The first thing you will need to do upon arrival at MVD is have the car "out of state inspected." This is done right at the MVD building. Before getting out of your car, look around for the line that says "Inspections", drive up to it and wait. Someone will come out to your car (no need to go inside) and ask for your title or registration. They will complete and hand you yet another paper that you will need to register the car. Once that's done, find a parking spot and go inside.
Unlike New York, where I am from, Arizona has surprisingly little paperwork to fill out before you get to a window.
- Get on the MVD "information" line. Tell them you want to register an out of state car. They will make sure you have everything you need and issue a number to you.
- Once your number is called, it's simply a matter of giving all the paperwork to the MVD clerk and he/she will take care of it for you.
- If you are looking for a custom or special plate, let the clerk know now. The clerk will give you a simple form to complete. If your requested plate is available you will be issued a temporary plate while your custom plate is being made.
- Be prepared to leave a nice big check at MVD if your car is newer luxury car. Vehicle registration cost is based on the retail value of the car when new reduced by a percentage for each year since the vehicle was first registered in Arizona. You can figure out exactly what the registration fee for your vehicle will be here. All MVD offices take personal checks or cash. Certain offices take Visa and Mastercard, but not all of them.
- MVD will print a new Arizona title for the car, issue new plates, and give you two stickers to put on your plate which is your proof of registration.
- Put your new plates on your vehicle and you are ready to go cruising!
If you need to get an Arizona driver's license and you already have a valid out of state license, let the person at the MVD information booth know this as soon as you arrive. You will receive a simple form to fill out and you will be given a separate number than the one for your registration. Once called, you will be asked for your signature ID (they seemed to prefer your social security card) and have you sign a special card that will transfer your signature to your license. You will have to wait a few minutes for your name to be called so that they can take your photograph. After your photo is taken, they will call your name a few minutes later to pick up your freshly minted license.
I know that there are many things to do when you move from another state, and the thought of dealing with the Motor Vehicle Department can be intimidating. I hope that this primer will make the vehicle registration and driver's license process a little easier and a bit less frightening for others who are making Arizona their new home.
Mike Montalvo is a small business owner who needed an escape from the New York daily grind and found it in Phoenix. Please visit his web site: Digital Tuning, Inc.
Note: All procedures mentioned here are subject to change, and might not apply in certain cases, including, but not limited to, residents eligible for exemption from emissions, vehicles with lost plates, vehicles that have not been registered for a long time, and alternative fuel vehicles. Check the official web sites mentioned for specifics about your situation.
Find Out More
Arizona Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) web site
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
How to Get a Driver License
More About Driving and Roads in Arizona
