How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Arizona?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Arizona residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division oversees the state's vehicle registration system, while MVD offices and authorized third-party providers handle registration services throughout the state.
Arizona Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Arizona vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Vehicle Insurance: Proof of current liability insurance meeting Arizona minimum requirements of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage
- Vehicle Identification: Arizona license plate number and last two digits of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Government-Issued Photo ID: Current Arizona driver's license or state-issued identification card
- Emissions Test Certificate: Required for eligible vehicles in designated emissions control areas
- Renewal Notice: Arizona MVD renewal notice (if received) containing renewal PIN
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Staggered Due Date System: Arizona vehicle registrations expire on either the 15th or last day of the assigned month based on initial registration timing
- Early Renewal Window: Vehicle owners may renew up to six months before expiration for non-emissions vehicles, or 90 days for emissions-required vehicles
- No Grace Period: Arizona does not provide a grace period for expired registrations - late fees begin immediately after expiration date
- New Residents: Must register within 15 days of establishing Arizona residency or employment
Arizona Registration Renewal Schedule
Vehicle registration renewal dates are assigned when vehicles are first registered and remain consistent:
Due Date Structure:
- Mid-Month Renewals: Registrations due on the 15th of the assigned month
- End-of-Month Renewals: Registrations due on the last day of the assigned month
- Renewal Term Options: Most vehicles may register for one-year, two-year, or five-year periods
- Renewal Reminders: Arizona MVD sends renewal notices by mail or email 45 days prior to expiration
Note: Five-year registration is available only for vehicles not subject to emissions testing requirements throughout the entire registration period.
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Arizona in 2025
2025 Arizona Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
The following table shows the base registration fees established by the Arizona Department of Transportation:
| Vehicle Type | Registration Period | Base Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles | 1 year | $8.00 |
| Commercial vehicles (under 8,000 lbs) | 1 year | $8.00 |
| Commercial vehicles (8,000+ lbs) | 1 year | $9.00 |
| Motorcycles | 1 year | $4.50 |
| Trailers (under 4,000 lbs) | Permanent | $13.00 |
| Trailers (4,000+ lbs) | 1 year | $8.00 |
Vehicle License Tax (VLT) Assessment
Arizona's primary vehicle registration cost is the Vehicle License Tax calculated as follows:
| Vehicle Category | VLT Rate | Assessment Base |
|---|---|---|
| New vehicles | $2.80 per $100 | 60% of manufacturer's base retail price |
| Used vehicles | $2.89 per $100 | 60% of assessed value |
| Alternative fuel vehicles | Reduced rates | Various reductions apply |
| Commercial vehicles | Variable rates | Based on weight and use classification |
VLT Depreciation Schedule: Vehicle assessments decrease 16.25% annually until reaching minimum VLT of $10.00 for standard vehicles or $5.00 for alternative fuel vehicles.
Additional Mandatory Fees
Registration transactions comprise multiple fee components:
| Fee Component | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $4.00 | When title processing required |
| Air Quality Research fee | $1.50 | Environmental compliance fee |
| Postage fee | $1.00 | Mailing of registration documents and plates |
| Alternative fuel surcharge | $4.00 | Plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles |
| Late registration penalty | $8.00 initial + $4.00 monthly | Expired registration penalties |
VLT Distribution: Vehicle License Tax revenue supports state highways (24.59%), county roads (24.59%), city/town roads (22.72%), county general fund (14.38%), and city/town general fund (13.72%).
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Arizona
Online Renewal Availability
Online registration renewal is available through AZ MVD Now portal, providing 24/7 access to renewal services. The online system is the fastest, most convenient, and secure method for completing registration renewals.
Online Renewal System Features
Arizona's comprehensive online platform offers:
- No Renewal Notice Required: Renew using license plate number and VIN digits only
- Multiple Payment Options: Credit cards, debit cards, and electronic check processing
- Instant Processing: Registration records updated immediately upon payment confirmation
- Digital Receipts: Temporary registration valid until mailed documents arrive
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Access AZ MVD Now Portal
- Visit AZ MVD Now Registration Renewal
- Create account or proceed as guest user
- Verify current contact information and mailing address
Step 2: Enter Vehicle Information
- Input Arizona license plate number
- Provide last two digits of Vehicle Identification Number
- System retrieves and displays vehicle registration details for verification
Step 3: Complete Emissions Requirements
- Confirm current emissions test compliance (if required)
- Upload emissions certificate if recent test completed
- System verifies emissions status against state database
Step 4: Review Registration Terms and Fees
- Select registration period (1, 2, or 5 years based on eligibility)
- Review calculated Vehicle License Tax and all applicable fees
- Confirm insurance coverage meets Arizona requirements
Step 5: Submit Payment and Confirmation
- Process payment using secure online payment system
- Receive electronic confirmation and temporary registration
- Print temporary registration for immediate vehicle operation
Alternative Renewal Methods
Telephone Renewal
Call the automated phone system at (888) 713-3031:
- Available 24 hours daily for eligible renewals
- Requires renewal notice PIN or license plate and VIN information
- Credit card or debit card payment processing
- Confirmation number provided for records
Mail-In Renewal
Submit completed renewal to:
- Include renewal notice or previous registration certificate
- Provide check or money order payable to Motor Vehicle Division
- Write license plate number on payment instrument
- Allow adequate processing time before expiration
Cash Payment Locations
Pay registration fees at over 500 CheckFreePay locations:
- Retail locations throughout Arizona accepting cash payments
- Requires renewal notice with payment barcode
- Processing confirmation provided at payment location
In-Person Renewal
Visit MVD offices or Authorized Third Party providers:
- Schedule appointments through AZ MVD Now appointment system
- Walk-in services available with potential wait times
- Full-service options including address changes and plate replacement
Contact Information
Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division
1655 W Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Website: Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division
Arizona MVD maintains offices and authorized third-party locations statewide. Locate your nearest service provider using the MVD Hours and Locations Directory. TDD services available at (602) 712-3222 for hearing-impaired customers.
