Arizona Title & Registration Guide
Complete guide to Arizona vehicle titling, registration, fees, taxes, lien laws, and official forms. Maintained by Illinois Title Services.
Motor Vehicle Division
PO Box 2100, MD 555M, Phoenix, AZ 85001-2100
602.255.0072 • 602.712.3222 TDD
Title & Proof of Ownership
All motor vehicles, ATVs, ORVs, and trailers are titled, unless exempt. Manufactured homes are titled, unless permanently affixed to real property — one title is issued per section. Mopeds and watercraft are exempt.
Application for Title
A Title and Registration Application (96-0236) is submitted to any MVD Office or Authorized Third Party Provider. eTitle Transfer allows qualified sellers/buyers to transfer vehicle ownership through AZMVDNow. Fee $4.00. Titles are held electronically; title information will be in the owner's AZMVDNow Account. Paper titles are available upon request. Make checks payable to Motor Vehicle Division.
Dealers may record customer-to-dealer and dealer-to-dealer vehicle reassignments electronically through the Dealer Reassignment Transfer (DRT) process. An Arizona Dealer Retail Bill of Sale (38-1305) is used when an Arizona dealer sells a vehicle whose record is an electronic DRT to a retail customer.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title Fee | $4.00 |
| Mobile Home Title Fee (per section) | $7.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $4.00 |
| Salvage Title | $4.00 |
| Restored Salvage Inspection | $50.00 |
| VIN Inspection (Level II) | $20.00 |
| VIN Inspection (Level III) | $50.00 |
| Assigned VIN | $5.00 |
Electronic Signatures
Signatures captured through an electronic signature pad are accepted, as well as those obtained through AZMVDNow. An electronic signature may be used on an electronic will. Electronic notaries are accepted. Other electronic signatures are not accepted.
Proof of Ownership
New Vehicles
Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin.
Used Vehicles
Certificate of Title.
Non-Title Issuing Jurisdiction
Valid vehicle registration. If change in ownership, a notarized bill of sale is also required.
Government Surplus Vehicles
U.S. Government Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle (SF97-1).
Foreign Vehicles
Foreign ownership documents plus EPA and DOT Certificates of Compliance. All foreign vehicles must be inspected by a qualified MVD agent.
Surrender of Proof of Ownership: Required. Issuing state is notified. Arizona provides data to and inquiries NMVTIS prior to issuing titles.
Special Titles
Bonded Title
When proper documentation is not available for title transfer, a bonded title must be obtained. A Bonded Title Application (40-1001 for vehicles/trailers or 40-1003 for mobile homes) must be completed by a certified inspector at an MVD field office, authorized third party, or law enforcement agency. Bond must be equal to 1½ times the value of the vehicle and must be valid for three years.
Salvage Vehicle
A salvage vehicle is a vehicle that has been stolen, wrecked, destroyed, flood or water damaged, otherwise damaged to the extent that it is uneconomical to repair. An application for a salvage title must be made within 30 days after the title is properly assigned to the insurer with all liens released. Title fee $4.00. Title is branded Salvage, Stolen, or Nonrepairable.
Restored Salvage Vehicle
A vehicle with a salvage title that has been restored. A Level III inspection is required including a review of bills of sale and invoices for component parts. Fee $50.00 for inspection. Title application must be submitted with the salvage title, a $4.00 title fee, and an Emissions Compliance Certificate, if applicable.
Nonrepairable Vehicle
A vehicle with no resale value except as a source of parts or scrap metal, completely stripped after a theft recovery, completely burned, or so designated by the owner or insurer. Nonrepairable vehicles cannot be reassigned more than two times. No further paper titles will be issued.
Dismantled Vehicle
A dismantle title must be applied for prior to scrapping, dismantling, or destroying a vehicle. Title and Registration Application (96-0236) marked "Dismantle" must be submitted with the title, registration card, license plate, and $4.00 title fee. A title will not be issued for the vehicle once dismantled or destroyed.
