Discover the truth about any car before purchasing it from a dealer or private seller in Arizona. If you don’t have the VIN number, you can use a vehicle tag lookup to access a free vehicle history report. Taking this crucial step can help you avoid potential pitfalls, such as hidden damages or undisclosed issues.

Car theft is on the rise in Phoenix, Arizona’s largest city, with a 4% increase in motor vehicle-related crimes in 2023 compared to the previous year. Given the practicality of buying a used car, it’s essential to be aware of risks like purchasing a stolen or damaged vehicle. With 7.9 million vehicles registered in the Grand Canyon State, Arizona’s used car market is vast, making it even more important to verify a vehicle’s history.

VinCheck.info provides a free vehicle tag lookup tool that reveals valuable information, including past ownership, title details, liens, odometer readings, and salvage records. By searching license plates registered in Arizona, you can instantly access a free car report to make informed decisions.

Additionally, the Arizona Department of Transportation (DOT) maintains public records for vehicles registered in the state. Their records can supplement your research and provide further details about a specific car. You can inquire in person, via mail, through their website, by email, or by contacting their office hotline.

License Plates in Arizona

Arizona law provides that a license plate is assigned to the vehicle owner, not the vehicle. The standard Arizona license plate has three letters and four numbers. Each Arizona-registered car must have a rear license plate to operate. Arizona license plates are produced by the state’s Department of Transportation.

If your Arizona license plate has sustained damage or was lost, you may inquire for replacement.

Arizona License Plate Serial Format:
Various formats including ABC 1DE

Arizona Department of Transportation
1655 W Jackson St
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Types of Arizona License Plates

You can select among the seven (7) plate types available in the state of Arizona. Requirements may vary for each plate.

1. Standard
2. Education
3. Military
4. Government
5. Organization
6. Special Causes
7. Other

Personalized plates can be acquired through online application, or by filling out the application form which you may submit to the designated recipient.

See also: How to Check License Plate Availability in Arizona

Transferring of License Plates in Arizona

In general, a license plate can be transferred from one vehicle to another. You can submit a request for plate transfer to Arizona DOT if you meet the requirements.

If you have acquired your car from a dealer, the staff will usually handle most of the paperwork associated with plate transfer. The dealer may hand over a Temporary Registration Plate while waiting for your request to be completed.

Once you have received your new registration, you may replace the temporary plate with the one you applied for the transfer.

To learn more about transferring license plates in Arizona, visit the Buying and Selling Your Vehicle section.

Title and Vehicle Registration in Arizona

Vehicle Titles in Arizona

In Arizona, a person must apply for a vehicle title at the nearest Arizona Motor Vehicle Division  (MVD) Office or other authorized entity within 15 days of becoming the new owner of a vehicle. The applicant will be penalized if the title application is submitted beyond the prescribed period.

Individuals are required to register their out-of-state vehicles upon acquiring residency in the state. The state will only allow you to drive your car for the titling/registration process if you can secure a Restricted Use 3-Day Permit. The car must also undergo the state’s emission testing requirement before it can be registered or titled.

How to get a vehicle title in Arizona?

When you purchase a new or used vehicle, you must apply for an Arizona certificate of title within 15 days of the purchase. If you buy a car from a private party, get the signed and notarized title from the seller. To officially put the vehicle in your name, bring the notarized title to any Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office along with a completed Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236).

Vehicle Purchased From Dealer

If you purchased your vehicle from a dealership, the dealer typically handles the title paperwork and filing for a small fee.

Vehicle Purchased From Private Party

Go to any MVD branch office in person and fill out Title and Registration Application. To complete your title transfer, you will need to have the following:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Vehicle year, make, and model.
• A signed and notarized vehicle title.
• Lien information if the car is financed.
• Lien release if applicable.
• Any other documents that apply (e.g, original or certified copy of power of attorney, personal representative papers, etc.

How to register a vehicle in Arizona?

To register your vehicle, personally bring the following at the Arizona MVD branch office:

• A completed Title and Registration Application form.
• Proof of car insurance.
• Proof of vehicle ownership (e.g., notarized car title, Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin [MCO]).
• Driver’s license or other form of photo identification (e.g., ID card).
• Payment for car registration fees.
• An emissions compliance form, if you reside in the Tucson or Phoenix areas.

How to apply for a salvage title in Arizona?

In the state of Arizona, a salvage vehicle can’t be driven on the highways. When a salvage vehicle is restored and inspected, a rebuilt title will be issued.

To apply for a salvage car title in Arizona, go to your local MVD office and bring the following:

• Arizona Salvage Title Application
• Driver’s license
• Vehicle’s original certificate of title
• Manufacturer’s certificate of origin or out-of-state title
• Sales receipt

More Resources for Arizona Drivers:

• Obtaining a Driver License
• Permit and License Requirements
• Applying for Title and Registration
• Buying and Selling Your Vehicle
• Arizona Vehicle Registration Fees
• Arizona Driver Manuals

Planning to buy a used car in Arizona? Protect your investment by running a free license plate lookup. From Phoenix to Maricopa County to Tucson, anywhere in the state, ensure you’re making a smart purchase.

1. Check for accidents. Every year, approximately 6.0 million automobile accidents are reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
2. Check for title brands. Flood, hail-damage, and salvage titles are examples of critical title brands.
3. Check for special purpose designations, including taxi-use, rental-use, or police-use.
4. Check for thefts. Lookup a VIN to check for an active theft or previously recovered theft record.

Run a Free Arizona License Plate Lookup to uncover the full-story of your Arizona-registered vehicle.