Making a move is overwhelming enough, so try not to be stressed about getting your car registered in Arizona! AZDOT has made it a pretty simple process and there are just a few steps you’ll need to follow.
- Fill out a Title and Registration application, print that out, and sign it.
- Visit an emissions testing station near you and be sure to bring current title or registration of the vehicle and your residence address. Of course, you will also need the test fee (between $12 and $25 depending on area and vehicle type) in cash, check or credit/debit card. (There is an expedited line for 1996 and newer, gasoline vehicles, less than 8500 GVWR, excluding bi-fueled vehicles.)
- Visit an MVD location near you and bring: your completed Title and Registration application, your emissions test results, your out-of-state title and/or registration, out-of-state license plates, and your payment for all applicable title and registration fees.
For complete and updated guidelines, see the AZDOT page for Out-of-State Vehicle and Title Registration.
Remember that “Effective October 1, 2021, only the Arizona Travel ID (driver license or ID card), a U.S. passport and other federally approved identification will be accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic travel.”
All that means is that if you get (or currently have) a regular Arizona driver’s license then you won’t be able to use it at the airport as identification starting October of 2021. So you’ll have to bring your passport with you (even for domestic travel) if you don’t get the fancy new Arizona Travel ID. Here is what you’ll need to bring if you do want the Arizona Travel ID!
Car stuff is never fun, but registering your vehicle and getting your new driver’s license should only take you about a day if you can get organized! And remember that you need to register your vehicle within 15 days of coming to Arizona. MVD procedures are constantly in flux, so be sure to check the site and call ahead to see if you’ll need an appointment before you go!