Abandoned Vehicle
An Abandoned Vehicle Application (46-4402) must be submitted with a $10.00 processing fee. If vehicle is not claimed by the owner/lienholder after notification, an Authorization for Transfer of Ownership will be issued no earlier than 10 days after published notice; 15 days for junk. Abandoned vehicle fee: $500.00 ($600.00 if on state or federal land).
Title Only
Issued only when applicant is a nonresident whose vehicle is not subject to Arizona registration, the vehicle was acquired for purposes other than highway use, acquired by operation of law, for off-road recreational motor vehicles required to be titled, for vehicles registered under IRP, or for trailers/semitrailers used in interstate commerce. Vehicle must be physically present in Arizona. VIN inspection required.
Stolen Vehicle
A Title and Registration Application (96-0236) marked "Stolen" must be submitted. The vehicle registration will be suspended and the vehicle cannot be reregistered until the MVD is notified of the vehicle's recovery. If recovered, the owner must immediately notify the MVD.
Title Brands
Brands are shown on the face of the title in the "Arizona Brands" section or "Other States with Brands" section. Brands from out of state are forwarded onto Arizona titles.
Odometer Disclosure
Required upon transfer of ownership. Vehicles with a model year of 2010 or older, trailers and other vehicles without odometer devices, and trucks over 16,000 lbs. GVWR are exempt. A Secure Odometer Disclosure (96-0165), an Odometer Disclosure (96-0695), or a Power of Attorney with Odometer Disclosure (48-7104) may be used.
VIN/HIN Inspection
A Level I inspection is required for vehicles brought in from out of state without proof of title and/or registration, title-only requests, and bonded titles. Level I inspections are performed at any MVD Office or by designated law enforcement. Level II/III Inspections are performed at Enforcement and Compliance Division (ECD) Inspection locations. Level III inspections are required when a vehicle is restored salvage, recovered stolen, or has been involved in a collision.
Lien Law
Arizona is a mandatory electronic lien and title state. Mobile homes are exempt from this requirement. The existing title, if any, must be submitted with the title application and title fee. Lien instrument is not required to be submitted. Lien is perfected as of the date of execution if filed within 30 days; otherwise, as of time of filing.
ELT Program
Arizona is a mandatory electronic lien and title state. All lenders must transmit lien information through an approved ELT Service Provider, except for liens on mobile homes and watercraft. Contact the ELT Helpdesk at [email protected] or 602.468.0888 ext. 112 for approved service providers.
Adding a Subsequent Lien
To add a subsequent lien, the subsequent lienholder must contact the primary lienholder to arrange the addition of the lien on the title. A Title and Registration Application (96-0236) marked "Add Lien" and the title fee must be submitted. The DMV will record up to three liens on any one vehicle or mobile home record. Additional liens are recorded through the County Recorder.
Lien Expiration
If a lien on a vehicle remains on the records of the MVD as unsatisfied 12 years after filing, the MVD may remove the lien. This applies only to noncommercial vehicles other than travel trailers, motor homes, or mobile homes.
Assignment of Lien
The assignor sends a transfer of lien interest message electronically to the MVD identifying the assignee as the new lienholder.
Responsible Party
Whoever submits the application for title is responsible for filing the lien.
Mechanic's Lien
The proprietor of a garage, repair shop, or service station may apply for a mechanic's lien when the owner fails to pay for service. The vehicle must be retained in garageman's possession for 20 days after completion of services. Certified letters must be sent to each owner of record. If the certified letter is returned unclaimed, an affidavit of publication is required. Lien releases are required from all lienholders. Vehicle inspection required. An Auction Sale Certificate (46-8503) must be completed.
Release of Lien
Lienholders must release their liens electronically; mobile homes are exempt from this requirement. Title is held electronically. If a paper title is needed, Title Replacement Service on AZMVDNow may be used. Fee $4.00. If there is a paper title, a lien release must be given to the owner with the signed and notarized title. A Lien Release (48-9901) may be used by a private party lienholder.
Title must be surrendered within 15 business days of satisfaction of lien to avoid penalty.
