Car Registration Requirements for New Arizona Residents

Individuals who relocate to Arizona with a vehicle registered in another state must transfer that registration to comply with state motor vehicle statutes. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division administers the registration process for vehicles brought into the state by new residents.

Timeline for New Arizona Residents

Arizona law requires immediate vehicle registration upon becoming a resident. A person cannot operate a motor vehicle on Arizona highways unless the vehicle carries current registration from either Arizona or the owner's state of residency.

Operating an unregistered vehicle triggers delinquency penalties. The initial penalty is $8 for the first month, with an additional $4 assessed for each subsequent month of delinquency. Total penalties cannot exceed $100.

Establishing Arizona Residency

Arizona Revised Statutes define residency through multiple criteria applicable to vehicle registration. A person becomes a resident by remaining in Arizona for an aggregate period of seven months or more during any calendar year.

Additional actions establishing residency include engaging in a trade or profession in Arizona, accepting employment other than seasonal agricultural work, placing children in public schools without paying nonresident tuition, or registering to vote.

Required Documentation for Car Registration in Arizona

The Motor Vehicle Division requires specific documentation to process registration transfers for vehicles from other states. Applicants must provide all materials at the time of submission.

Primary Documents:

• Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236), completed and signed
• Out-of-state vehicle title with proper ownership assignment, or current out-of-state registration if lienholder retains title
• Proof of Arizona motor vehicle liability insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements
• Emissions compliance certificate for vehicles registered in Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas
• Lien release documentation if the out-of-state title displays a secured party

Supplementary Materials:

• Power of attorney from lessor for leased vehicles, submitted as original or certified copy
• Additional documentation as circumstances require

Insurance Requirements

Arizona statute establishes minimum liability insurance coverage for all registered vehicles. Coverage amounts apply per incident:

Insurance documentation must display the complete vehicle identification number, policy dates, insured party name, and insurance carrier information.

Application Submission Methods

Arizona offers multiple methods for submitting out-of-state vehicle registration applications.

In-Person Submission:

Applicants may visit Motor Vehicle Division offices or Authorized Third Party provider locations. Appointments may be scheduled online, though walk-in service is also available.

Mail Submission:

Applications and supporting documentation may be mailed with payment to:

Arizona Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Division
PO Box 2100, MD 555M
Phoenix, AZ 85038

Payment must be a check or money order payable to the Motor Vehicle Division, with the license plate number written on the check face.

Arizona Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Arizona requires emissions testing in designated areas but does not mandate safety inspections for standard passenger vehicles.

Emission Testing

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality administers vehicle emissions testing in portions of Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, and Yavapai counties. Testing requirements depend on vehicle age, registration address, and other factors.

Testing Requirements by Area:

• Maricopa County Area A: Vehicles more than five years old by manufacture date require emissions testing
• Pima County: Select areas based on registration address
• Portions of Pinal and Yavapai counties

Exemptions:

Certain vehicles qualify for testing exemptions based on age, fuel type, or classification. Exemption details are available through the emissions testing program.

Registration Fees and Costs in Arizona

Arizona calculates vehicle registration costs using multiple fee components. Total costs vary based on vehicle value, age, and registration location.

Standard Fee Components:

• Registration fee: $8
• Title fee: $4
• Air Quality Research fee: $1.50
• Vehicle License Tax: Calculated based on assessed vehicle value

Vehicle License Tax Calculation:

The Vehicle License Tax represents the largest variable cost component. Arizona assesses this tax on 60 percent of the manufacturer's base retail price, reduced by 16.25 percent for each year since the vehicle's first Arizona registration. The applied rate is $2.80 per $100 of assessed value for new vehicles and $2.89 per $100 for used vehicles.

Additional Costs:

• Postage fees for mailing registration documents and license plates
• Commercial vehicle weight fees when applicable
• County-specific fees in certain jurisdictions
• Emissions testing fees in required areas

Contact Information

Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division
PO Box 2100, MD 555M
Phoenix, AZ 85038
Phone: (602) 255-0072
TTY: (602) 712-3222
Motor Vehicle Division

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
1110 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 771-2300
Toll-Free: (800) 234-5677
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality