Arizona License Plate Search Online

Arizona License Plate

An Arizona license plate is an identifying plate affixed to a vehicle, displaying a distinct combination of letters and numbers that are unique to the vehicle. According to the Arizona Revised Code, motorcycles, trailers, semi-trailers, passenger vehicles, and private passenger motor vehicles are required to have a license plate issued by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The Department of Transportation carries out this responsibility through its Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

The Arizona Department of Transportation MVD issues the following types of license plates:

  • Standard License Plates: these are typically issued to newly registered vehicles, vehicles that are not qualified for a specialty plate, to replace lost or damaged plates, or to renew a vehicle's registration
  • Personalized/Specialty License Plates: Arizona provides a wide range of specialty plates for vehicle owners to select from. These plates are typically requested by owners who wish to show their support for a cause or represent an organization. Occasionally, individuals may be required to provide evidence of their affiliation with the organizations whose license plate they are interested in
  • Disability Placards: these are issued to individuals with permanent or temporary disabilities. However, drivers who have hearing loss or are hard of hearing cannot use such license plates or placards for exclusive parking benefits
  • Digital License Plates: Arizona allows for the use of authorized digital license plate devices, purchased from approved manufacturers, to display license plate numbers digitally

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) requires every vehicle owner to receive a single license plate upon registration, with the exception of those with disabilities, who may require two license plates. Along with the alphanumeric characters and the registration sticker which indicates the vehicle registration expiry date, the average Arizona license plate displays a sunset behind purple mountains and cacti. The word "ARIZONA" or "AZ" is printed in teal between the bolt holes, while the popular state slogan "GRAND CANYON STATE" is located either at the bottom right corner or at the top of the license plate.

Arizona License Plate Design and Formats

Arizona license plates come in a rectangular shape and can have a minimum of 4 characters and a maximum of 7 characters depending on the type of vehicle and the license plate issued. The standard plates issued to motorcycles, trailers, trucks, and passenger motor vehicles have between 4-7 alphanumeric characters.

Similarly, specialty or personalized license plates display between 4-7 characters depending on the type of license plate and vehicle. In Arizona, specialty plates come in two sizes. The standard-size plates can feature between 6-7 characters, while the smaller plates for motorcycles and golf carts can display 4-5 characters. Additionally, these plates can include themes, slogans, or personalized messages at the bottom of the plates.

Standard license plates issued to passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers:

Specialty license plates issued to passenger motor vehicles, motorcycles, and golf carts in standard and smaller sizes:

Arizona Vanity License Plate

A vanity license plate is a customized license plate that conveys a unique message chosen by the vehicle owner. It contains a combination of characters chosen by a vehicle owner to reflect their personality or interest. The Arizona MVD offers up to 101 specialty license plates that may be personalized.

In order to obtain your personalized or specialty license plate online in Arizona, you need to access the AZ MVD Now website to check and choose the plate that best reflects your preferences. Additionally, you can enter a personalized message by clicking on the "continue with personalized text" option if customization is available for your chosen plate. Moreover, you will need to either log in or create a new account to finalize your order.

Alternatively, You may choose to fill out a Special Plate Application form in cases where your chosen license plate requires extra details or if you wish to request a disability license plate. The necessary fees and completed form must be sent by mail to the address provided below:

Mail Drop 801Z
Special Plates Unit
PO Box 2100
Phoenix AZ
85001-2100

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) must approve all specialty license plates. Each plate costs $25, plus an additional $25 for personalization, and are usually processed within 6 weeks.