UCC Filings
Liens on non-titled vehicles and watercraft are filed through the Arizona Secretary of State, Uniform Commercial Code Department, 1700 W. Washington Street, 7th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85007-2808, 602.542.6187, 800.458.5842.
Lien Records & Title Mailing
Lien records are on file with the Motor Vehicle Division. Titles issued after May 2010 are held electronically. A Lienholder Record is issued to subsequent lienholders. Titles issued prior to May 2010 were mailed to lienholder. AZMVDNow has a service to check for liens and unresolved financial obligations on Arizona titles.
Transfer of Title
Transfer is accomplished by assignment of title. eTitle Transfer allows qualified sellers and purchasers to transfer vehicle ownership online. If there is a lien on the vehicle, a lien release or written permission from the lienholder is required to transfer a title. Seller must complete Sold Notice (46-8502) or Aircraft Sold Notice (05-0503) within 10 days of sale to protect from liability that may occur after the sale.
Transfer Deadline & Penalty
Title must be applied for within 15 days of purchase to avoid a penalty of $8.00 for the first month plus $4.00 for each additional month, not to exceed $100.00. Penalty does not apply to an out-of-state title transfer. Dealers have 30 days to apply for title.
Add/Remove a Party
Same procedures are followed as for any other transfer, including forms and fees. New registration is required. If there is a lien on the vehicle, written permission from the lender is required to add/remove an owner.
Damage Disclosure
Any person who sells a vehicle for which a salvage title or restored salvage title has been issued must disclose to the buyer that the vehicle is a salvage vehicle or restored salvage vehicle prior to completion of the sale. Any person who sells a recovered stolen vehicle must disclose airbag deployment or removal.
Joint Ownership
"Or": Joint tenancy, one signature required. "And": Tenancy in common, both signatures required. "And/or": Joint tenancy with right of survivorship, both signatures required to transfer.
Notarization
Not required for title transfer in Arizona.
Deceased Owner
If the title is issued in tenancy in common and one party is deceased, their share is handled through probate or with a Non-Probate Affidavit (32-6901). A Non-Probate Affidavit may be used when the value of all personal property in the decedent's estate does not exceed $200,000.
When title is issued in joint tenancy with right of survivorship, the survivor may transfer ownership with proof of death. Otherwise, the interest of the deceased must be handled by probate action.
Transfer on Death
A Beneficiary Designation (96-0561) may be used to designate a beneficiary for transfer of the vehicle upon death of a sole owner.
Power of Attorney
If someone other than the owner is signing title/registration documents, a notarized Power of Attorney is required. A Power of Attorney (48-1001) may be used. A Power of Attorney with Odometer Disclosure (48-7104) is used to disclose odometer reading on casual sales.
Limited Assignment Space
When an out-of-state title has no further assignment space available, a separate reassignment document may be accepted if title was issued by a state/country that allows the use of a separate reassignment document. Private parties must apply for title in their name prior to transfer. Licensed motor vehicle dealers may record reassignments electronically (DRT) with no limits.
Repossession
After default in the terms of a security agreement, the primary lienholder may take possession of a vehicle without judicial process, if it proceeds without a breach of the peace. Proof of notice and sale under the conditions contained in the security agreement are required. Vehicle must be physically located in Arizona.
Requirements
- The lienholder may transfer a repossessed vehicle by providing the purchaser with a bill of sale and Repossession Affidavit (48-0902)
- If the seller repossesses the vehicle by use of replevin, a certified copy of the judgment awarding the vehicle to the seller must accompany the title application
- The purchaser must apply for title within 30 days of transfer
- If the lienholder is an Arizona-licensed financial institution, the Repossession Affidavit must be submitted electronically
Failure to Make Payment
A motor vehicle with a lien must be returned to the lienholder for failure to make payment on the lien for more than 90 days if the lienholder notifies the owner in writing, by certified mail, return receipt requested, that the owner is in default. Vehicle must be returned within 30 days or the creditor may file an affidavit through AZMVDNow and the registration and any license plate assigned to the motor vehicle will be immediately suspended.
