How to Renew Your Arizona Car Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide
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If you're a driver in Arizona, it's your responsibility to make sure your registration is always valid. Failure to renew your vehicle registration may result in fines and prevent you from using Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) services.
Fortunately, the Arizona car registration renewal process is relatively simple. Here, we provide a comprehensive guide to renewing your registration, including eligibility, methods, fees, and tips for avoiding common mistakes.
Eligibility for Arizona Car Registration Renewal
Almost all Arizona drivers with a current registration may renew online, even without a renewal notice. However, if you move to Arizona or relocate a vehicle from out of state, you must register the vehicle within 15 days of moving.
If your vehicle does not require an emissions test, you may renew it up to six months before your registration expires. If it does require an emissions test, you may renew it up to 90 days before registration expiration.
Typically, Arizona motor vehicle registration renewal is for one year, but if your vehicle meets emissions requirements, it may also be eligible for two-year or five-year registration. Vehicles from model years 1967 and onward that are more than five years old or that are alternative fuel, flexible fuel (E85), or hybrid must have annual emissions testing.
Vehicles not requiring annual emissions testing may be eligible for two-year registration. Vehicles are eligible for five-year registrations if:
- They're not subject to emissions testing for the full five years.
- They're not allocated, apportioned, permanent, interstate, or taxi registration.
- They do not weigh over 55,000 lbs.
- They're not used primarily off-highway and have been issued an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) decal.
- They're not under the seasonal agricultural registration provision.
Required Documents for Car Registration Renewal
To complete the Arizona registration renewal process, you need the following documentation:
- Valid driver's license, U.S. passport, or government-issued ID
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Proof of residency
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of vehicle ownership
- Emissions test
- Signed Title and Registration Application
If you have your current registration, it can check off a couple of these items.
Available Methods for Renewing Arizona Car Registration
Car registration renewal in Arizona is available in person at a Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office, by mail, or online. The fastest method by far is renewing online, which you can do in just a few minutes if you have all the necessary information handy.
Once completed, all vehicle registration documents and license plate tabs are mailed to you. After renewing, your record updates instantly, and your proof of registration is your receipt.
Fees and Payment Options for Registration Renewal
Arizona has variable vehicle registration fees for vehicles. Depending on the vehicle, it costs an initial $4.50, $8, or $9 registration fee, plus an air quality fee of $1.50, an air compliance fee of $0.25, and a vehicle license tax (VLT) based on an assessed value of 60% of the manufacturer's base retail price reduced by 16.25% for each year the vehicle has been registered in the state.
If you're late for your Arizona vehicle registration renewal, you'll be charged an $8 initial fee plus $4 for each month you fail to renew your registration.
Renewal Timelines and Deadlines
Registration renewals are due on either the last day of the month or the 15th. To see your expiration date, check your current registration or the renewal notice sent by the state.
To avoid late fees, it's a good idea to renew early. If your vehicle doesn't require an emissions test, you may renew up to six months before expiration. If it does need a test, you may renew up to 90 days before.
Updating Personal or Vehicle Information During Renewal
Renewal is a good time to update information about a vehicle change, change of address, or name change. However, you can also update information at any time using the AZ MVD website.
You can update your information by logging in, navigating to the information updates area, and providing your new information. You can also call your local MVD to update your information.
Common Issues and Tips for Smooth Renewal
Some of the most common issues during registration renewal include incorrect information, incomplete documentation, or missing payments. For a smooth registration process, make sure you've completed all necessary steps beforehand, including:
- Having an emissions and smog check
- Calculating your registration fees
- Determining if you'll need to pay any additional fees like a title fee
- Gathering all of your information early
Organization is your best ally in avoiding registration issues.
Ready To Save on Car Insurance? Get Your Quotes Now
Keeping your registration up to date is essential, but so is ensuring you have adequate Arizona car insurance. Your car insurance not only needs to meet the state's mandatory requirements, but it should also be enough to protect you and your property in the event of an accident.
Use EverQuote's comparison tools to shop and compare coverages and rates to find the best option for you.