How To Get a Car Title in Arizona 2026
Arizona statute requires purchasers of all motor vehicles to submit an application for a certificate of title no later than 15 days after the date of purchase. The Motor Vehicle Division of the Arizona Department of Transportation administers the vehicle titling system, processes ownership documentation, and oversees registration compliance for all automobiles operating on state roadways.
Where to Apply for an Arizona Certificate of Title
Applications for an Arizona certificate of title are submitted through officially designated processing centers authorized by the Motor Vehicle Division. Available processing locations include:
- State MVD Facilities – Government-operated service centers distributed across Arizona, providing full-service vehicle transactions
- Licensed Third Party Agents – Privately-owned companies granted authority to handle title and registration processing
- Digital Platform – Web-based application submission accessible via AZ MVD Now for qualifying transactions
Required Documents for Title Application in Arizona
Completion of an application for an Arizona certificate of title necessitates submission of specific documentation demonstrating ownership and meeting statutory requirements under R17-4-203.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Validly Transferred Title or Ownership Certificate | Signatures of all registered owners with proper assignment to purchaser | Titles from other states require surrender |
| Vehicle Title and Registration Application Form 96-0236 | Signatures from every named applicant | Accessible at service centers and digital platforms |
| Mileage Verification | Mandatory for automobiles manufactured in 2011 or later within 20-year period | Automobiles from 2010 model year and earlier receive exemption |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Specific circumstances may necessitate supplementary documentation:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lienholder Release Documentation | Discharge of security interest shown on prior ownership document | Documentation must specify VIN, automobile description, and creditor details |
| Environmental Testing Certificate | Demonstrate adherence to emissions standards | Applies to automobiles registered within Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan regions |
| Insurance Verification | Confirm minimum liability protection | Coverage minimums: $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury, $15,000 property damage |
| Attorney Authorization Document | Permit designated individual to execute documents for owner | Original notarized instrument required |
Arizona Title Fees and Costs
The Motor Vehicle Division imposes established fee schedules for titling transactions and registration services determined by automobile classification and valuation.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate Issuance | $4.00 |
| Annual Registration | $4.50, $8.00, or $9.00 (depending on vehicle type) |
| Environmental Research Assessment | $1.50 |
| Air Quality Program Fee | $0.25 (designated regions) |
Additional Processing Fees
Variable assessments apply based on automobile characteristics:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle License Tax (VLT) | $2.80 per $100 assessed valuation (newly purchased) | Computed on 60% of manufacturer's suggested retail price |
| Vehicle License Tax (VLT) | $2.89 per $100 assessed valuation (previously owned) | Depreciated 16.25% annually from initial registration date |
| Security Interest Recording | $15.00 | When creditor holds interest |
| Duplicate Certificate | $4.00 | Digital copy available through AZ MVD Now |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Confirm Documentation and Legal Transfer
Verify that all registered owners appearing on the existing certificate have executed their signatures. When multiple owners appear connected by "AND," signatures from each party are mandatory. When connected by "OR," a single owner signature suffices. Assemble supplementary materials, including creditor release letters, insurance verification, and environmental testing certificates where applicable.
Step 2: Prepare the Official Application Form
Secure and fully complete Form 96-0236 with accurate information. The document requires entry of vehicle identification number, manufacturing year, manufacturer, model designation, odometer measurement, and purchaser details. Each named applicant must execute the form with their signature. Choose the ownership structure classification that governs authorization for subsequent transactions.
Step 3: Complete Mandatory Environmental Testing
For automobiles destined for registration within designated Air Quality Control Areas, secure an emissions compliance document before application submission. Vehicles that are more than five model years old residing in Area A (Phoenix) or Area B (Tucson) must pass an emissions test, which can be done within 90 days preceding registration renewal.
Step 4: Present Application with Required Payment
Deliver the finalized application, accompanying documentation, and appropriate fees to any MVD service location or licensed Third Party agent. Payment encompasses the $4.00 certificate fee, registration assessments, and Vehicle License Tax calculated from the automobile's valuation. Licensed Third Party agents may impose supplementary service charges for transaction processing.
Step 5: Access Digital Title Record
Arizona has transitioned to electronic title storage rather than issuing physical paper documents. Ownership information resides in digital format and remains accessible via your AZ MVD Now account. Should circumstances require a physical document, such as relocating to another state, utilize the Title Replacement function to obtain a PDF version of the Arizona Title Summary for a $4.00 processing charge.
Contact Information
For inquiries concerning title applications, digital title accessibility, or processing specifications, contact the Motor Vehicle Division of the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division
PO Box 2100, MD 555M, Phoenix, AZ 85001
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: Arizona Department of Transportation MVD