Most Popular Alabama Special Plate Numbers

The most common themes of personalized or specialty license plate numbers in Arizona are:

  • Arizona Cardinals license plates
  • Arizona Highways license plates
  • Arizona State University license plates
  • First Responders license plates
  • Freedom license plates
  • Golden Rule license plates
  • In God We Trust license plates
  • Route 66 license plates
  • University of Arizona license plates
  • Veteran license plates

Arizona License Plate Lookup

A license plate lookup involves the use of a vehicle's license plate number to obtain key information about it. This search can provide details about a vehicle, such as accident history, make and model, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), maintenance history, and mileage. The most common reasons why people perform a license plate lookup are:

  • To obtain information about a vehicle's history before purchasing
  • To verify a vehicle's registration status
  • To verify vehicle information, history reports, or recalls

Authorized individuals have the option to either submit an online request on the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) MVD website or complete the Motor Vehicle Record Request form and submit it to the MVD in person.

Alternatively, Recordsfinder and other third-party websites can provide you with key information about a vehicle, such as its make and model. It is worth noting that under state law, the Arizona MVD is prohibited from revealing the residential address and motor vehicle liability insurance details of registered vehicle owners, unless requested by law enforcement agencies, recognized courts, government agencies, or other authorized parties.

Arizona Reverse License Plate Number Search

A reverse license plate number search and a license plate lookup serve the same purpose, which is to provide you with vehicle-related information. Websites like Recordfinder offer this lookup service. This website allows you to easily perform a reverse license plate number search in just a few simple steps. However, it is important to note that if your search objective violates federal and state privacy laws, the website will not be able to fulfill your request.

What Do I Need to Get a License Plate in Arizona?

In Arizona, a vehicle owner is obligated to fulfill the specific requirements established by the Motor Vehicle Division in order to obtain their license plate:

  • Register the vehicle
  • Provide vehicle ownership documentation
  • Provide a means of identification
  • Provide insurance documentation

Furthermore, a new vehicle registrant must visit the Motor Vehicle Division with the following documents to register their vehicle:

  • A complete title and registration application (Form 96-0236)
  • Proof of Arizona auto insurance policy
  • An emission compliance document (applicable to residents of Tucson or Phoenix)
  • A means of identification that has a photograph (driver's license or ID card)
  • A notarized car title or manufacturer's certificate of origin
  • Applicable fees for Arizona vehicle registration (depending on the type of vehicle)

If you have recently moved to Arizona, have resided in the state for at least seven months, or have enrolled your children in school without paying nonresident tuition, you must visit the Motor Vehicle Division with the following documents for vehicle registration:

  • Power of Attorney (if your vehicle is leased)
  • Out-of-state vehicle registration and title
  • Emission compliance certificate (if you reside in Tucson or Phoenix)
  • Lien release (if you do not have title)
  • A Complete title and registration application (Form 96-0236)
  • Title and registration fee

The MVD typically mails the registration documentation and license plates within a timeframe of 3-6 weeks after processing the application.

Differences Between a Passenger License Plate and Commercial License Plate in Arizona

A passenger license plate is issued to vehicles used for private purposes, such as commuting to work or traveling, while commercial license plates are issued to vehicles that transport goods, services, or persons for hire. The State of Arizona does not have a designated commercial license plate category. However, a vehicle may require a commercial vehicle registration if it meets the following criteria:

  • A passenger car, 3/4-ton or less pickup truck, or a ¾-ton or less van that is used for commercial purposes for 1,000 hours or more in a vehicle registration year
  • If it is registered in the name of a commercial enterprise and is used for commercial purposes

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, vehicles that meet the definition of a commercial vehicle in Article 28 of the Arizona Revised Statutes must be registered commercially; such vehicles include:

  • Vehicles used to transport hazardous materials
  • A bus
  • A school bus
  • A single or combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001lbs or more, used for interstate commerce
  • A single vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001lbs or more, used for intrastate commerce
  • A vehicle that transports passengers for hire and that has a seating capacity for 8 persons or more

License plates for commercially registered vehicles share a similar design with standard plates, but with a unique format. Typically, they start with two letters and are then followed by five numbers.

How To Renew License Plate in Arizona

In Arizona, vehicle registrants have the option of renewing their vehicle registrations in 1, 2, or 5 years, depending on the eligibility of their vehicle. The vehicle renewal process can be completed online, in person, by mail, or by placing a phone call to the Arizona MVD. It is also important to note that vehicle registration renewals can be done up to 6 months before the expiration if an emission test is not required.

