Expired Registration in Arizona

Motor vehicle registration is mandatory for all vehicle owners in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division administers vehicle registration procedures throughout the state. The Arizona Department of Public Safety holds primary responsibility for enforcing compliance with vehicle registration statutes on public roadways.

State Code Provisions in Arizona

Arizona's vehicle registration requirements are established under Title 28, Chapter 7 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which addresses vehicle title and registration matters. This statutory framework prescribes mandatory registration procedures, establishes penalties for non-compliance, and authorizes enforcement mechanisms. Specific provisions within this chapter, including ARS 28-2532 regarding registration violations and civil penalties, create legal obligations for vehicle owners to maintain current registration and outline consequences for violations.

Registration Terms and Expiration in Arizona

Registration Renewal System

Arizona operates under a registration system that permits vehicle owners to register for one-, two-, or five-year periods, depending on emissions testing requirements. Most passenger vehicles register for one- or two-year periods.

Standard Vehicle Registration:

• Registration periods are available for one year or two years at the vehicle owner's discretion
• Registrations expire on either the last day of the month or the 15th of the month, depending on the vehicle
• The specific due date is printed on the vehicle's registration document and renewal notice
• Example: A vehicle with a registration expiring on June 30, 2026, must be renewed by that date to avoid penalties

Arizona does not provide a grace period for expired registration. Once registration expires, vehicle owners may not legally operate the vehicle on public roads until registration is renewed. The Motor Vehicle Division mails or emails registration renewal reminders to the owner of record 45 days before expiration.

Penalties for Expired Registration in Arizona

Administrative Penalties for Late Renewal

Arizona imposes administrative late fees when vehicle owners renew expired registration. According to ARS 28-2162, delinquent registration is subject to the following penalty structure:

• Eight dollars ($8) for the first month of delinquency
• Four dollars ($4) for each additional month of delinquency
• Maximum total penalty of one hundred dollars ($100)

These administrative penalties apply regardless of whether the vehicle was operated on public roads during the expired period. The penalty is assessed based on the number of months between the expiration date and the renewal date.

Emissions Testing Exception:

If a vehicle fails the initial or any subsequent emissions test, no penalty fee is charged for late registration renewal if the original test was performed before the registration expiration date and registration renewal is completed within 30 days of the original test.

Traffic Violations for Operating with Expired Registration

Arizona law establishes civil penalties for operating vehicles with expired registration. Under ARS 28-2532, a person who is the owner or operator of a motor vehicle required to be registered in Arizona and who operates or knowingly allows the vehicle to be operated on a highway without current registration is subject to a civil penalty of three hundred dollars ($300).

Dismissal Provisions:

A court shall dismiss an action brought under ARS 28-2532 if the defendant obtains the appropriate license plates or registration after violating this section. A court may decide not to impose a civil penalty against a defendant who was an operator but was not the owner of the motor vehicle.

Additional Civil Penalty for First-Time Registration Violations:

Under ARS 28-2533, an owner of a motor vehicle registered in another state, territory, or foreign country who knowingly fails to register the vehicle for the first time in Arizona as required by law is subject to an additional civil penalty of three hundred dollars ($300). A court shall not dismiss an action brought under this section merely because the defendant has obtained the appropriate registration after violating this section.

Government Agencies

Arizona Department of Transportation
1655 West Jackson Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Phone: 602-712-8188
Official Website: Arizona Department of Transportation

Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division - Apache Junction
575 N Idaho Rd Ste 600, Apache Junction, 85119
Phone: 602-255-0072
TDD: 602-712-3222
Official Website: Arizona Motor Vehicle Division

Arizona Department of Public Safety
2222 West Encanto Boulevard
Phoenix, Arizona 85009
Phone: 602-223-2000
Official Website: Arizona Department of Public Safety