TRANSPORTATION / MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION

Drivers License
As soon as state residency is established, a new resident is required to obtain an Arizona driver’s license. No grace period applies. Visit the nearest licensing office and bring all pertinent documents, including legal proof of age and identity. Newcomers must pass the vision test, although the written test and practical road test are usually waived. Alert the Motor Vehicle Division attendant that you hold a valid out-of-state license to expedite service and avoid needless delays for testing. License fees will depend upon your age. For your convenience, you may also complete an Arizona voter registration form at the MVD office.

Vehicle Registration
Newcomers are required to register and title all vehicles in Arizona. In addition to a nominal registration fee, you must pay Arizona motor vehicle taxes. This tax takes the place of a personal property tax on automobiles. Unlike some states, Arizona requires that you complete any required emissions testing before registering your vehicle. You must also obtain proof of Arizona vehicle insurance. Other required documents include your out-of-state driver license and social security card or another form of signature ID. You must also bring the vehicle title, along with any appropriate lien papers, and current vehicle registration. Those who need to prove their age should being a legal birth certificate.

For answers to specific questions on drivers licensing and vehicle registration in Arizona, contact;

ADOT Motor Vehicle Division
602-255-0072
800-251-5866
TDD 800-324-5425
www.azdot.gov/mvd

MVD Office Locations
602-255-0072
www.azdot.gov/mvd
New residents can obtain information about the location and hours for the nearest Motor Vehicle Office by entering their zip code into the automated telephone system.

Service Arizona
602-255-0072
www.servicearizona.com
Enjoy telephone or Internet convenience for a wide variety of MVD services including vehicle registration renewals.

Mandatory Insurance
Every vehicle in Arizona must be insured for bodily injury and property damage before it can be registered. You will be required to submit proof of this coverage, including the name of your Arizona-licensed insurance company and policy number at the time of registration. For details on mandatory insurance in Arizona including minimum required coverage, contact:

Arizona Department of Insurance
602-364-2499
800-325-2548
www.id.state.az.us

Emissions Testing
New residents must complete any required emissions testing before registration. Simply bring the vehicle’s current out-of-state registration and/or title to the testing center. When testing is complete, you will receive paperwork that will be necessary at registration and titling. Vehicles in the Phoenix metro area are tested every other year, although most vehicles of the newest five model years are exempt. After the initial testing for newly registered vehicles, renewal registration forms clearly state whether an emissions test is required. Take your vehicle with appropriate documents and test fee to any vehicle emissions testing facility. The model year and engine type of your vehicle determines which type of test your vehicle needs to receive. For more information about obtaining an emissions test or answers to specific questions on testing, contact:

Car Care Hotline
800-284-7748
www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/vei

Mandatory Insurance
Every vehicle in Arizona must be insured for bodily injury and property damage before it can be registered. You will be required to submit proof of this coverage including the name of your Arizona-licensed insurance company and policy number at the time of registration. For details on mandatory insurance laws in Arizona, contact:

Arizona Department of Insurance
602-364-2499
800-325-2548
https://insurance.az.gov

Emissions Testing
New residents must complete any required emissions testing before registration. Simply bring the vehicle’s current out-of-state registration and/or title to the testing center. When testing is complete, you will receive paperwork that will be necessary at registration and titling. After the initial testing for newly registered vehicles, renewal registration forms clearly state whether an emissions test is required. Take your vehicle with appropriate documents and test fee to any vehicle emissions testing facility. The model year and engine type of your vehicle determines which type of test your vehicle will receive. For more information about obtaining an emissions test or answers to specific questions, contact:

Car Care Hotline
520-628-5651
http://www.myazcar.com/fleet-vehicles

Vehicle Safety Regulations
Arizona law requires drivers and front-seat passengers to use safety belts when they ride in a passenger vehicle on Arizona roadways. Each front seat occupant must have the lap and shoulder belt properly adjusted and fastened while the vehicle is in motion. A citation will be issued to the driver for each passenger under 16 years of age that is occupying the front seat and is not wearing a seat belt. Children under five years of age and weighing less than 40 pounds must be placed in a properly secured, federally approved child safety seat. For complete information on vehicle safety, contact:

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
602-255-3216

Safe Kids Arizona
602-542-7340
www.azdhs.gov/phs/owch