Vehicle registrants whose registration renewal requires an emission test can renew their registrations up to 90 days prior to expiration. The emission test results are automatically sent to the MVD from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), after which vehicle registrants can renew their registration online. Registrants that are out-of-state and require vehicle emission tests must visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website or call 602.771.3950 (Phoenix) or 520.628.5651 (Tucson).

To renew your vehicle registration online, you are required to visit the website of the Arizona Department of Transportation and provide the last two digits of your VIN along with your license plate number. Alternatively, you can call ADOT automated phone system on 1.888.713.3031.

In-person renewals are done by visiting the MVD office or any Authorized Third Party office. An Authorized Third Party office will charge a fee in addition to the applicable fees. To renew your vehicle registration by mail, you must send the necessary documents and fees to:

Arizona Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Division
PO Box 29008
Phoenix, AZ 85038

Vehicle registrants who prefer to renew their registrations by mail or online can also choose to pay their registration fees in cash at any CheckFreePay location in Arizona. The applicable fees for your vehicle registration renewal depend on your vehicle type. These fees are indicated in the renewal notice. You will be required to pay a sum of $1.50 air quality research fee as well as Vehicle License Tax (VLT). The Arizona Department of Transportation sends out the registration renewal documents and license plates by mail. Online renewal is typically the quickest option, with processing completed within 5 days.

How To Transfer a License Plate in Arizona

A vehicle owner can transfer the license plate of a previously owned vehicle to a newly acquired vehicle if both vehicles require license plates of the same format. In order to successfully transfer their license plate, the vehicle owner must contact the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division or any authorized third-party office and pay the taxes and fees required for registering the new vehicle.

Arizona License Plate Lookup Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Find the Owner of a License Plate in Arizona?

In compliance with the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), Section 28-455 of the Arizona Revised Statutes strictly forbids the Arizona MVD from revealing personal information contained in motor vehicle records to unauthorized entities or individuals. The Arizona MVD will only disclose personal information, including a driver's name, contact address, and date of birth, to authorized individuals such as court or law enforcement agents, insurers, or licensed private investigators, and only for lawful reasons.

Due to the stringent laws that protect motor vehicle records by the Arizona MVD, you may not be able to find the owner of a license plate. Nevertheless, you can obtain non-personal information for over 269 million registered vehicles in the USA through websites like Recordsfinderby searching with license plate numbers or VINs. It is important to note that VINs and license plate numbers are linked in public vehicle records.

Can I Get a Replacement for My Lost License Plate in Arizona?

To replace your lost license plate online, visit the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department's official website. The Motor Vehicle Division issues replacement license plates with new letters and numbers. Alternatively, you can apply for your license replacement in person by visiting an Authorized Third Party office, where you will be required to pay a sum of $5. To apply via mail, complete the plate application and include a $5 money order or check.

What Do Police See When They Run Your License Plates in Arizona?

Arizona law enforcement agencies, such as the police, have access to a range of information when searching for a license plate, including:

  • Vehicle registration status
  • Lien information
  • Safety recalls
  • Vehicle registration status
  • Theft information

Can I Search License Plates for free in Arizona?

Typically, individuals need free license plate lookup services for various reasons, primarily to acquire reliable information on pre-owned vehicles. This is necessary to trace vehicles, verify salvage records, check for any liens, or determine if the vehicles have cloned VINs.

What is the Penalty for Driving with An Expired License Plate in Arizona?

In Arizona, a vehicle registration can be valid for a period of 1, 2, or 5 years after which they must be renewed online, by mail, visiting a third party authorized office, or calling the MVD. Arizona does not offer a grace period for expired license plates. Therefore, it is a punishable offense to drive with an expired vehicle registration.

