Documents and information you must bring to the Arizona MVD
To register a car in Arizona, you need to bring three things to an Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office: proof you own the vehicle, proof of your identity, and proof of Arizona residency. The specific documents depend on whether you're registering a new car, a used car you bought from a dealer, or a used car you bought from a private seller.
If you bought the car from a dealer, bring the manufacturer's certificate of origin or the dealer's temporary registration paperwork. If you bought it from a private seller, bring the signed title from the previous owner. In both cases, you also need a bill of sale showing the purchase price — dealers provide this, but private sellers don't always, so ask for one in writing before you hand over money.
For proof of identity, bring your Arizona driver's license, passport, tribal ID, or military ID. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your Arizona address. If you just moved to Arizona, a signed lease or purchase agreement counts even if it's dated more recently.
Key Takeaways
- You need the vehicle title (signed by the previous owner), proof of identity, and proof of Arizona residency dated within the last 60 days.
- Private-party sales require a bill of sale showing the purchase price; dealer sales come with one automatically.
- Registration fees depend on the vehicle's age and weight, and you pay them at the MVD office when you register.
- You can register by mail if you have a notarized title and meet residency requirements, but in-person registration at an MVD office is faster.
- Arizona issues registration plates when ready at the office; you drive home with them the same day.
How much registration costs in Arizona
Arizona registration fees are based on the vehicle's dry weight (the weight without fuel or cargo) and how old the vehicle is. A new car typically costs between $200 and $300 to register for the first time, while a used car costs less — usually $150 to $250 depending on weight. The MVD website has a fee calculator where you enter the vehicle's weight and year to see the exact amount.
You also pay a one-time title transfer fee of $4 when you register a used car. If you're financing the car, the lender's name goes on the title, and you pay an additional $1 lien fee. Some counties add a local tax on top of the state registration fee; this varies by county and ranges from $0 to about $50.
Registration is valid for one year from the date you register. When it expires, you renew by mail, online, or in person — renewal is cheaper than initial registration and costs between $50 and $150 depending on the vehicle's weight.
Where to register and how long it takes
You register at an Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office. There are about 40 MVD locations across the state, including offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Peoria, and most other cities. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the MVD website.
In-person registration usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all documents ready and arrive during a slow time. Peak times are mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays; early morning or late afternoon is typically faster. You get your registration plates and documents the same day you register, so you can drive home with valid plates.
If you register by mail, send your completed process form, title, proof of residency, and a check or money order to the MVD address listed on their website. Mail-in registration takes 2 to 3 weeks. You must have the title notarized if you're registering by mail, which costs $10 to $20 at a bank, credit union, or notary service.
What to do if the title has a lien on it
If you financed the car, the lender's name appears on the title as a lienholder. You cannot register the car without the lender's permission, but you don't need to contact them yourself — the title document shows their name and address, and the MVD handles the rest. Bring the title as-is to the MVD office, and they will process it with the lien notation.
Once you pay off the loan, the lender sends you a release of lien or a new title without their name on it. If you receive a release of lien, bring it to the MVD to update your title. If the lender sends a new title, bring that instead. This update is free and takes about 10 minutes at an MVD office.
Registering a vehicle with an out-of-state title
If you bought the car in another state and are moving to Arizona, you need to transfer the out-of-state title to an Arizona title. Bring the out-of-state title, proof of ownership (bill of sale or purchase agreement), proof of identity, and proof of Arizona residency to an MVD office. The MVD will issue you an Arizona title and registration plates.
Some states require you to get a notarized bill of sale or have the title notarized before transferring it to Arizona. Check the MVD website or call your local office before you go to learn about the state where you bought the car requires this step. If it does, get the notarization done before you visit the MVD — it will speed up the process.
If the out-of-state title is in someone else's name, you need a bill of sale signed by that person and notarized. If the title is in two names and only one person is registering the car in Arizona, you need written permission from the other owner, also notarized.
Special situations: rebuilt titles, salvage titles, and gifts
If the car has a rebuilt title (meaning it was declared a total loss by an insurance company and then repaired), you can register it in Arizona, but the title will show "rebuilt" status. Bring the rebuilt title, proof of repair completion, and the other standard documents. Some insurance companies charge more to insure a rebuilt-title vehicle, so check with your insurer before you buy.
A salvage title means the car was declared a total loss but has not been repaired yet. You cannot register a salvage-title vehicle for road use in Arizona. You can only register it if it has been repaired and the title has been changed to rebuilt status by the state where it was salvaged.
If someone gives you a car as a gift, bring the signed title, a bill of sale showing $0 as the purchase price (or a gift letter from the previous owner), and your standard proof of identity and residency. You still pay the registration fee based on the vehicle's weight and age — the MVD does not waive fees for gifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register my car online in Arizona?
You can renew an existing Arizona registration online, but you cannot register a new vehicle online. New registrations and title transfers require an in-person visit to an MVD office or a mailed process with a notarized title. The MVD website has an online renewal system for vehicles already registered in Arizona.
What if I don't have proof of residency dated within 60 days?
You can use a lease agreement or purchase agreement dated more recently, even if it's dated after you moved. You can also bring a utility bill, bank statement, or mortgage statement from before the 60-day window if you also bring a second document showing your current address, such as a piece of mail from a government agency or a recent insurance bill.
Do I need to have the car inspected before I register it?
Arizona does not require a vehicle inspection before registration. However, if the car has a rebuilt title, the MVD may ask for proof that it has been repaired and is safe to drive. Bring any repair receipts or inspection reports from the repair shop if the car has a rebuilt title.
What happens if I register the car but the title hasn't arrived yet?
You can register with a temporary registration document from the dealer or a bill of sale from a private seller. The MVD will issue you temporary plates valid for 30 days while the title is being processed. Once the title arrives in the mail, bring it to the MVD to finalize the registration and get permanent plates.
Can I register a car that's in someone else's name?
No. The person whose name is on the title must be present at the MVD office to register the vehicle, or they must sign a power of attorney form authorizing someone else to register it on their behalf. The power of attorney must be notarized and brought to the MVD office along with all other documents.