Arizona has always had a rugged, Wild West spirit. And why wouldn’t it? Arizona was roamed by more infamous outlaws and lawmen than you can count.
The Earp brothers.
Ike & Billy Clanton.
Doc Holliday.
These characters defined the landscape and fabric of the state.
Arizona is a wild place with an everything-goes disposition. Do what you want, but don’t impose your will on me. We like that here at Dirt Legal. Arizona is a state that will tag and register just about anything you can throw at them.
Let’s look at how Arizona processes vehicles for titling, tagging, and registration.
How Often Are Arizona Vehicle Registrations Renewed?
Arizona offers several options for registration renewal cycles. For example, Arizona offers a one-year, two-year, or five-year registration cycle for vehicles in the state on top of a temporary, 90-day registration program.
Inspections got you down? Register out-of-state with Dirt Legal!
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Inspections got you down? Register out-of-state with Dirt Legal! 🚨
The one- and two-year registrations are the only options for cars in Phoenix and Tucson, which are also the only areas of the state where smog checks are required. A passing test is required for renewal, and test results are automatically sent to the DMV.
Oh, and if you are not required to show proof of an emissions test, you may register your vehicles up to six months before the due date.
What Is the 90-Day Temporary Program For?
Arizona has a 90-day temporary registration program intended to streamline the registration process for people moving into the state. They intended it for residents who need to title and register a vehicle but don’t have the necessary paperwork.
However, it is not strictly limited to Arizona residents; almost anyone can get a temporary registration through Arizona if needed.
What Vehicles Get a 5-Year Renewal Cycle?
Most vehicles registered in Arizona that are not in the two smog-checking regions of the state (Tucson and Phoenix) are eligible for 5-year registration renewal. According to the Arizona DOT, these are the eligibility requirements for a 5-year registration:
Most vehicles registered outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas
Vehicles with the model year 1966 and older
Most new vehicles that have never been registered in Arizona or in any other state
Motorcycles
Commercially registered trailers (10,000 lbs GVW and less)
Solar, electric, and hydrogen-powered alternative fuel vehicles
Any motorcycle, electric car, hydrogen car, or solar car can register in Arizona on a five-year renewal cycle. The same is true for any vehicle from 1966 or older, most vehicles registered outside of Phoenix and Tucson, and most new vehicles that have never been registered anywhere.
This is the criteria for vehicles that cannot be registered on a 5-year cycle:
All vehicles that require a one-or two-year emissions test (required in Phoenix and Tucson)
Vehicles with allocated, apportioned, interstate, taxi, or permanent registrations
Vehicles with a GVW over 55,000 lbs
New alternative-fuel powered vehicles that have never been registered in Arizona or in any other state
Vehicles used primarily off-highway that have been issued an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) decal
Vehicles under the seasonal agricultural reduced fees registration provision
Again, thanks to the Arizona DOT for that information, which is here ⬇️.
One of the major benefits of Arizona’s 5-year vehicle registration is that you only have to pay a one-year registration fee when you renew your registration. So although you still have to pay five years' worth of registration costs, you get more time for fewer fees.
How Much Does It Cost?
Vehicle registration fees in Arizona are determined by a mathematical formula that applies to all non-commercial vehicles.
First, fixed fees:
$1.50 for air quality research.
$4 title fee.
$8 for the registration itself.
The rest is the vehicle license tax (VLT).
Arizona’s Vehicle License Tax (VLT) is calculated by taking 60% of the vehicle’s base retail value, according to the manufacturer, then reducing that amount by 16.25% for each year that has passed since the vehicle was first registered in Arizona. Once that number is calculated, the VLT rate is $2.80 per $100 for new vehicles and $2.89 per $100 for used vehicles. Vehicles originally registered before August 1st, 1998, are assessed at a reduced rate of 15%.
What Types Of Vehicles Are Available For Online Registration?
You can renew any vehicle you own in Arizona online as long as it is registered in Arizona. In fact, you do not even need a registration renewal notice to renew your vehicle.
The registrations may be due on either the last day of the month or the 15th of the month. Check your current or past renewal notice to find out which date applies. But again, you don’t need your notice to complete the registration process online.
How Do I Receive My Renewal Notice?
They still mail renewal notices out in Arizona, as they have been for ages. However, you can use online services to check out your registration renewal, so you can mark your calendar when you know the due dates and stay ahead of the curve.
The Arizona DOT will also email renewal notices if you are signed up for emails.
Can I Renew My Dirt Bike Registration Online?
Of course! You can register anything online that has already been registered in Arizona. It doesn’t matter what type of vehicle it is.
Of course, it does not limit you to registering your vehicle online if you don’t want to; you can always mail it in or do it in person.
How About My ATV Registration?
Yes, ATVs, UTVs, and whatever else you drive. Anything you own that has already been registered and tagged in Arizona is fair game to be registered online. All of the same rules regarding automobile registration renewals apply.
Do I Need To Provide Proof Of Ownership?
You do not need to provide proof of ownership for registration renewals in Arizona because the vehicle has already been titled and previously registered in Arizona. You would only need proof of ownership for the initial registration. This article is all about the renewal process, not the initial registration!
How About Proof Of Insurance?
Yes, you will need to provide proof of insurance, which is standard in every state. The minimum coverage is a liability insurance policy.
Technically, there is one other option if you think insurance is a total scam: you may have a certificate of deposit for $40,000 assigned to the Office of the Arizona State Treasurer. That’s a lot of cheddar, though; insurance is always cheaper, even if you don’t like it.
Parting Thoughts on Arizona
Arizona will issue a tag for almost anything with wheels, and the registration process is straightforward. Make sure you have valid insurance OR the $40k CD with the State Treasurer. I’m not sure how many people use this one, but it might make sense if you have forty Gs sitting around and don’t think you’ll ever need it. If you don’t, it’s a good idea because you never lose money on insurance by not using it. Of course, if you need it, it comes out. Actually, maybe it’s not such a bad idea…
Beyond insurance requirements, it’s straightforward, and the 5-year registration cycle in Arizona is pretty cool.
John McCoy is a lifelong car and truck enthusiast and has a strong mechanical background off the road. He spent over 13 years in the U.S. Air Force as a crew chief, assigned to the B-1B Lancer, affectionately known as the Bone to those in the community, and the KC-135R Stratotanker. He resides on a small farm in Eastern Kansas where he (sometimes) enjoys fixing ancient farm equipment.