Arizona Specialty & Personalized Plates

How to Check License Plate Availability in Arizona

Do you want to personalize your license plate in Arizona but don’t know how? Personalizing your license plate can give your vehicle a unique touch.

Currently, Arizona offers over 70 recognized license plate types. In 2022, the Arizona MVD received approximately 770,000 requests for specialty plates. According to 2017 data from the Federal Highway Administration, Arizona had around 2.3 million registered vehicles.

Types of Arizona License Plates

Just like other states, Arizona license plates hold significant importance in tracing vehicle history, serving as unique identifiers tied to a vehicle’s registration and ownership records. They play a pivotal role in various situations, including vehicle transactions, law enforcement activities, and ensuring public safety. By utilizing an Arizona license plate lookup service, individuals can access crucial information about a vehicle’s background, such as its registration status, ownership history, accident records, and more.

In Arizona, there are several types of license plates available, each catering to different interests, affiliations, and purposes:

Arizona offers a variety of license plate options to suit different preferences and interests. Below are the types of license plates offered by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT):

  1. Standard License Plates:

  • Standard license plates are the most common type issued by the ADOT.
  • These plates typically feature a combination of letters and numbers assigned randomly by the ADOT.
  • Standard plates are available for passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and other types of vehicles.

  1. Specialty License Plates:

  • Specialty license plates cater to specific interests, affiliations, or causes.
  • Examples include collegiate plates representing universities, military plates honoring veterans and active-duty service members, and organizational plates supporting various charities or causes.
  • Specialty plates often feature unique designs and symbols related to the affiliated organization or cause.

  1. Personalized License Plates:

  • Personalized license plates allow vehicle owners to customize their plates with a unique combination of letters, numbers, or characters.
  • Owners can choose a personalized message or combination (within character limits and availability) to express their individuality or personal interests.
  • Personalized plates may incur additional fees beyond standard registration fees.

  1. Special Recognition Plates:

  • Special recognition plates honor specific groups or achievements and often require eligibility criteria for issuance.
  • Examples include plates for Purple Heart recipients, Pearl Harbor survivors, and Medal of Honor recipients.
  • These plates serve as a tribute to individuals or groups with distinguished service or contributions.

  1. Vintage Vehicle Plates:

  • Vintage vehicle plates are available for vehicles that meet specific age and historical criteria.
  • These plates are designed to replicate historic license plate designs from certain periods in Arizona’s automotive history.
  • Owners of vintage vehicles can apply for vintage plates to add an authentic touch to their vehicles.

  1. Disability License Plates:

  • Disability license plates are issued to individuals with qualifying disabilities or special mobility needs.
  • These plates often feature the international symbol of access (wheelchair symbol) and may provide special parking privileges in designated accessible parking spaces.

  1. Commercial License Plates:

  • Commercial license plates are issued for vehicles used for commercial purposes, such as delivery trucks, taxis, and commercial trailers.
  • These plates typically feature special designations or symbols indicating commercial use.

  1. Government License Plates:

  • Government license plates are issued for official government vehicles used by federal, state, or local government agencies.
  • These plates may feature specific designations or agency logos to identify government-owned vehicles.

  1. Temporary License Plates:

  • Temporary license plates are issued for newly purchased vehicles pending registration and issuance of permanent plates.
  • These plates are typically valid for a specified period, allowing vehicle owners to legally drive their vehicles while completing registration requirements.

What is an Arizona Specialty Plate?

An Arizona specialty license plate is a unique, personalized license plate that features a specialized design or emblem representing a specific cause, organization, or interest. They are available for purchase by Arizona residents for an additional cost, with the proceeds typically going towards supporting the cause or organization that the plate represents.

These specialty plates offer individuals the opportunity to show their support for a particular cause or organization while also adding a personalized touch to their vehicle.

Some examples of Arizona specialty license plates include plates supporting causes such as breast cancer awareness, military veterans, and wildlife conservation.

What is the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (AZ MVD)?

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT MVD) is the state agency responsible for registering and regulating motor vehicles in Arizona. It oversees the issuance of driver’s licenses, vehicle titles and registrations, license plates, and other related services.

The MVD also enforces motor vehicle laws and regulations to ensure the safety and security of all motorists in the state. Additionally, the MVD works to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the state’s transportation system through various initiatives and programs.

How to Apply For Personalized License Plates | Specialty License Plates

To personalize your Arizona license plates, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division website.
  2. Go to the “Vehicle Owners” section and select “Plates and Placards”
  3. Follow the instructions to create your personalized plate. You can do this online or by filling out their form manually.
  4. Enter the combination of letters and numbers that you would like to have on your license plate on the designated plate lookup. Make sure to follow the guidelines and restrictions for personalized plate combinations given on the website.
  5. Verify that the plate combination you have chosen is available and not already in use.
  6. Pay the required fee for personalizing your plate.
  7. Submit your application and wait for approval.
  8. Once your personalized plate is approved, you will receive it in the mail within a few weeks. Remember to install it on your vehicle in accordance with proper instructions.

