Arizona License PlateAn 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:
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 FormatsArizona 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 PlateA 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 801ZThe 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 NumbersThe most common themes of personalized or specialty license plate numbers in Arizona are:
Arizona License Plate LookupA 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:
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 SearchA 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:
Furthermore, a new vehicle registrant must visit the Motor Vehicle Division with the following documents to register their 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:
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 ArizonaA 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:
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:
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 TransportationVehicle 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 ArizonaA 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)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.
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.
Arizona law enforcement agencies, such as the police, have access to a range of information when searching for a license plate, including:
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.
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.
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.
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.
The following are the sizes of the license plates issued by Arizona MVD:
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:
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.
You can renew your license plate in Arizona by following these steps:
If your Arizona license plates gets lost or stolen, you will need to follow these steps in order to obtain a replacement: