Arizona Vehicle Registration

Register a Vehicle in Arizona

Arizona drivers must register their vehicles through the Motor Vehicles Division (MVD). There are a few different reasons why you’d need to register a vehicle for the first time. You may have: 

• Moved to Arizona.
• Recently purchased a vehicle.

AZ Title and Registration Process

Once you purchase a vehicle in Arizona, you have 15 days from the date of purchase to title and register the vehicle. Otherwise, you will incur a late fee.

If you moved to Arizona, you must transfer the title and register your vehicle upon establishing residency.

Arizona no longer uses paper titles. Title information will be stored in the MVD online database. Use your MVD Now account to view or update your title information.

Arizona Title and Registration Documents

Titling and registering a vehicle in Arizona requires presenting the necessary documentation.

Visit your local MVD office and provide:

• A completed Title and Registration Application (96-0236).
• A signed and notarized certificate of title (or out-of-state registration if the vehicle is loaned from another state)*.
• An odometer reading, if the vehicle is of the model year 2011 or newer.
• Emissions test paperwork (if you live in the Phoenix or Tucson area).
• Proof of insurance. AZ drivers must be covered for a minimum of:
  • $25,000 per bodily injury up to $50,000 total.
  • $15,000 for property damage.
• Lien release (if applicable). This must be a written document from the lienholder on official letterhead, containing the:
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • Year, make, and model of the vehicle.
  • Loan amount.
  • Contract date.
  • Lenders contact information.

The application for title must be signed by all applicants OR by someone granted power of attorney (documentation must be signed and notarized).

Plates will stay with the seller. Out-of-state plates must be surrendered to the MVD.

*If the out-of-state title or registration is missing, you must provide proof of a Level I vehicle inspection.

AZ Vehicle Registration Fees

• Title fee: $4.
• Public safety fee: $32
• Air quality fee: $1.50
• Registration fee: $8
• Air quality compliance fee (depending on location): $0.25.
• Vehicle license tax (VLT) based on 60% of the vehicle value, adjusted for the vehicle model year. The Department of Transportation (DOT) provides a document that breaks down VLT costs.