5 th Edition. Arizona CAR REGISTRATION. Easy Guide. Licensed by: Car-Registration.org

Transcription

1 5 th Edition Arizona CAR REGISTRATION Easy Guide Licensed by:

2 Bonus Features Congratulations on your 60 day membership to our Roadside Assistance. When out on the road, you ll know that you are covered and protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available anywhere. 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits Customers are covered for emergency road service throughout the U.S. and Canada. 24-Hour Towing Service Customers are entitled to emergency towing service at no out-of-pocket cost for any tow up to 75 dollars. One service per 7 days, 2 services per contract. Extended distance will be an additional expense covered by the customer. 24-Hour Mechanical First Aid Customers are entitled to any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available. 24-Hour Tire Change Service Customers may have their at tire changed with their inflated and functional spare tire. 24-Hour Emergency Delivery A service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil, or other necessary supplies. Customers pay only for the cost of the supplies. 24-Hour Emergency Battery Service Customers are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road. 24-Hour Lost Key Service If keys are locked inside a customer s vehicle, the customer will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at the customer s expense for labor and key making. Rental Car Discounts Customers are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates which are honored at thousands of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. Map Routing Service We will, at no charge, provide customers with a 4-color mapping and travel route information to destinations they specify. Theft And Hit & Run Protection A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Hit & Run damages or stealing customers vehicles. Whenever you travel, you ll like the secure and confident feeling of knowing that you are protected by NSD s Roadside Assistance. Fast response and excellent service are just two reasons why millions of motorists rely on NSD s Roadside Assistance for on-the-road protection. Keeping You Safe Mile After Mile Once your purchase is processed, you ll receive an with the information you ll need to start your 60 days Road Assistance CONGRATULATIONS! Redeem Your $25 Gas Card Online Follow the link in your confirmation to start redeeming your $25 Gas Coupon. *PLEASE SAVE ALL THE INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS. You will use your log in information throughout the course of your complimentary gas membership

3 EXCLUSIVE ORDERS Take advantage of these increible offers available exclusively to customers. Simply click on any of the logos below to get started. Save up to 50% on insurance Call Now! We know shopping for insurance isn t always the most pleasant experience. We re here to help. It s quick, easy and hassle free! Save up to $300 by calling QuotesHub: Take 30% off orders over $50 with code TRT30 at AdvanceAutoParts.com! Find the Best Deal on a new car on Cars.com Get up to 4 Loan Offers in minutes! MyAutoLoan. com is a leading online automotive finance marketplace where consumers with fair, good and great credit get Real Loans from Real Lenders, Real Time. 5% off Any Order + Free Shipping Available - Coupon Code SPRING5. Welcome to the easiest way to buy tires and wheels. 20% off first ride for new customers with code: Lyftaff49255

4 Table of contents is a privately owned website that is not owned or operated by any government agency.

5 Vehicle Registration Getting a vehicle is always an exciting adventure. It doesn t matter if it is your first car or if you have already purchased many vehicles in the past, making the decision to obtain a car is a big step and it must be taken carefully to avoid any inconveniences. Whenever you purchase a car, whether it is new or used, it must be registered to be legally driven in your state of residence. Also, when you change your residential address to another state, you will have to follow the procedure to transfer your registration. The entire process looks very complicated, but it doesn t have to be. Our Easy Guide will provide you step-by-step information on how you can register your vehicle. Learn how you can also transfer your out-of-state registration and renew proper credentials at the appropriate time. Additionally, we will make sure you have all the necessary documents and forms on your person, so you do not experience any delay to your car registration process. Sit back and relax while we guide you towards getting your vehicle registration in no time. 5

6 Minimum Insurance Requirements Before you register your car, you will need to have proper insurance on it and maintain it throughout the entire registration period. To do this, you will have to contact an insurance company licensed in Arizona. Licensed insurance companies report to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) whenever you purchase or renew your insurance. They also report if your insurance is expired or if it has been suspended or cancelled for any reason. Although, you will still need to keep proof of your vehicle insurance with you every time you drive it in case a police officer asks your for it. There are two types of coverage that you will require when registering your vehicle in Arizona: Bodily Injury Liability - You must carry a minimum of $15,000 for one person and $30,000 for two or more persons. This coverage helps you pay for any injuries resulting from a car accident. Property Damage Liability (PDL) - You are also required to have a minimum $10,000 Property Damage Liability. This coverage helps you pay for the damages that you may cause to other people s property as a result of a car accident. These minimum requirements must be met before you register your vehicle, but also during the entire registration period. If your insurance gets cancelled for any reason, the ADOT will send you a notice asking you to provide proof of Arizona insurance. If you don t present your insurance information during the term stated in the notice, your registration will be suspended and you will not be allowed to legally drive in Arizona. If you get your registration suspended for not meeting the state insurance requirements, you will need to have it reinstated. To do this you have to buy insurance and provide valid proof of your coverage. You also have to get an SR22 form, which you must carry for three years from the date of the suspension, increasing your insurance costs during that term. It is always important to maintain your insurance information current with the ADOT as well as your mailing address since the ADOT will send you important notices by mail. 6

7 Registering Your Vehicle In Arizona When you buy a vehicle, either from a dealership or from a private party, you will need to have it registered to be able to use it in Arizona. Even if you want to move it out of the state, you will need a temporary registration. What really matters is that you must hold valid registration papers at all times while driving the vehicle. You must show them to the authorities at their request. If you don t have them with you, you may face fines and tickets. So, to be safe, read below to find out how to get your registration papers. REGISTERING A NEW VEHICLE When you buy a new car for an authorized dealership, they will process the registration for you. But it is always recommended that you verify with your dealer and ask about any related costs. The temporary registration documents will not have your information. The dealer must process your registration at the ADOT and then transfer it to a permanent registration in your name. Driving without registration in Arizona is illegal. You must always make sure that all your papers are in order to avoid penalties and other inconveniences. Registration fees are usually not included in the original price of your vehicle. