Pursuant to the Arizona Supreme Court’s opinion in BSI Holdings, L.L.C. v. State of Arizona, MVD interprets a “day” to mean a 24-hour period when determining non-resident status of an aircraft.
Aircraft registration in Arizona ensures your aircraft complies with state requirements. Whether you're a new aircraft owner or need to renew your registration, we've made the process easy and convenient.
All aircrafts that enter Arizona must be registered with the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) within 60 days of purchase, lease, or arriving in the state.
You must register your aircraft if you are:
Note: MVD does not register aircraft for major airlines.
In addition to your MVD registration, you must also register with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Visit FAA Aircraft Registry to get the most current FAA registration requirements.
Initial registration must be completed within 60 days of purchase or lease.
If the aircraft is purchased from a dealer in Arizona, the dealer requires the buyer to fill out an Application for Aircraft Registration. The dealer must send the application to the MVD Aircraft Registration Unit ([email protected]) within 10 days of the sale.
An owner bringing in an aircraft from out of state must submit an Application for Aircraft Registration within 60 days of entry into Arizona to avoid penalties.
Nonresident owners whose aircraft enters Arizona must register the aircraft with the MVD Aircraft Registration Unit.
If the aircraft is in Arizona for:
These days are based on the total time in the state and don't have to be consecutive.
A "day" means a 24-hour period when determining non-resident status of an aircraft.
Aircraft engaging in commercial activity in the state, regardless of owner residency, must be registered prior to such operations.
You can find your aircraft registration renewal due date on your renewal notice. Registration renewal reminders are emailed to the owner of record.
If you did not receive a notice or are unsure, you can:
You are responsible for renewing your registration by the due date whether or not you receive this courtesy notice.
Renewing online is the fastest, most convenient and secure way to renew your aircraft. Complete your renewal and pay your invoice on AZ MVD Now.
When you renew online, your record is updated instantly.
If you prefer to renew by mail, send payment to:
Arizona Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Division, Aircraft Registration
PO Box 2100, MD 542M
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Write the FAA number on the check. A $25 fee is charged for returned checks and may result in cancellation of aircraft registration.
The tax rate is 0.5% of the assessed value of the aircraft, but not less than $20.
The assessed value of the aircraft is determined by ADOT through the following resources:
When an aircraft enters Arizona—whether purchased from a dealer or returned to service after storage, salvage, or repair—the tax is prorated based on how many months the aircraft will be in the state.
Your fees online may be different from the amount printed on your aircraft renewal if:
Note: An additional $5 penalty is assessed each succeeding month until the fees are paid.
You must register your aircraft within 60 days of entering Arizona and renew annually by the due date. If you miss these deadlines, you'll owe a penalty of $25 for the first month and $5 for each additional month, unless your aircraft qualifies for an exemption.
Late Notices will be mailed to you. If you need to update your mailing address:
Unpaid fees, taxes, interest, and penalties create a lien on your aircraft. The department may:
An aircraft may qualify for exemption from registration, license tax or both if one of these conditions exists:
To claim tax-exempt status for your aircraft (including nonresident, tribal, and active duty military), complete an Aircraft Exemption Affidavit and file it with MVD:
If you don't claim an exemption by the deadline, you must pay:
To claim annual status on aircraft (maintenance, salvage, or stored-aircraft exemptions), an owner must file an Aircraft Annual Status Form Affidavit and submit to MVD no later than the last day of the registration cycle or within 60 days after entry into the state.
A registration certificate will be issued upon full payment of the initial registration fee, appropriate license tax and any penalties due. License decals are no longer issued for aircraft.
Your aircraft registration will be available for download at the time of payment. You can also access it anytime through your Documents in AZ MVD Now.
When you sell your aircraft or otherwise transfer ownership, or end your lease, you should submit an Aircraft Sold Notice to MVD. This notice is your protection from liability for various situations that may occur after the sale.
For help with aircraft registration, or to let us know your aircraft is no longer based in Arizona, please contact the Aircraft Registration Unit:
Phone: 602.712.6995
Email: [email protected]