How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Arizona in 2026
Arizona provides an online system for canceling vehicle registration through the AZ MVD Now portal. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) administers all vehicle registration transactions statewide, including registration cancellations processed electronically or through authorized service providers.
Vehicle owners who sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of their vehicles can complete the cancellation process entirely online by submitting a sold notice and requesting a registration credit through the MVD's digital platform.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Various situations require the termination of vehicle registration in Arizona:
- Transferring ownership through sale to another individual
- Trading in your vehicle at a dealership
- Donating your vehicle to a charitable organization
- Ending a vehicle lease and returning it to the lessor
- Permanently relocating to another state
- Disposing of your vehicle at a salvage or junk facility
- Vehicle declared a total loss by insurance
- Long-term storage without plans to operate the vehicle
- Vehicle theft without recovery
Online Registration Cancellation Process
Arizona allows vehicle owners to cancel registrations electronically through the state's online services platform. This method provides the fastest processing and immediate confirmation of the transaction.
Completing the Sold Notice
Access AZ MVD Now to initiate the registration cancellation. When you sell, trade, end a lease, donate, or otherwise transfer ownership of your vehicle, Arizona law requires immediate notification to MVD through completion of a sold notice.
Required Actions:
- Log into AZ MVD Now or create an account if you don't have one
- Navigate to the sold notice section under vehicle services
- Enter vehicle information, including license plate number and VIN
- Provide buyer information and transfer date
- Submit the completed sold notice electronically
- Request a registration credit if eligible
Important Note: Completing a sold notice is a free service. This notice helps protect you from liability if the vehicle is used for criminal activity, involved in an accident, ticketed, or abandoned after transfer.
License Plate Handling
After selling or transferring your vehicle, you must remove the license plate from the vehicle. Arizona law permits you to retain license plates when transferring a vehicle to another person. Contact MVD to either transfer the plate to another vehicle you own or destroy it.
If you plan to transfer the plate to a different vehicle you own, you may do so through AZ MVD Now. If not transferring, properly destroy the plate by cutting it in half or rendering it unusable.
In-Person and Third-Party Provider Options
Vehicle owners may also complete registration cancellations in person at any MVD office or Authorized Third Party provider location throughout Arizona.
Required Documentation:
- Valid identification
- Current vehicle registration certificate
- License plates, if surrendering
- Completed transaction forms as requested by the service provider
Service providers can assist with completing the sold notice, processing registration credits, and handling license plate transfers or surrenders.
Refund of Registration Fees
When you sell your vehicle or otherwise cancel registration, you may qualify to receive credit for unexpired registration fees previously paid under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-2356.
Credit Eligibility
The MVD calculates registration credits based on the unexpired portion of your registration period. Credits apply to vehicle license tax, gross weight fees, commercial registration fees, special plate fees, and motor carrier fees paid for the canceled registration.
Critical Limitation: You are not eligible for a registration credit if you register the vehicle in another state. Credits apply only when the funds will be used for future Arizona MVD services or paid out as a refund.
Arizona law requires a $12 processing fee to be deducted from the credit amount. The remaining credit is posted to your customer account with MVD.
Credit Application Process
Step 1: Complete the Sold Notice
Submit your sold notice through AZ MVD Now as described above. The sold notice must be completed before requesting a registration credit.
Step 2: Request the Registration Credit
During the sold notice process or separately through your MVD account, request a registration credit for the unexpired portion of your registration fees. The system calculates the credit amount based on:
- Full months remaining in your registration cycle
- Assessed value of the vehicle
- Type of registration (annual or multi-year)
- Applicable fees and taxes paid
Step 3: Receive Your Credit
Once MVD processes your request, the credit amount (minus the $12 processing fee) is posted to your customer account. You have two options for using the credit:
- Apply the credit to future MVD services, such as registering another vehicle
- Request a payout (disbursement) of the funds directly to you
Important: Don't wait to apply for the credit. The credit amount is based on when the vehicle registration expires, so waiting reduces the amount you receive. You must apply for a credit within 30 days of transfer to avoid reduction of the unexpired portion.
Processing Timeframe: Credits typically process within a few business days when submitted online. Once processed, the funds become available in your customer account for immediate use or disbursement.
For information about registration fees and calculations, refer to the MVD registration fee guide.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Arizona vehicle registration cancellation procedures are established through state statutes:
- Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-2356 governs the transfer of license plates to another vehicle and establishes procedures for registration credits when owners cancel registration
- Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-2163 addresses cancellation, suspension, and revocation of vehicle registration by the department for unsafe vehicles or unlawful use
- Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28 establishes comprehensive transportation laws, including vehicle registration requirements, fees, and administrative procedures
- Arizona Administrative Code Title 17 contains regulations implementing statutory requirements for motor vehicle registration and licensing
Government Agencies
Arizona Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Arizona Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
1655 W Jackson St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: Arizona Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicles
Online Services Portal:
AZ MVD Now
MVD Office Locations
The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division operates offices throughout the state where vehicle owners can complete registration transactions in person. The following locations serve Arizona's major population centers:
Phoenix South Mountain MVD Office
221 E Olympic Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85040
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: MVD Hours and Locations
Glendale MVD Office
16380 N 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85306
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: MVD Hours and Locations
Mesa/Gilbert SE Regional MVD Office
4123 E Valley Auto Drive, Mesa, AZ 85206
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: MVD Hours and Locations
Chandler MVD Office
50 S Beck Avenue, Chandler, AZ 85226
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: MVD Hours and Locations
Tucson North MVD Office
7330 N Shannon Rd, Tucson, 85741
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: MVD Hours and Locations
Scottsdale MVD Office
7339 E Paradise Ln, Scottsdale, 85260
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: MVD Hours and Locations
Tempe MVD Office
1703 E Larkspur Ln, Tempe, 85281
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: MVD Hours and Locations
Avondale MVD Office
1452 N. Eliseo C. Felix Jr. Way, Avondale, 85323
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: MVD Hours and Locations
Flagstaff MVD Office
1959 S Woodlands Village Blvd Ste 100A, Flagstaff, 86001
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: MVD Hours and Locations
Kingman MVD Office
3670 E Andy Devine Ave (Hwy 66), Kingman, 86401
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: MVD Hours and Locations