Driving with an expired license plate in Arizona is punishable by a civil penalty of $300. Also, the MVD will charge a sum of $8 for late registration and an extra $4 for each month the vehicle registration is overdue.

Do I Need to Return License Plates in Arizona?

Vehicle owners in Arizona are mandated by Section 28-2352 Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) to return mutilated or illegible license plates to the Arizona Department of Transportation and be issued new ones after paying a $5 fee. However, it is not a requirement to return your license plate if you purchase a new vehicle or upgrade to a specialty or personalized license plate.

Can I Keep my Arizona License Plate if I Move to Another State?

The Motor Vehicle Division does not require you to surrender your license plate if you are moving out of Arizona. However, it is necessary for the other state to notify Arizona MVD of your new vehicle registration or you may keep receiving registration renewal and insurance verification notices.

What Size are License Plates in Arizona?

The following are the sizes of the license plates issued by Arizona MVD:

  • Standard license plates issued for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, or trailers are 6" x 12"
  • License plates issued for motorcycles are 4" x 7"
  • Personalized or Specialty license plates are issued in a standard 6" x 12" size or 4" x 7" size for motorcycles and golf carts

How Long Can You Drive with Temporary License Plates in Arizona?

The Arizona MVD may issue you a temporary permit for several purposes, such as taking your vehicle for emission testing, waiting for permanent registration, or undergoing a vehicle inspection. Currently, the Division offers five different types of temporary permits:

  • Temporary Registration Plate: a licensed dealer will provide a Temporary Registration Permit (TRP) upon the purchase of a vehicle, permitting its operation for any use. The TRP remains valid for a period of 45 days
  • 3-Day Trip Permit: this allows an unregistered vehicle to be operated on Arizona roadways only to the following locations:
    • Emission testing
    • Application for title and registration
    • Vehicle repair to comply with emission or inspection
    • Vehicle inspfaqection

Be aware that vehicles that have never been titled or registered in Arizona will not be able to obtain a 3-Day trip permit online.

  • 30-Day General Use Permit: this is issued to enable the operation of an unregistered vehicle on the road for a duration of 30 days. This permit can only be issued once within a 12-month timeframe. It does not impose any limitations on movement or require residency
  • 90-Day Resident Permit: this is issued to an individual residing in Arizona without proper documentation for obtaining a title or registration can request a 90-Day Permit. This permit enables the operation of the vehicle while acquiring the necessary documentation. Once all the required documentation is provided, the vehicle license taxes will be calculated for the entire year, starting from the date the 90-day Permit was issued
  • 90-Day Non-Resident (Drive out) Permit: this enables individuals to drive their recently acquired vehicle out of Arizona for registration purposes in a different state. To obtain this permit, you must present your out-of-state identification along with either the dealer invoice or assigned title

What Are the Steps to Renew a License Plate in Arizona?

You can renew your license plate in Arizona by following these steps:

  • Find out your renewal date: The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division may send you a renewal notice before the expiration of your vehicle registration. Also, you can check your current registration document
  • Schedule for your emission test: The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division will inform you in case an emission test is required for your vehicle. It is permissible to initiate the registration renewal process up to 90 days prior to the expiration date
  • Choose your renewal method and pay the applicable fees: you can do this online, by mail, by visiting an MVD office or authorized third-party offices, or by calling the automated phone system of the MVD
  • Receive your registration documentation and license tabs

What Do I Do if My License Plate is Lost or Stolen in Arizona?

If your Arizona license plates gets lost or stolen, you will need to follow these steps in order to obtain a replacement:

  • Request for a replacement online
  • Contact the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division or visit any Authorized Third Party office to obtain a license plate replacement in person
  • Send by mail, a completed plate application with your check or money order for $5 to the address on the form

How to Pay Parking Tickets in Alabama

Phoenix, Arizona
State: Arizona
County: Maricopa
Pay by Mail: Link

Complete the information on the detachable flap of the envelope provided with your complaint.
Enclose a copy of the traffic violation and complaint if you are using your own envelope. (Or enclose a completed and printed payment summary form).
Send your payment.

