1. Timing & General Rule

Apply for an Arizona title within 15 days of purchasing a vehicle (new or used) or upon becoming an Arizona resident. If you wait longer, you may face penalty fees.

Most vehicles are titled and registered at the same time with one application.

2. Required Title & Registration Documents

 These are needed whether the car is new or used (dealership or private sale):

A) Title & Ownership Documentation

• Used vehicle (private party):
  • The original vehicle title signed by the seller with all transfer fields completed.
  • Optional but helpful: a bill of sale showing purchase price, date, and both parties’ signatures (especially for private sales).  NO sales tax is due if the sales is between private parties (no dealer involved)
• New vehicle:
  • Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) assigned to you.
• Out-of-state vehicles:
  • Your out-of-state title (signed if transferring ownership).
  • Additional inspection or emissions documents may be required.
• Lien release:
  • If there was a lien on the vehicle that has now been paid off, bring a lien release from the lender. This shows clear title.

• Title only can be processed but a Level 1 inspection will need to be processed at the same time of the transfer completion

B) Proof of Identity

A valid driver’s license or government-issued ID (Arizona or another state) to verify your identity.

D) Proof of Insurance

Arizona requires liability insurance that meets the state minimum coverage (typically $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 property damage), and you must show active coverage before registration.

E) Emissions/Safety Requirements (if Applicable)

• If you live in Maricopa (Phoenix area) or Pima (Tucson area) and your vehicle is subject to emissions testing, you must show a passing emissions compliance certificate before registration (vehicles newer/younger are sometimes exempt).

G) Fees & Taxes

Pay all applicable fees at the MVD:

• Title fee (e.g., usually around $4 if an Arizona title is newly issued).
• Registration fee (varies based on vehicle type and registration period).
• Vehicle License Tax (VLT) based on the vehicle’s value.
• Air quality/vehicle fees where applicable.
• AZ is reciprocal with CA but only 5.6%
• Trade in credit Is allowed
• Sales tax varies on customer’s address, see below link
   Arizona Vehicle Use Tax Calculator

Quick Checklist — Used & New Vehicles

 Signed old title (used) or MCO (new) assigned to you.

1. Proof of identity (driver’s license/ID).
2. Proof of Arizona auto insurance.
3. Emissions compliance certificate (if applicable).
4. Lien release (if applicable).
5. Copy of contract (if applicable)
6. Copy of Bill of sale
7. Power of attorney (if applicable)