Applying for Title and Registration
When you buy a vehicle, Arizona law requires that you apply for a title within 15 days of purchase and take the application to an MVD Office or Authorized Third Party provider to complete the process. A title transfer penalty may be assessed if a title application is submitted beyond this time. If your vehicle was registered in another state and you wish to operate it in Arizona, you must register it as soon as you become an Arizona resident.
View more information on titles
Most vehicles may be registered for one, two, or five years, depending on emissions requirements. Permanent registration may be available for some trailers.
In addition to other fees, vehicle owners in Arizona pay a Vehicle License Tax (VLT), assessed in place of a personal property tax charged by some other states. The VLT is distributed to the State Highway User Revenue Fund, State Highway Fund, State General Fund (for school financial assistance), County General Fund, to the counties for the same use as the State Highway User Revenue Fund and to the incorporated cities and towns for transportation, maintenance and improvements.
Plate and Fee to Owner
Arizona law provides that a license plate is assigned to the vehicle owner, not the vehicle.
- Keep the plate with the owner when the vehicle is sold.
- Get credit for remaining fees.
- Transfer the plate and fees to another vehicle (with an expired registration).
- Credit reduces each month not used.
