New Cars & Initial Vehicle Registration
Arizona law requires that motor vehicle owners must register their vehicle with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division before taking it on the road. Both new and second-hand vehicles must be registered, regardless of whether they are purchased from a dealer or an individual. In addition, new Arizona residents who have registered their vehicle in another state must register their vehicle in Arizona. The initial vehicle registration must be done in person, and registration renewals must be done annually, either in person, online or by mail.
INITIAL REGISTRATION
If you are registering a previously owned motor vehicle in Arizona for the first time, you must complete the following steps:
- Take your vehicle for emissions testing if it 5 model years or older. Emissions tests must be performed at an inspection station or by an inspector that has been licensed by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Locate an inspection station near you. Once the vehicle passes inspection, you will be issued an inspection certification.
- In certain cases, you may need to get a VIN assigned and a physical inspection completed. This is usually required when the original VIN is not present, or it has been altered. For more information, see our Vehicle Inspections section.
- Complete an Arizona vehicle title and registration application form.
- Visit your MVD or Authorized Third Party office, and bring the completed title and registration application form with you, along with the inspection certification from ADEQ. You will need to provide proof of Arizona auto insurance also.
- For vehicles that have been registered in another state, you must also bring the original, out-of-state title. If the title is unavailable, bring the registration document, along with proof of sales tax payment.