complete a title application (including the lien information), submit with the most current title, pay a $4.00 title fee and obtain a lien release from the lienholder/lender (if applicable) with the year, make, vehicle identification number, lien amount and lien date (as recorded on the title), and a notarized signature of the lienholder or lienholder’s agent.
22) Why did I receive a registration cancellation notice?
This could be the result of money due to MVD, no insurance on file, or other issues. A customer service representative at the Customer Service Call Center will require the owner's name, license plate number and vehicle identification number to check the vehicle record.
23) How are 30 Day General Use and 90 Day Resident permits used?
A 30 Day General Use Registration is used for any type of problem that would stop you from registering; only one 30 Day permit may be issued per year per owner. A 90 Day Resident Registration is for individuals who are missing paperwork necessary to transfer an out-of-state vehicle title; two consecutive 90 Day permits may be issued within a 12-month period.
24) How can I get a 30 Day General Use or 90 Day Resident permit?
Either permit may be purchased at any MVD or authorized Third Party office for $15.00. You will need proof of ownership and evidence of the inability to register (DEQ waiver form, identify missing paperwork, etc.).
25) I am not an Arizona resident, but I bought a car from an Arizona dealer. Is there a permit I can purchase to drive this unregistered vehicle to my home state?
You can purchase a 90 Day Nonresident Registration for $15.00 from an MVD or authorized Third Party office. You will be required to show your out-of-state identification and the dealer invoice.
26) If I give you a plate number, can you tell me who owns the vehicle?
Only if you meet the privacy requirements in federal and state law for obtaining a Motor Vehicle Record. See #27.
27) How can I get a Motor Vehicle (Driver or Vehicle) Record?
A Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) is the computer printout of a driving or vehicle record. The manner in which driver license or motor vehicle record information may be released is regulated by the Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (or DPPA), 18 USC 2721-2725 and Title 28, Chapter 2, Article 5 of the Arizona Revised Statutes.
The DPPA requires you to have a "permissible use" for requesting and receiving an MVD record which contains personal identifying information (e.g., a person’s driver license photograph/image, social security number, driver license number, name, address and medical/disability information). The Motor Vehicle Record Request form lists those permissible uses.
If eligible, you can obtain a copy of a record by completing a Motor Vehicle Record Request and submitting $3.00 for an uncertified record (3-year for driving record) or $5.00 for a certified record (5-year for driving record). Your signature on the form must be notarized, or witnessed by an MVD agent.
28) What is the penalty fee for late renewal of my vehicle registration?
You will not be charged a penalty fee, as long as your mail-in payment is postmarked (or Internet or phone renewal is completed) on or before the due date. Penalty fees for late payment are $8 for the first month and $4 for each additional month. If you do not receive your renewal notice before the end of the registration period, you must still renew your registration by the expiration date.
If your vehicle fails the initial or any subsequent emissions test you will not be charged a penalty fee for late registration renewal if the original test was before the registration expiration date and the registration renewal is postmarked (or Internet or phone renewal is completed) within 30 days of the original test.
29) Can I renew my registration early, before I receive a renewal notice in the mail?
Yes. If an emission test is not required you may renew up to 6 months before the expiration. If an emissions test is required, you may renew your registration up to 3 months before the expiration by showing your current registration at the test station.
30) How do I register my boat?
Watercraft registration is the responsibility of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Please check out their website for forms and information on watercraft registration; boating rules and regulations, boating education and more.
31) How do I report an Arizona resident for failing to comply with Arizona registration laws?
To report a resident of Arizona for not being in compliance with Arizona registration laws, please call 1-800-657-4322 or make a report online.
32) How do I renew a disability placard?
A renewal notice form is automatically sent to you prior to the end of the five year certification period for a permanent disability placard. You may also complete a Permanent Disability Certificate, form # 40-0112, have it notarized, then mail it to the address on the form. A new placard will be mailed to you. You may also visit any MVD office.
There is no fee to renew a disability placard.
Please see the Special Plates and Placards page for more information.
33) How do I know if I live inside an emissions control area?
If you have questions whether you reside outside the vehicle emissions control areas of metro Phoenix or Tucson, you should contact the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality at 602-207-7000 or visit the ADEQ website for general information and maps.
We are not associated with any State Government website. Some information on this page is collected from each State's web site.