How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Arizona From Out of State
Registering an out-of-state vehicle in Arizona requires compliance with state regulations administered by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division. Arizona law requires vehicle owners to apply for title within 15 days of purchase and complete the registration process through an MVD Office or Authorized Third Party provider.
Base Registration and Title Fees
The total cost to register an out-of-state vehicle in Arizona consists of multiple fee components: registration fees, title fees, air quality fees, vehicle license tax, and applicable use taxes. The Arizona Department of Transportation establishes standardized fee schedules applicable statewide.
Standard State Fees
Registration Fees by Vehicle Type:
| Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles | $8.00 |
| Motorcycles | $9.00 |
| Commercial vehicles | $4.50 |
Title and Related Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title application fee | $4.00 |
| Air quality research fee | $1.50 |
| Air quality compliance fee | $0.25 |
Specialty Plate Fees (Initial Fee for One Year):
| Plate Type | Initial Fee |
|---|---|
| Personalized license plate | $25.00 |
| Specialty license plate | $8.00 to $25.00 |
| Specialty and personalized combination | $50.00 |
Additional Service Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plate transfer fee | $12.00 |
| Duplicate vehicle registration | $4.00 |
| Vehicle registration reinstatement | $50.00 |
| 30-day general use permit | $15.00 |
| Restricted use 3-day permit | $1.00 |
Local Municipal Fees
Arizona does not assess separate county or municipal vehicle registration fees beyond the state-established fee schedule. All registration fees follow the standardized rates published by the Arizona Department of Transportation.
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
Arizona assesses Vehicle License Tax (VLT) and state/city use taxes on out-of-state vehicle registrations. The Arizona Department of Revenue administers use tax collection for vehicles purchased outside Arizona and brought into the state.
New Resident Tax Assessment
State Use Tax: The state use tax rate is 5.6% of the vehicle's purchase price. City use tax rates vary by municipality and are added to the state rate. When registering a vehicle purchased from an out-of-state dealer, both state and city use taxes are collected at the MVD office using the Vehicle Use Tax Calculator.
The Arizona Department of Revenue Vehicle Use Tax Calculator provides precise calculations based on vehicle purchase location and registration jurisdiction.
Use Tax Exemption for Existing Vehicle Owners: New Arizona residents may qualify for use tax exemption if the vehicle was acquired and used in another state more than 90 days before establishing Arizona residency. Documentation proving prior ownership and use is required to claim this exemption.
Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax
Vehicle License Tax (VLT): The VLT is an annual ad valorem tax assessed in place of personal property tax. According to Arizona Revised Statute 28-5801, the VLT is calculated based on assessed value determined as 60% of the manufacturer's base retail price, reduced by 16.25% for each year since the vehicle was first registered in Arizona.
VLT Rates:
| Vehicle Category | Rate per $100 of Assessed Value |
|---|---|
| New vehicles | $2.80 |
| Used vehicles | $2.89 |
| Alternative fuel vehicles (registered before Jan. 1, 2023) | Reduced rate applies |
| Alternative fuel vehicles (registered after Jan. 1, 2023) | $4.00 |
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fees: Vehicles registered as alternative fuel vehicles are subject to specific VLT calculations. The Alternative Fuel VLT calculation methodology applies different rates depending on registration date and fuel type.
Vehicle Inspection Requirements and Fees
Arizona requires emissions testing for vehicles registered in designated air quality control areas. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality administers the Vehicle Emissions Control program in partnership with certified testing stations.
Emissions Testing Fees
Testing Fees by Area and Vehicle Type:
Phoenix Metropolitan Area:
| Test Type | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| On-board Diagnostic (OBD) | $16.15 |
| IM147 test | $16.15 |
| Steady State Loaded/Idle | $15.20 |
| Loaded Opacity (diesel) | $15.20 |
Tucson Metropolitan Area:
| Test Type | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard emissions test | $12.25 to $17.00 |
| Diesel emissions test | Up to $25.00 |
Emissions testing fees are paid directly to certified testing stations. The myAZcar.com website provides current fee schedules and testing locations.
Emissions Testing Requirements: Vehicles registered in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas require emissions testing unless exempt. Exemptions include:
- Vehicles five years old or less from current model year
- Vehicles manufactured in 1966 or earlier
- Electric vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Certain alternative fuel vehicles
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Arizona Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
1801 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: Arizona Department of Transportation
The Motor Vehicle Division establishes statewide registration fee schedules, administers the vehicle title system, and provides regulatory oversight for all vehicle registration transactions in Arizona.
Arizona Department of Revenue
1600 West Monroe Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Official Website: Arizona Department of Revenue
The Department of Revenue administers vehicle use tax collection and provides the Vehicle Use Tax Calculator for determining tax obligations on out-of-state vehicle purchases.
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
1110 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Official Website: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
ADEQ administers the Vehicle Emissions Control program and establishes emissions testing requirements for designated air quality control areas.
MVD Office Locations
Arizona Motor Vehicle Division offices operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with limited service after 4:45 p.m. Offices open at noon on the second Wednesday of each month. Appointments can be scheduled at AZMVDNow.gov, and walk-ins are welcome.
MVD Office - Phoenix (West Phoenix)
4150 West Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85019
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: Phoenix MVD Office
MVD Office - Tucson
3115 East 17th Street, Tucson, AZ 85716
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: Tucson MVD Office
MVD Office - Mesa
222 East Javelina Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: Mesa MVD Office
MVD Office - Chandler
50 South Beck Avenue, Chandler, AZ 85226
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: Chandler MVD Office
MVD Office - Scottsdale
3141 North Civic Center Plaza, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: Scottsdale MVD Office
MVD Office - Glendale
16380 North 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85306
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: Glendale MVD Office
MVD Office - Tempe
1703 East Larkspur Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: Tempe MVD Office
MVD Office - Yuma
3122 South 8th Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: Yuma MVD Office
MVD Office - Flagstaff
1959 South Woodlands Village Boulevard, Suite 100A, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: Flagstaff MVD Office
MVD Office - Lake Havasu City
2081 Spawr Circle, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: Lake Havasu City MVD Office
