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Registering a car when you move to Arizona

Source: Arizona Car Help (arizonacarhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 3, 2026.

If you brought your vehicle from another state, you must register it as soon as you become an Arizona resident. Bring the title and registration from your previous state. Some vehicles in the Phoenix Metro and Tucson areas need an emissions test before registration. (source: Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division)

(source: Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division)

To title and register an out of state vehicle, MVD says to visit an office with a signed Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236), an emissions compliance form (Phoenix and Tucson areas only), the out of state title, and a lien clearance if one applies. (source: Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division)

State law bars a resident from driving a vehicle owned by a nonresident and mainly under the resident's control for more than seven months unless it is registered in Arizona (A.R.S. 28-2153). (source: Arizona State Legislature)

On this site: Who needs an emissions test in Arizona · Arizona emissions test exemptions · Arizona emissions test fees · Arizona emissions waivers and repair cost limits · How to pass and schedule an Arizona emissions test · Arizona vehicle registration renewal · Registering a car when you move to Arizona · Buying or selling a car in Arizona: title, emissions and Sold Notice · Arizona used car implied warranty (15 days or 500 miles) · Arizona new car lemon law · Arizona car dealer financing, trade ins and fees · Arizona auto repair shops, liens and warranty rights · Towed from private property in Arizona · How to file a car complaint in Arizona · Cities · FAQ · Sources

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