Out-of-State Repossession
Above repossession information also applies to out-of-state repossessed vehicles. The MVD will accept out-of-state repossession on the Arizona Repossession Affidavit. Out-of-state affidavits of repossession submitted by Arizona licensed dealers transferring title into dealership's name are accepted.
Registration
All motor vehicles and trailers operated upon the highways, motorboats, and aircraft based in Arizona must be registered. OHVs must display an OHV decal. Manufactured homes, farm tractors, farm trailers not for hire, road machinery temporarily moved upon the highway, certain equipment used in mining operations, wheeled equipment used primarily for construction, lifeboats, and USCG-documented vessels are exempt.
Application for Registration
Made to any MVD Office or Authorized Third Party Provider. New residents must register their vehicles immediately upon establishing residency. Registration must be carried in the vehicle. Motorboats are registered through the Arizona Game & Fish Department. Aircraft are registered through the Aircraft Registration Unit of the MVD.
Nonresidents
Nonresidents who remain in Arizona for seven months or more during any calendar year must register their vehicles in Arizona. Nonresident daily commuters must purchase a nonresident identification card, valid for two years, to be exempt from Arizona registration; fee $8.00. Nonresident aircraft based in Arizona for more than 90 days must be registered in Arizona.
Expiration
Late Renewal Penalty
$8.00 for first month plus $4.00 for each additional month. Penalty for watercraft is $5.00. Penalty for aircraft is $25.00 for the first month and $5.00 for each subsequent month.
Planned Non-Operation
If a vehicle is not being driven or is in storage, a Registration Penalty Fee Waiver, Non-Use (48-9402) may be signed at time of registration to waive late penalties. Plates do not need to be surrendered. If temporarily discontinuing insurance on the vehicle, a de-insurance notification must be made through AZMVDNow to prevent suspension of vehicle registration and/or driver license.
Special Permits
| Permit Type | Validity | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Registration Plates (dealer-issued) | 45 days | Included |
| Restricted Use 3-Day Permits | 3 days | $1.00 |
| 90-Day Resident Permits | 90 days | $15.00 |
| 90-Day Nonresident Permits | 90 days | $15.00 |
| 30-Day General Use Permits | 30 days | $15.00 |
Plates
One plate issued, except for handicapped plates, hearing impaired, and some special plates for which an extra fee is charged. Plates remain with owner and may be transferred to another vehicle or surrendered to the MVD.
Military Registration
Qualified resident members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for a one year exemption from VLT and registration fees upon submission of a Special Military Exemption (96-0240). 100%-disabled veterans and surviving spouses/dependents of deceased military members are exempt from VLT and registration fees for one vehicle per year. Purple Heart recipients receive a full VLT exemption on one vehicle or trailer.
Taxes
Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) / Use Tax
5.6%
State TPT Rate
Varies
County Excise Tax
Varies
City Privilege Tax
TPT / Use Tax
5.6% plus any county excise tax and city privilege tax are due upon purchase of vehicle/watercraft. TPT is a tax on the privilege of conducting business in Arizona and is imposed on the seller's gross proceeds; however, the tax may be passed on to the purchaser. Credit is allowed for trade-in. Use tax is imposed on vehicles/watercraft purchased from an out-of-state dealer or online to be registered in Arizona. There is no county use tax. Casual sales are exempt from use tax. Credit is allowed for taxes paid to another state.
Nonresident Sales
Retail sales of motor vehicles to nonresidents for use outside of Arizona are exempt from TPT if the seller delivers the vehicle outside Arizona. If the nonresident takes possession in Arizona, exemptions apply based on the purchaser's state of residence. Tax worksheets (Worksheet A/B and Worksheet C) compute the reduced amount of state TPT and county excise tax.
Remote Sellers
Remote sellers and marketplace facilitators with no physical presence in Arizona who make gross sales into Arizona of $100,000 or more are required to collect and remit TPT.
