How To Register a Car In Arizona
New to Arizona? Your vehicle needs an inspection before you can register a car. Otherwise, you can renew online.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Lisa Steuer McArdle
In Arizona, it’s easy to renew a vehicle registration online. But if you’re new to the Grand Canyon State, then the process is a bit more complicated.
Jerry
, the trustworthy insurance comparison app
, is here to walk you through the process. Are you getting ripped off on your car insurance? Find out in less than two minutes.
No long forms · No spam · No fees
Find insurance savingsHow to register a car in Arizona
To register a car in Arizona, you need to fill out a
registration form
. You will need your driver’s license and basic information about your vehicle, like the VIN and license plate number. Bring proof of insurance
, too.The base registration fee is $8. However, be aware that there are slightly different processes for buying a new car and registering a car from another state. Note that you will no longer receive a paper title in Arizona, as titles are stored electronically.
If you just moved to Arizona
Did you recently relocate to Arizona? You should register your car in Arizona as soon as you become an Arizona resident. A person is considered a resident if they live in Arizona for nine months of a taxable year. So if you work, live, or send your kids to school in Arizona, then you’re probably a resident.
The car registration process for an out-of-state vehicle includes filling out several forms, showing official paperwork, and paying fees to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) office near you.
First, Phoenix and Tucson drivers must get their vehicles assessed for emissions compliance and receive a vehicle information report. All vehicles with an out-of-state title in Arizona must also have a Level 1 vehicle inspection.
If your vehicle is a used car, you may need a lien clearance. If it’s leased, you may need to provide a certified Power of Attorney from the lessor.
Finally, you must bring your out-of-state title (or registration) and out-of-state license plates to the MVD office when you’re ready to register the car.
Registration fees include the $8 base registration fee, a $1.50 air quality research fee, a $4 title fee, and a variable vehicle license tax (VLT), which is based on the assessed value of the vehicle. Commercial vehicles will pay additional fees.
That’s it! Submit your paperwork and pay the fee, and you will have a car registered in Arizona.
If you just bought a car
If you just got a
new car
, you need to register it and you have 15 days from the date of purchase to apply for a title
. You must bring this form to an MVD office or an authorized third-party provider to complete the registration.How much insurance coverage do you need in Arizona?
Arizona car insurance laws
require that every Arizona resident carries a minimum amount of car insurance in the following categories:- At least $25,000 per person ofbodily injury liability coverage
- At least $50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage
- At least $15,000 per accident ofproperty damage liability coverage
You will be able to register a car in Arizona if your policy meets these minimum coverage limits. However, most experts recommend that you purchase more than the minimum coverage, especially
collision
and comprehensive coverage
. RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
How to renew your Arizona vehicle registration
Arizona vehicles are registered for either one, two, or five year periods depending on emissions status. It’s easy to renew your Arizona vehicle registration
online
. You can also visit an MVD office or call 1.888.713.3031. To renew by mail, send a check or money order with your license plate number on the check to:
Arizona Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Division
PO Box 29009
Phoenix, AZ 85038
Renewal notices are mailed one month prior to expiration. If you haven’t received a notice yet, you can check your current registration to find out when your next registration will be due. It will either be the last day of the month or the 15th of the month.
Pay very close attention to your renewal dates, as the state will levy late fees for delayed renewals. After you complete the registration renewal process, you will receive fresh tabs in the mail.
How to replace a lost registration sticker or license plate
Sometimes, tabs get damaged by weather or vandals. In this case, you can apply for a duplicate registration or replacement tab
online here
. Then, you can print the registration form at a home printer while you wait for your new tabs.To get a new license plate, one option is to reach out to the MVD. Once your identity is verified, your new plates will be mailed for a $5 fee plus postage and handling. Alternatively, you can mail a
plate application
with appropriate payment and get your new Arizona license plates by mail.How to save on auto insurance in Arizona
Car ownership in Arizona can be complex—and expensive. From the proper registration to navigating
Phoenix traffic
, it’s a lot to keep track of!To simplify your life, try the
Jerry
app to find affordable car insurance
. Not only can Jerry handle finding a cheap auto policy, but Jerry can also bundle it with your home and renters policies to save you even more money. Sign-up is totally free and the app only needs 60 seconds.If you run into trouble, Jerry’s team of friendly agents can help you navigate the situation. Jerry does all the phone calls and paperwork so you can focus on stuff that’s way more fun than car registration and car insurance—like
hiking in Arizona
.“I was a new driver looking for insurance and scared about expensive payments. But then I foundJerry! They saved me almost $150/month.” —Garret I.
RECOMMENDED
Jerry automatically checks if you are paying the lowest price for your insurance, for free.
Instantly compare top insurance companies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
What insurance do you want to compare?
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience 👍
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
FAQs
What are the requirements to register a vehicle in Arizona?
To register a vehicle in Arizona, you will need to show proof of insurance and a valid license. You may also need to provide an emissions test and inspection report. All applicants must fill out the application form and pay the fees.
How much does it take to register a car in Arizona?
The base fee to register a car in Arizona is $8, plus a $1.50 air quality research fee, a $4 title fee, and a vehicle license tax that will depend on the assessed value of the vehicle.
What is the cost to register a truck in Arizona?
Registration fees for personal vehicles are partially based on a vehicle’s assessed value. Fees to register commercial trucks are assessed based on weight. Here’s the
full table of fees
by gross weight. An 11,000-pound truck must pay a $63 gross weight fee, and a 76,000-pound truck must pay a $918 gross weight fee, for example. Who is exempt from registering their vehicle in Arizona?
Non-residents who are temporarily in Arizona do not need to re-register their vehicles. This includes out-of-state college students. There are some special
exemptions
for qualified members of the military.Reduce your monthly car payments in minutes?
Find out if Jerry can reduce your payments by an average of $150/month
4.7You might also be interested
