A Quick Reference Guide
Bringing home a new vehicle is the fun part. Now it’s time for the paperwork. Registering a car in Maricopa County has a few key steps, but knowing the process can get you back on the road faster. This guide will walk you through the essentials.
The Registration Process: An Overview
For new residents or those who have just purchased a vehicle locally, the state requires you to title and register it promptly. For private party sales, you have 15 days from the date of purchase to apply for the title.
Here is the checklist of required items:
- Proof of Ownership: The vehicle title, signed over to you and notarized. This is the official hand-off.
- VIN Inspection: For vehicles coming from out of state, a Level I VIN inspection is required to confirm the vehicle’s identity. This can be done at MVD and Authorized Third Party locations.
- Emissions Test: Most gasoline vehicles over five years old (model year 1967 and newer) registered in the metro Phoenix area must pass an emissions test.
- Proof of Arizona Vehicle Insurance: You must have a current Arizona insurance policy for the vehicle.
- Application Form: A completed and signed Title and Registration Application.
- Identification: Your valid driver’s license.
- Payment for Fees: Be prepared for title fees, registration fees, and the Vehicle License Tax (VLT), which is based on your vehicle’s value.
Understanding the Registration Fees
The cost to register a vehicle in Arizona is comprised of several different fees. The largest portion for an initial registration is typically the Vehicle License Tax (VLT).
Initial Registration Fees
When you first register a vehicle, you can expect to pay the following:
- Vehicle License Tax (VLT): This is the most significant fee and functions like a property tax for your vehicle. It is calculated based on an assessment of the manufacturer’s base retail price (MSRP) reduced by a set depreciation percentage for each year since it was first registered. The formula is:
- For a new vehicle, the VLT is calculated as $28 for each $10,000 of the base retail value.
- For a used vehicle, the assessed value is depreciated by 16.25% for each year since its first registration. The VLT is then calculated as $28.92 for each $10,000 of that depreciated value.
- Title Fee: $4
- Registration Fee: $8
- Air Quality Research Fee: $1.50
- Public Safety Fee: A $32 flat fee is charged for every vehicle registration.
Therefore, your initial registration cost will be the calculated VLT + $45.50.
Registration Renewal Fees
Renewing your registration is typically less expensive than the initial cost because the VLT decreases each year as the vehicle depreciates.
- Standard Renewal: For a typical passenger vehicle, the annual renewal cost is $45.50 ($8 registration fee + $1.50 air quality fee + $32 public safety fee) plus the vehicle’s recalculated VLT for the new year.
Step 1: Emissions Testing
For most drivers in Maricopa County, the first stop is an emissions testing station. It is a good practice to ensure your vehicle is fully warmed up before you arrive for the test. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) manages these stations. Once you pass, the results are sent electronically to the MVD, streamlining your next step.
Vehicle Inspection Stations (Phoenix Metro Area):
| Station Name | Address |
| Glendale (Beverly) | 5850 W. Beverly Ln., Glendale, AZ 85306 |
| Glendale (110th Ave) | 7140 N. 110th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85307 |
| Phoenix (23rd Ave) | 10210 N. 23rd Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85021 |
| Phoenix (Roosevelt) | 5302 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85043 |
| Phoenix (Madison) | 4949 E. Madison St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 |
| Mesa (1st Ave) | 1851 W. 1st Ave., Mesa, AZ 85202 |
| Mesa (Ivy) | 4442 E. Ivy St., Mesa, AZ 85205 |
| Chandler (Beck) | 20 N. Beck Ave., Chandler, AZ 85226 |
| Scottsdale (Evans) | 8448 E. Evans Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260 |
| Surprise (Westgate) | 13425 W. Westgate Dr., Surprise, AZ 85374 |
| Goodyear (Eddie Albert) | 16140 W. Eddie Albert Way, Goodyear, AZ 85338 |
Step 2: Completing the Registration
With your documents and a passing emissions result, you can complete the registration at an ADOT MVD office or an Authorized Third Party (ATP) provider. ATP offices can often be a faster option, though they charge a convenience fee for their services. Making an appointment online is highly recommended for MVD offices to save time.
ADOT MVD Offices in Maricopa County:
| Office Location | Address |
| Phoenix Northwest | 20626 N 26th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85027 |
| Phoenix South Mountain | 221 E Olympic Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85040 |
| Mesa Southeast | 4123 E Valley Auto Dr, Mesa, AZ 85206 |
| Mesa | 1840 S Mesa Dr, Mesa, AZ 85210 |
| Glendale | 16380 N 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85306 |
| Chandler | 50 S Beck Ave, Chandler, AZ 85226 |
| Avondale | 1452 N Eliseo C Felix Jr Way, Avondale, 85323 |
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Online Resources & Renewals
After the initial in-person registration for a new purchase or out-of-state vehicle, future renewals are much simpler.
- AZ MVD Now: The state’s official portal, AZMVDNow.gov, allows you to renew registration, order specialty plates, and perform many other tasks online.
- ADOT MVD Main Site: For forms and detailed information, the main ADOT website at azdot.gov/mvd is a useful resource.
You will receive a renewal reminder by mail, but it’s always wise to set your own reminder to avoid late fees and keep your vehicle’s registration current.