Stay creative and make sure to choose a combination that is meaningful to you!

How to Check the Availability of Arizona Specialty License Plate Designs?

To check the availability of Arizona specialty license plate designs, you can follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official website of Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
  2. Look for a section related to specialty license plates or personalized plates.
  3. Browse through the available specialty license plate design options. Each design will usually have a description, image, and maybe even a list of organizations or causes that the plate supports.
  4. Check if the specific plate design you are interested in is currently available for purchase. Some designs may be limited edition or may only be available during certain times of the year.
  5. If the plate design is available, follow the instructions provided on the website to order it. This may involve filling out an application, paying a fee, and providing any required documentation.
  6. If the plate design is not currently available, you may have the option to sign up for notifications or updates on when it will be released again in the future.
  7. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact the ADOT MVD customer service for further guidance.

Overall, checking the availability of Arizona specialty license plate designs is a relatively straightforward process that can be done online through the official state website. It is important to carefully review all requirements and fees associated with the chosen design before placing an order.

How Many Arizona License Plates Per Car?

In Arizona, vehicles are required to have two license plates, one on the front and one on the back of the vehicle. This applies to all types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and trailers.

The Arizona license plates must be clearly visible and unobstructed at all times while the vehicle is in operation. Failure to display both license plates can result in a fine or citation from law enforcement.

What to Do If Your Arizona License Plates Are Damaged or Missing?

If your Arizona license plate is damaged or missing, you should contact the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) as soon as possible to report the damaged or missing plate.

Afterward, you may need to provide your vehicle information, including your license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current registration information.

ADOT will provide you with instructions on how to replace your damaged or missing license plate. This may involve filling out a form, paying a fee, and/or providing additional documentation.

Once you have completed the necessary steps, ADOT will issue you a new license plate to replace the damaged or missing one. Make sure to properly attach the new license plate to your vehicle according to ADOT guidelines. It is important to display a valid and visible license plate at all times when operating a vehicle on Arizona roads.

Failure to replace a damaged or missing license plate can result in fines or other penalties. It is important to take prompt action to ensure that your vehicle remains in compliance with Arizona laws.

Arizona Vehicle Registration

In Arizona, vehicle registration is required for all vehicles in order to legally operate them on public roadways.

To register a vehicle, the owner must visit a Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office or authorized third-party provider and provide the following documents:

  1. Vehicle title or lienholder information
  2. Proof of valid Arizona car insurance
  3. Vehicle emissions inspection (if applicable)
  4. Odometer reading
  5. Identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID

The owner will also need to pay a registration fee, which varies depending on the type of vehicle and its weight.

Arizona Vehicle Registration Renewal

Registration renewal in Arizona can be done online, in person, or by mail.

To renew registration, the owner must provide current vehicle insurance information, pay the renewal fee, and pass any required emissions tests. The owner will receive a new registration card and sticker to affix to the vehicle’s license plate. Failure to renew registration can result in fines and penalties.

Arizona Vehicle Title

An Arizona vehicle title is a legal document that establishes ownership of a vehicle. It includes important information such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), make and model, year of manufacture, and the name and address of the owner.

The title also contains a section for transferring ownership of the vehicle, which must be completed and signed by both the seller and buyer when a vehicle is sold or transferred.

Arizona Vehicle Title Process for New Cars

  1. The first step in obtaining a title for a new car in Arizona is to fill out the Title and Registration Application form provided by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
  2. You will need to provide documentation such as the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), bill of sale, and proof of insurance.
  3. The dealer where you purchased the car will typically handle the title and registration process for you, but if not, you can visit your local ADOT office to submit the necessary paperwork.
  4. You will need to pay the applicable fees for the title and registration, which will vary depending on factors such as the value of the vehicle and your county of residence.
  5. Once all the paperwork and fees have been submitted, you will receive your new car title in the mail within a few weeks.

Arizona Vehicle Title Process for Used Cars

  1. When purchasing a used car in Arizona, you will need to transfer the title from the previous owner to your name. The seller will need to sign over the title to you and provide a bill of sale.
    2. You will need to fill out the Title and Registration Application and submit it to your local ADOT office along with the signed title, bill of sale, and proof of insurance.
    3. You will also need to pay the applicable fees for the title transfer and registration, which will vary depending on factors such as the value of the vehicle and your county of residence.
    4. Once all the paperwork and fees have been submitted, you will receive your new car title in the mail within a few weeks.
    5. It is important to note that if there is a lien on the vehicle, the lienholder will need to sign off on the title transfer before it can be transferred to you.

Arizona Registration, Title, & License Plate Fees

  • Registration fee: $8 – $15
  • Title fee: $4
  • License Plate Replacement: $5
  • Air quality research fee: $1.50
  • 3-Day Permit: $1.50
  • Vehicle License Tax for New Vehicles: $2.80 per $100 of assessed value (based on 60% of MSRP)
  • Vehicle License tax for Used Vehicles: $2.89 per $100 of assessed value (based on 60% of MSRP)