Out-of-State Vehicles

The following is required to obtain an Arizona title, registration and license plate for a vehicle previously titled or registered in another state. This is general information only. Any title and registration action may present special requirements. For additional information, see our Vehicle Services FAQ.

Your out-of-state title and registration must be surrendered at the time of application for Arizona title and registration. When a loan has been recorded against the vehicle and the title is being held by a lender in another state, the registration is still needed, although the title may not be required.

If your out-of-state title has a lien on it from an out-of-state lienholder and the out-of-state lienholder is not contracted with an electronic lien and title service provider in Arizona, you will maintain your out-of-state title and receive an Arizona Registration Only until the lien has been paid and a lien clearance is provided.

Physical inspection is typically not required for out-of-state vehicles if the owner has proof of ownership, such as a title, registration or both. If a physical inspection is required, the make, vehicle identification number (VIN), body style and other general vehicle information will be verified at an MVD or Authorized Third Party office prior to registration. If there are obvious safety or mechanical flaws, registration may be denied until repairs are completed.

For more information, see the Vehicle Inspections section.