Pay by Mail Address:
Phoenix Municipal Court
PO Box 25650
Phoenix, Az. 85002-5650
Pay Online: Use the Case Number provided in your Reminder Notice to pay online with a VISA or MASTERCARD at WWW.AZCOURTPAY.COM
Tucson, Arizona
State: Arizona
County: Pima
Pay by Mail:

Fill out the information on the parking citation and enclose your payment, by cashiers check, money order, personal check or credit card and mail it. PLEASE NOTE: Make checks payable to, CITY OF TUCSON; we accept the following credit cards, VISA, MasterCard or Discover.

Pay by Mail Address:
Tucson City Court, PO Box 27210, Tucson, AZ 85726-7210.
Pay in Person: Link

Pay at the Park Tucson Office
Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Park Tucson accepts cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover).

Pay in Person Address:
110 E. Pennington, Suite 150
Pay Online: Link
Please enter your Citation # and click continue to proceed to pay your citation online. If you don't know the citation #, you can locate the citation # on the top left of the citation that was issued.
Mesa, Arizona
State: Arizona
County: Maricopa
Pay by Mail: Link

Payments can be made:

By mail using a check or money order. Provide your full name, date of birth, social security number, and your ticket and/or docket number. A copy of your ticket or paper from the court which contains your docket number will help ensure your payment is applied to the appropriate case. DO NOT SEND CASH IN THE MAIL.

Pay by Mail Address:
City of Mesa
PO Box 1466
Mesa AZ 85211-1466
Pay in Person: Link

In person using cash, check, money order, MasterCard, VISA, Discover, American Express or Novus.
The court accepts payments in person Monday through Thursday from 7:00AM to 6:00 PM except on holidays.

Pay Online: Link If you do not know your case number, use "Search for Ticket" option which allow you to search by name, complaint number, parking notice number or DR number. If you have your case number, complaint number or parking notice number available, you may choose the option to "Pay Your Ticket". Online payment system is NOT available between 9:00 PM and 1:00 AM Arizona Time Zone.

If you have your case number, complaint number or parking notice number available, you may choose the option to "Pay Your Ticket".

You can also access various court forms for printing via "Court Forms" option.

Important Note:
Online payment system is NOT available between 9:00 PM and 1:00 AM Arizona Time Zone.

The on-line Disposition Report is now available to pull up and print historical case information. In the event that you have issues using the Disposition Report option, you may e-mail the Court at courtinfo@mesaaz.gov.

The availability of the Mesa Municipal Court’s case management system data and case records are subject to the Arizona Supreme Court Records Retention Schedule.
Chandler, Arizona
State: Arizona
County: Maricopa
Pay Online: Link
Scottsdale, Arizona
State: Arizona
County: Maricopa
Pay by Mail: Link

Mail your payment to the Court. PLEASE NOTE: It is the defendant's responsibility to follow up with the Court to ensure that the payment or correspondence sent via mail was received by the Court and that all charges have been resolved on or before the arraignment date.

Pay by Mail Address:
3700 North 75th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
Pay in Person: Link

Take a number from the ticket dispenser in the main lobby of the Court.

Pay in Person Address:
3700 North 75th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
Pay Online: Link We accept all major credit cards for payment.
Glendale, Arizona
State: Arizona
County: Maricopa
Pay by Mail: Link

Check or money order (do not send cash) using the envelope provided with your citation. Please be sure to write your citation number on your check or money order. If you do not have an envelope, please submit payment to the City of Glendale
Parking Enforcement Center.

Pay by Mail Address:
The City of Glendale
Parking Enforcement Center
P.O. Box 6010
Inglewood, CA. 90312-6010
Pay Online: Link Please have your citation available. You will be required to enter some citation information.
Method of payment: Most major credit cards and debit cards displaying the Visa or Mastercard logo.
Fee for this service: $3.95