Vehicle License Tax (VLT)
VLT Calculation
Collected in lieu of property tax at time of registration. For new vehicles, the rate is calculated at $2.80 per $100.00 of the assessed valuation (60% of the MSRP). For subsequent years, the assessed value depreciates 16.25% each year at a rate of $2.89 per $100.00. Minimum $10.00.
- ●Noncommercial trailers 10,000 lbs or less: one-time tax of $105.00 on initial registration; $70.00 when previously registered in Arizona
- ●Trailers/semitrailers over 10,000 lbs DGW: one-time tax of $555.00 on initial registration; $355.00 or $100.00 for used trailers
- ●ATVs/OHVs (2,500 lbs or less unladen): annual tax of $3.00
- ●Mopeds: set tax of $4.50
- ●Manufactured homes and boats are exempt
VLT Exemptions
Vehicles used solely for emergency services by private providers are exempt. Recipients of SSI disability payments are exempt. Enrolled members of a tribe living on a reservation are exempt. Qualified military personnel receive exemptions (see Registration section).
Personal Property Tax
Assessed on manufactured homes by the local County Assessor.
Federal Highway Use Tax
Proof of payment is required prior to registration of vehicles 55,000 lbs gross weight and over.
Registration / Plate Fees
Important Notes
- •All motorized vehicles are charged an annual $1.50 Air Quality Fee.
- •A $0.25 Air Quality Compliance Fee is charged on all motorized vehicles in emission test areas, except electrically powered vehicles.
- •Vehicles may be registered for one, two, or five years depending on emission requirements.
- •An annual $10.00 Diesel Fee is charged on all diesel-powered vehicles with a declared gross weight over 8,501 lbs.
- •Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) are subject to a one-time $8.00 Alternative Fuel Vehicle Sticker fee.
- •Personalized plates: $25.00 in addition to registration and renewal fees.
- •Plate/Registration Transfer Fee: $12.00; $13.00 for watercraft.
Standard Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles, trucks, travel trailers, golf carts | $8.00 |
| Mopeds and aircraft | $5.00 |
| Motorcycles | $9.00 |
| OHV decal | $25.00 |
| Noncommercial trailers 10,000 lbs or less (permanent, one-time) | $20.00 / $5.00 if prev. registered in AZ |
| Noncommercial trailers over 10,000 lbs (permanent, one-time) | $245.00 |
Commercial Vehicle Fees
Commercial registration fee is $4.00 plus fees based on declared gross weight. Farm vehicles with farm vehicle license plates pay half the gross weight fees.
| Weight Range | Gross Weight Fee | Motor Carrier Fee | Highway Use Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 8,000 lbs | $7.50 | — | $50.00 |
| 8,001–10,000 lbs | $36.00 | — | $60.00 |
| 10,001–12,000 lbs | $63.00 | — | $70.00 |
| 12,001–14,000 lbs | $103.00 | $64.00 | $80.00 |
| 14,001–16,000 lbs | $121.00 | $73.00 | $90.00 |
| 16,001–18,000 lbs | $144.00 | $82.00 | $105.00 |
| 18,001–20,000 lbs | $162.00 | $91.00 | $115.00 |
| 20,001–22,000 lbs | $198.00 | $101.00 | $125.00 |
| 22,001–24,000 lbs | $216.00 | $110.00 | $135.00 |
| 24,001–26,000 lbs | $234.00 | $119.00 | $190.00 |
| 26,001–28,000 lbs | $288.00 | $128.00 | $287.00 |
| 28,001–30,000 lbs | $324.00 | $137.00 | $378.00 |
| 30,001–32,000 lbs | $378.00 | $146.00 | $469.00 |
| 32,001–36,000 lbs | $414.00 | $155.00 | $570.00 |
| 36,001–40,000 lbs | $468.00 | $173.00 | $664.00 |
| 40,001–45,000 lbs | $522.00 | $336.00 | $665.00 |
| 45,001–50,000 lbs | $576.00 | $374.00 | $751.00 |
| 50,001–55,000 lbs | $630.00 | $412.00 | $828.00 |
| 55,001–60,000 lbs | $684.00 | $450.00 | $902.00 |
| 60,001–65,000 lbs | $738.00 | $627.00 | $1,099.00 |
| 65,001–70,000 lbs | $792.00 | $693.00 | $1,175.00 |
| 70,001–75,000 lbs | $864.00 | $750.00 | $1,895.00 |
| 75,001–80,000 lbs | $918.00 | $800.00 | $2,217.00 |
Watercraft (through Arizona Game & Fish Department)
Registered through the Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086, 602.942.3000. Nonresident fees include a Non-Resident Boating Safety Infrastructure fee.
