How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Arizona in 2025
Vehicle registration costs in Arizona consist of multiple components including base registration fees, Vehicle License Tax (VLT), processing fees, and potential emissions-related fees. The total cost varies significantly based on vehicle value, type, and location within the state.
Base Registration Fees
Arizona vehicle registration fees are established by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and are calculated annually.
Standard Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles | $8.00 |
| Motorcycles | $9.00 |
| Commercial vehicles (additional) | $4.00 |
| Trailers and semitrailers | $4.50 |
Vehicle License Tax (VLT)
The Vehicle License Tax represents the largest component of Arizona registration costs. VLT is calculated based on the vehicle's assessed value, which is 60% of the manufacturer's base retail price, reduced by 16.25% each year after initial registration.
VLT Rates
| Vehicle Category | Rate per $100 of Assessed Value |
|---|---|
| New vehicles | $2.80 |
| Used vehicles | $2.89 |
| Alternative fuel vehicles | $4.00 |
VLT Assessment Formula
The assessed value calculation follows this formula:
- Year 1: 60% of manufacturer's base retail price
- Each subsequent year: Previous year's assessed value reduced by 16.25%
- Minimum VLT: $10.00 for standard vehicles, $5.00 for alternative fuel vehicles
Trailer Registration Fees
Arizona offers different registration options for trailers based on weight and usage:
| Trailer Type | Registration Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Noncommercial trailers (≤10,000 lbs GVW) | $125 one-time | Permanent registration |
| Noncommercial trailers (≤10,000 lbs GVW, conversion) | $75 one-time | Converting from commercial |
| Commercial trailers (>10,000 lbs GVW) | $800 one-time | Permanent registration |
Local County Fees
Arizona does not impose county-specific vehicle registration fees. All registration fees are uniform statewide and collected by ADOT.
Mandatory Processing Fees
Arizona imposes several mandatory fees as part of the vehicle registration process:
Standard Processing Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Research Fee | $1.50 |
| Title fee | $4.00 |
Air Quality Compliance Fee
An additional air quality compliance fee of $0.25 applies to vehicles operated in certain emissions control areas.
Alternative Processing Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Duplicate registration | $4.00 |
| Vehicle registration reinstatement | $50.00 |
| Tab replacement | $5.00 |
| 30-day general use permit | $15.00 |
| Restricted use 3-day permit | $1.00 |
Commercial Vehicle Weight-Based Fees
Commercial vehicles are subject to additional fees based on gross vehicle weight, as established under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-5433:
Commercial Registration Fees
| Gross Vehicle Weight (lbs) | Commercial Registration Fee | Gross Weight Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 8,000 | $4.00 | $7.50 |
| 8,001 to 10,000 | $4.00 | $36.00 |
| 10,001 to 12,000 | $4.00 | $63.00 |
| 12,001 to 14,000 | $4.00 | $103.00 |
| 14,001 to 16,000 | $4.00 | $121.00 |
| 16,001 to 18,000 | $4.00 | $144.00 |
| 18,001 to 20,000 | $4.00 | $162.00 |
| 20,001 to 22,000 | $4.00 | $198.00 |
| 22,001 to 24,000 | $4.00 | $216.00 |
| 24,001 to 26,000 | $4.00 | $234.00 |
| 26,001 to 28,000 | $4.00 | $288.00 |
| 28,001 to 30,000 | $4.00 | $324.00 |
| 30,001 to 32,000 | $4.00 | $378.00 |
| 32,001 to 36,000 | $4.00 | $414.00 |
| 36,001 to 40,000 | $4.00 | $468.00 |
| 40,001 to 45,000 | $4.00 | $522.00 |
| 45,001 to 50,000 | $4.00 | $576.00 |
| 50,001 to 55,000 | $4.00 | $630.00 |
| 55,001 to 60,000 | $4.00 | $684.00 |
| 60,001 to 65,000 | $4.00 | $738.00 |
| 65,001 to 70,000 | $4.00 | $792.00 |
| 70,001 to 75,000 | $4.00 | $864.00 |
| 75,001 to 80,000 | $4.00 | $918.00 |
Farm Vehicle Discounts
Farm vehicles with appropriate license plates receive a 50% reduction in gross weight fees under Arizona law.
Special Requirements by Region
Emissions Testing Areas
Arizona requires emissions testing in specific metropolitan areas:
Area A (Maricopa County and parts of Pinal County)
- Coverage: Phoenix metropolitan area including Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, and surrounding communities
- Requirements: Most vehicles model year 1967 and newer
- Testing Frequency: Every two years for gasoline vehicles under 8,500 lbs; annually for vehicles 1967-1980 and all vehicles over 8,500 lbs
Area B (Pima County)
- Coverage: Tucson metropolitan area
- Requirements: Most vehicles model year 1967 and newer
- Testing Frequency: Every two years for gasoline vehicles under 8,500 lbs; annually for vehicles 1967-1980 and all vehicles over 8,500 lbs
The remaining Arizona counties do not require emissions testing for vehicle registration.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Requirements
Alternative fuel vehicles in Arizona receive reduced VLT rates but starting September 26, 2025, will lose unrestricted HOV lane access privileges.
Title Fees
Arizona title fees are separate from registration fees and apply to ownership transfers:
Title Service Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard title application | $4.00 |
| Title replacement | $4.00 |
| Title transfer | $4.00 |
Title fees are uniform statewide and processed through ADOT Motor Vehicle Division.
Arizona offers online registration renewal through AZ MVD Now and fee calculations through various VLT calculators to estimate total registration costs based on specific vehicle information.
For current fee schedules and specific calculations, vehicle owners should consult the ServiceArizona fees page or contact ADOT Motor Vehicle Division directly.
