If you need to title and register a vehicle in Arizona, the documents and steps required will depend on how you obtained the vehicle. Whether you recently bought a used car, completed a private-party purchase or brought an out-of-state vehicle to Arizona, you may need to transfer the vehicle title and complete Arizona vehicle registration before driving it. At participating 1 Stop Motor Vehicle locations, we provide eligible Arizona title and registration services as an Authorized Third Party MVD provider.
What Is the Difference Between a Vehicle Title and Registration?
A vehicle title and vehicle registration serve different purposes.
Your vehicle title establishes legal ownership of the vehicle. When ownership changes, the title generally needs to be transferred into the new owner’s name.
Your vehicle registration allows the vehicle to be legally operated on Arizona roads and connects the vehicle with its registered owner.
When you purchase a vehicle that needs to be titled in your name, you’ll often handle the title transfer and registration as part of the same process. Arizona Department of Transportation
Already have an Arizona title and just need information about registration? See our Arizona Vehicle Registration: What You Need to Know guide.
When Do I Need to Title and Register a Vehicle in Arizona?
You may need to complete a title and registration transaction when you:
- Purchase a used vehicle from a private seller
- Purchase certain vehicles from a dealer
- Bring a vehicle to Arizona after moving from another state
- Acquire a vehicle through another ownership transfer
- Need to transfer an existing title into your name
For a vehicle purchased through a private sale, Arizona gives the buyer 15 days to apply for a new certificate of title. The previous registration is no longer valid after ownership transfers, so the vehicle must be registered to the new owner before it can normally be driven. Arizona Department of Transportation
What Do I Need to Title and Register a Vehicle?
The exact documents depend on your transaction, but for a typical Arizona title and registration transfer, you may need:
- A completed Title and Registration Application
- The current vehicle title properly assigned to you or other acceptable ownership documentation
- A lien release, if applicable
- An emissions test, if required
- Payment for applicable title and registration fees
- Additional documentation for special circumstances
Transactions involving trusts, estates, powers of attorney, leased vehicles or other special ownership situations can require additional documents. Arizona Department of Transportation
Before visiting, it’s a good idea to confirm the requirements for your specific transaction so you don’t arrive without an important document.
How Do I Transfer a Vehicle Title After a Private Sale?
When buying a vehicle from a private seller, make sure the ownership documentation is properly completed before finalizing the transaction.
For a standard paper-title transfer, Arizona generally requires a completed Title and Registration Application along with the properly signed vehicle title or an eligible Title Transfer Bill of Sale for an Arizona vehicle. A lien release may also be necessary when applicable. Arizona Department of Transportation
Arizona also offers eTitle Transfer for certain qualifying transactions. Eligibility is limited, however. For example, an in-state vehicle generally must have an Arizona title and current Arizona registration, no liens and meet several other requirements to qualify. Arizona Department of Transportation
If your transaction doesn’t qualify for electronic transfer, it can generally be handled in person through MVD or an Authorized Third Party provider.
What If the Vehicle Has a Lien?
A lien means another party, typically a lender, has a financial interest in the vehicle.
If you’re purchasing a vehicle with an existing lien, it generally needs to be satisfied or appropriate authorization from the lienholder must be obtained before the title can be transferred. Arizona recommends checking for liens before purchasing an Arizona-titled vehicle. Arizona Department of Transportation
Lien situations can complicate title transfers, so it’s especially important to verify the vehicle’s status before completing a private-party purchase.
How Do I Title and Register an Out-of-State Vehicle in Arizona?
If you’ve moved to Arizona and brought a vehicle registered in another state, you’ll need to title and register it in Arizona after becoming an Arizona resident. Arizona Department of Transportation
For an out-of-state vehicle, you will generally need:
- A completed and signed Title and Registration Application
- Your out-of-state title, or registration if a lienholder holds the title
- Emissions compliance when applicable
- Lien clearance when applicable
- Power of Attorney from the lessor for a leased vehicle
- Payment of applicable title and registration fees
Arizona MVD requires out-of-state vehicles to be handled through an office rather than completing the entire registration process online. Arizona Department of Transportation
Does My Vehicle Need an Emissions Test?
Possibly.
Arizona emissions requirements primarily apply within designated areas of the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas, with exemptions based on factors such as the vehicle’s model year, type and fuel. If your vehicle requires emissions testing, ADOT recommends completing the test before visiting MVD. Arizona MVD emissions testing information.
Does My Vehicle Need a VIN Inspection?
Not every title and registration transaction requires a vehicle inspection.
Vehicle inspections may be required in certain circumstances to verify the VIN against the vehicle’s ownership documents. Arizona identifies several inspection levels, with requirements depending on the vehicle and transaction. Arizona Department of Transportation
If an inspection applies to your situation, confirm which type is required before visiting.
How Much Does It Cost to Title and Register a Vehicle in Arizona?
The total cost varies by vehicle and transaction.
Arizona title and registration charges can include a title fee, registration fee, Vehicle License Tax and other applicable charges. Factors such as the vehicle’s age, type and value can affect the total amount due. Arizona Department of Transportation
Can I Drive a Vehicle Before the Title and Registration Are Complete?
Don’t assume the previous owner’s registration remains valid after buying a vehicle. In Arizona, the registration expires when ownership transfers. Arizona Department of Transportation
Temporary permits are available for certain situations. For example, Arizona offers a 90-Day Resident Permit for residents who are still obtaining documentation needed to complete title or registration, along with other permits designed for specific circumstances. Arizona Department of Transportation
Can I Title and Register My Vehicle at a Third Party MVD?
Yes. Authorized Third Party providers have direct access to Arizona MVD’s title and registration systems and can complete eligible transactions in real time. Arizona Department of Transportation
At participating 1 Stop Motor Vehicle locations, we provide eligible vehicle title and registration services, giving you an alternative to visiting a state MVD office.
Because documentation requirements can vary considerably with title transactions, gather your ownership documents and any applicable lien, emissions or other paperwork before your visit.
Title and Register Your Vehicle at 1 Stop Motor Vehicle
Whether you recently purchased a vehicle, completed a private-party sale or brought your vehicle to Arizona from another state, getting the title and registration completed correctly is an important part of establishing ownership and getting on the road.
At participating 1 Stop Motor Vehicle locations, we can help with eligible Arizona vehicle title transfers and registration services through our Authorized Third Party MVD services.
Ready to title and register your vehicle? Find a participating 1 Stop Motor Vehicle location near you and get started.