| Vessel Length | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 12 feet | $20.00 | $100.00 |
| Over 12 to 16 feet | $22.00 | $110.00 |
| Over 16 to 20 feet | $30.00 | $222.00 |
| Over 20 to 26 feet | $35.00 | $259.00 |
| Over 26 to 39 feet | $39.00 | $292.00 |
| Over 39 to 64 feet | $44.00 | $330.00 |
| Over 64 feet | $66.00 | $495.00 |
Official Forms & Resources
Links to official Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division forms and resources. Arizona is a mandatory electronic lien and title state. Most transactions can be completed online through AZMVDNow.
Arizona Department of Transportation — Motor Vehicle Division
Mailing Address:
PO Box 2100, MD 555M
Phoenix, AZ 85001-2100
Make checks payable to Motor Vehicle Division.
Helpful Links
Arizona MVD — Motor Vehicle Division
Main resource for titling and registration
AZMVDNow — Online Services
eTitle Transfer, renewals, duplicate titles, and more
MVD Forms Library
All Arizona MVD forms and applications
VLT Calculator
Online Vehicle License Tax calculator
TPT Rate Table
Transaction Privilege Tax rate lookup
Find an MVD Office
Locate your nearest MVD office or authorized third party
Arizona Game & Fish — Watercraft
Boat and watercraft registration
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Lease / Rental Information
Same forms, procedures, and fees apply to leased vehicles as privately-owned vehicles. The title application must show the complete name and address of the lessor as the owner. The lessee may be recorded as registrant at the option of the lessor. A Lessor Authorization (40-0207) is used to give permission for the lessee name to appear on the title.
The gross receipts derived from the leasing and rental of motor vehicles are subject to Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT), unless exempt. A person engaged in the business of renting vehicles must collect a 5.0% surcharge on the gross receipts of each rental contract of 180 days or less.
Certain districts levy a County Stadium District Fee on each lease or rental of a motor vehicle licensed for hire for less than one year. Maricopa County is subject to a 3.25% surcharge with a $2.50 minimum for leased vehicles. Pima County is subject to a flat $3.50 surcharge. The City of Phoenix also imposes an additional tax.
Financial Responsibility
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury / Person | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury / Accident | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $15,000 |
Higher limits apply for commercial vehicles, TNCs, taxis, and hazardous materials carriers. Proof of insurance is required at time of registration and must be carried in the vehicle. Failure to maintain insurance may lead to suspension of vehicle registration and/or driver license.
Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection
School buses require an annual inspection by the Department of Public Safety.
Emission Inspection
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is responsible for emissions testing. Vehicles registered to residents of the greater Phoenix and Tucson areas require inspection, unless exempt. Vehicles five years old or less and vehicles with a model year of 1966 and older are exempt. Motorcycles, mopeds, and hydrogen, solar, and electric powered vehicles are exempt.
Records
Filed by name, VIN, license plate number, or title number. A notarized Motor Vehicle Record Request (46-4416) must be submitted with a $1.50 fee for lienholder record, $3.00 for a vehicle history, or $5.00 for a certified record. Records may be obtained online.
Enforcement
Department of Public Safety, Highway Patrol Division, 2222 W. Encanto Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85009, 602.223.2000.
Arizona Department of Transportation — Motor Vehicle Division
Mailing Address:
PO Box 2100, MD 555M
Phoenix, AZ 85001-2100
Phone:
602.255.0072Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fees, requirements, and procedures may change. Always verify current information with the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division — or contact Illinois Title Services for professional assistance.