Car Registration in Arizona: Everything You Need to Know
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Whether you just bought a new car or you recently relocated, it's important to understand car registration in Arizona. To drive a vehicle in The Grand Canyon State, you must register your car, which can be a confusing process for new residents or first-time vehicle owners. Here, we walk you through the Arizona car registration process, covering the essential steps, fees, and documentation required for both new and used vehicles.
Understanding Car Registration Requirements in Arizona
Car registration in Arizona is a fairly straightforward process, but you will need to meet some requirements. You must register a vehicle within 15 days of buying it or moving it to Arizona or face a $300 civil penalty fine. You may also get a 30-Day General Use Permit at a Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) office or Authorized Third Party office.
Documents You'll Need for Car Registration in Arizona
Broadly speaking, you must provide proof of vehicle ownership, proof of residency, proof of insurance, and some other documentation. Generally, your name must be on the title to register a vehicle, although there are exceptions for leased vehicles since the dealer can handle that process for you.
The registration documents you need include:
- Title: Vehicle title listing you as the owner or authorized lessor.
- Odometer disclosure: Vehicles model year 2010 and older are exempt from this, but vehicles model year 2011 or later must have odometer disclosure for 20 years.
- Emissions test: If your vehicle is garaged in the Phoenix or Tucson metropolitan areas, it may need to pass an emissions test administered by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
- Proof of insurance: All vehicles must have minimum requirements for bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. Car insurance in Arizona is legally mandated.
- Fees: For a passenger vehicle, fees generally include a $1.50 air quality research fee, a $8 registration fee, and, if applicable, a $4 title fee and Vehicle Licensing Tax.
Emissions Testing: What You Need to Know
Emissions testing is required in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. This includes if you commute into these areas. If your vehicle is garaged or commutes into one of the Emissions Testing Areas, you must visit myAZcar.com to learn more about testing requirements based on your type of vehicle. You most likely need an emissions test unless your vehicle is:
- Five years old or less
- A 1966 model year or older
- An electric vehicle
Breaking Down Car Registration Costs
Arizona car registration fees are generally affordable. Current vehicle registration fees typically include the following:
- Registration fee: $8 for a passenger vehicle
- Title fee: $4
- Air quality research fee: $1.50
- Vehicle license tax: $2.80 per $100 assessed value for new cars, $2.89 per $100 assessed value for used cars. (Assessed value is equal to 60% of the manufacturer's base retail price, reduced by 16.25% for each year since the vehicle was first registered in Arizona.)
Car registration in Arizona is required either annually or biannually. Check your registration expiration date and opt for biannual if you'd like to avoid annual registration costs.
Exploring Your Registration Options: Online, In-Person, or Mail
Registering a new vehicle in Arizona is easiest to do in person at an MVD office. You can just walk in or make an appointment to save time. While you can handle the initial car registration process online, it's typically more involved than a renewal, so the state recommends that you visit an office.
Renewing Your Arizona Car Registration
Arizona car registration renewal may be done online, in person, or by mail. To renew your registration online, visit the Arizona Department of Transportation's (AZDOT) website. You do not need a renewal notice to renew online. You may also opt to call (888) 713-3031 or renew by mail by sending a check or money order for applicable registration fees to the Motor Vehicle Division. Registration renewal is a fairly streamlined process designed to save you time.
Common Registration Issues and How to Avoid Them
Some of the most common car registration issues in Arizona include:
- Expired registration: When your current registration has been expired for an extended period of time, you may be subject to fines.
- Incorrect information: Accidentally misspelling a name or mistyping a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number may prolong the registration process.
- Missing documentation: Failing to provide a title, proof of insurance, and other documents will add time to your registration.
- Missing emissions test: If you drive in the Phoenix or Tucson metro areas, forgetting to submit your vehicle to an emissions test can prevent you from registering your vehicle.
- Out-of-state transfer issues: Failing to properly transfer the registration when you've relocated from a new state to Arizona can lead to fines and make it more difficult to register your out-of-state car.
Fortunately, all of these problems can be easily addressed by simply paying closer attention to details and staying organized. Remember to review the complete checklist of things you need before applying for a new registration or going through the registration renewal process.
Secure Affordable Car Insurance in Arizona Today
One of the most important documents you need to register a vehicle in Arizona is proof of insurance. That's because car insurance is mandatory in the state. Whether you're going through the auto registration process or you just got a new car, it's a good time to review your insurance policies to make sure you have cheap car insurance for Arizona. Use EverQuote's comparison tools to shop coverages and quotes in real time.