If you need to drive a vehicle that isn’t currently registered in Arizona, an Arizona temporary permit may allow you to legally operate it while you complete certain title, registration, inspection or other requirements.
But not every temporary permit works the same way. Arizona offers several options, including 3-day, 30-day and 90-day permits, and the correct permit depends on why you need to drive the vehicle.
Here’s how the different Arizona temporary vehicle permits work and how to determine which one may apply to your situation.
What Is an Arizona Temporary Permit?
A temporary vehicle permit provides limited registration that allows an otherwise unregistered vehicle to be operated legally under specific circumstances.
Depending on the permit, it may be intended for a particular trip, general vehicle use or additional time to obtain documents needed for permanent title and registration.
Arizona’s main temporary permit options include:
- Restricted Use 3-Day Permit
- 30-Day General Use Permit
- 90-Day Resident Permit
- 90-Day Nonresident (Drive Out) Permit
The length of the permit isn’t the only difference. Each one serves a different purpose. Arizona Department of Transportation
What Is an Arizona 3-Day Permit?
The Restricted Use 3-Day Permit is designed for specific trips necessary to complete vehicle requirements.
Arizona MVD allows an unregistered vehicle with this permit to travel from its current location for purposes including:
- Emissions testing
- Vehicle inspection
- Applying for title or registration
- Repairs necessary to comply with emissions or inspection requirements
Because this is a restricted-use permit, it isn’t intended to provide three days of unrestricted driving.
The current MVD Restricted Use 3-Day Permit can be obtained through AZ MVD Now or at an MVD or Authorized Third Party office. Vehicles that have never been titled or registered in Arizona may not be eligible to obtain the permit online.
What Is an Arizona 30-Day General Use Permit?
The 30-Day General Use Permit provides considerably more flexibility.
It allows an unregistered vehicle to operate on Arizona roadways for a 30-day period without the movement restrictions of the 3-day permit.
There is also no residency requirement for the 30-day permit.
However, Arizona limits this permit to one per vehicle during any 12-month period. The current MVD fee is $15.
The permit is available through AZ MVD Now as well as MVD and Authorized Third Party offices.
What Is an Arizona 90-Day Resident Permit?
The 90-Day Resident Permit is intended for an Arizona resident who doesn’t yet have all of the documentation necessary to receive a title or permanent registration.
It allows the vehicle to be operated while the owner obtains the missing documentation.
For example, if additional paperwork is required before the title or registration transaction can be completed, a qualifying resident may be able to use a 90-day permit during that process.
The current MVD fee is $15. Once the necessary documentation is submitted, vehicle license taxes for the full year are calculated back to the date the 90-day permit was issued.
Unlike the 3-day and 30-day permits, Arizona MVD currently directs customers to purchase the 90-Day Resident Permit at an MVD or Authorized Third Party office.
What Is a 90-Day Nonresident Drive Out Permit?
Arizona also offers a 90-Day Nonresident (Drive Out) Permit, which serves a very different purpose.
This permit is for someone who purchases a vehicle in Arizona but intends to take it out of Arizona and register it in another state.
To obtain the permit, Arizona MVD requires out-of-state identification along with the dealer invoice or assigned title.
The current MVD fee is $15, and the permit can be purchased through an MVD or Authorized Third Party office.
Which Arizona Temporary Permit Do You Need?
The easiest way to distinguish the permits is by why you need to drive the vehicle.
If you only need to move an unregistered vehicle for an inspection, emissions test, registration process or qualifying repair, the Restricted Use 3-Day Permit may be appropriate.
If you need general use of an unregistered vehicle for a short period and qualify, the 30-Day General Use Permit may be the better option.
If you’re an Arizona resident who needs additional time to obtain documentation necessary for title or registration, you may need a 90-Day Resident Permit.
And if you’re a nonresident who purchased a vehicle in Arizona and needs to drive it home for registration in another state, the 90-Day Nonresident Drive Out Permit may apply.
What About a Temporary Plate From a Dealership?
A dealer-issued temporary registration plate is different from the temporary permits above.
When you purchase a vehicle from a licensed dealer, the dealer generally issues a Temporary Registration Plate (TRP). Arizona MVD currently states that the TRP is valid for 45 days and allows the vehicle to be operated for any purpose during that period.
If you purchased a vehicle through a private sale instead, you may need to obtain an appropriate temporary permit while completing the registration process. Arizona specifically notes that the Restricted Use 3-Day Permit for a private-sale vehicle is limited to qualifying purposes such as inspection, emissions testing, required repairs or completing registration.
What Do You Need to Get a Temporary Permit in Arizona?
Requirements vary depending on the permit and your particular vehicle situation.
Before visiting a location, it’s helpful to have available:
- Valid identification
- Vehicle identification information
- Available title or ownership documents
- Purchase documents, when applicable
- Existing registration information, if available
- Any additional documents related to the reason you need the permit
For certain permits, additional documentation or eligibility requirements apply. A 90-Day Nonresident Permit, for example, requires out-of-state identification and a dealer invoice or assigned title.
Get Help With Arizona Temporary Permits at 1 Stop
Choosing a temporary permit based solely on how many days it lasts can result in getting the wrong permit. What matters most is why the vehicle needs temporary registration and how it will be used.
1 Stop Motor Vehicle Services is an authorized third-party provider for the Arizona MVD and can assist with eligible 3-day, 30-day and 90-day temporary permit transactions.
Our team can help determine which permit applies to your situation and what documentation you’ll need to complete the transaction.
Find a 1 Stop location near you for help with Arizona temporary permits and other MVD services.