If you bring a car to Phoenix, you will need an Arizona title, registration and license plate. The process is handled by the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, and in the Phoenix area many vehicles also need an emissions test first. This guide explains the order of steps, what to bring and how Arizona’s registration fees work. Always confirm details on the official state website before you go.
Key takeaways
- According to the state, you should register your vehicle as soon as you become an Arizona resident.
- Some vehicles in the Phoenix and Tucson areas must pass an emissions test before registration.
- Arizona’s vehicle license tax is based on the vehicle’s value and decreases as the car ages.
When to register
The state motor vehicle agency says new residents must register their vehicle as soon as they become Arizona residents. Residency generally means staying in Arizona seven months or more in a calendar year or working in the state. Do not wait until your old state’s registration runs out. Our Getting an Arizona Driver License as a New Phoenix Resident guide explains residency in more detail.
Step 1: Emissions testing
In the Phoenix metro area, many vehicles need to pass an emissions test before they can be registered. Which vehicles need it depends on factors such as the model year, fuel type and where the vehicle is registered. The state recommends passing the test before visiting the MVD to save time. The state’s emissions program website lists testing stations, what to bring and which vehicles are exempt.
Step 2: Gather the paperwork
According to the state, to title and register a vehicle previously titled or registered in another state you need a completed and signed Title and Registration Application, an emissions compliance form in the Phoenix and Tucson areas and the out-of-state title. If a lender holds your title, contact them early, because the process involves them and can take longer.
- Signed Title and Registration Application.
- Emissions compliance form, if your vehicle requires testing.
- Out-of-state title, or lender information if the vehicle is financed.
- Proof of Arizona insurance.
- Your Arizona license or other ID.
Step 3: Inspection, if needed
Some vehicles need a Level I inspection, which the state conducts at MVD offices or through designated officers. According to the agency, this applies to cases such as title-only requests, bonded titles and some out-of-state or out-of-country vehicles without proof of title or registration. Most people with a clean out-of-state title will not need one, but check before your visit.
How registration fees work
Arizona’s biggest registration cost is usually the vehicle license tax, often called VLT. According to the state transportation department, the tax is based on an assessed value of 60 percent of the manufacturer’s base retail price, reduced by 16.25 percent for each year since the vehicle was first registered, with a rate charged per $100 of that value. In practice, newer and more expensive vehicles cost more to register, and the cost drops each year.
New car vs older car
| Newer vehicle | Older vehicle | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle license tax | Higher, based on recent base price | Lower, reduced for each year of age |
| Emissions test | Some newer models are exempt for a period | More likely to need testing |
| Paperwork | Often a lender holds the title | Title often in hand |
Tip: Use the state’s online services to check whether your vehicle needs an emissions test and to see estimated fees before you visit an office.
Insurance
You need Arizona insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements before you register. Tell your insurer about the move right away, since rates and required coverage depend on where the car is kept. Keep proof of insurance in the vehicle.
Renewals
Arizona registrations can be renewed for one or more years, and many renewals can be done online. If your vehicle needs emissions testing, you will usually need to pass a test before each renewal on the required schedule. Watch for renewal notices at your new address.
Common mistakes
The most common mistake is going to the MVD before passing the required emissions test, which means a second trip. Another is not contacting the lender early when a car is financed. Newcomers also sometimes forget to update insurance to an Arizona policy. Do these in order: emissions, insurance, paperwork, then the visit.
Frequently asked questions
Does my car need an emissions test in Phoenix?
Many vehicles in the Phoenix area do. Check the state’s emissions program website for your vehicle.
Why is Arizona registration more expensive for new cars?
The vehicle license tax is based on the vehicle’s value and falls each year the car ages.
Can I register online?
Some registration tasks can be completed online, but first-time registration of an out-of-state vehicle often involves an office visit. Check the state’s portal.
Still to do: Your First Month in Phoenix: A Checklist. For driving safely in summer storms, read Monsoon Season in Phoenix: Dust Storms, Flooding and Safety.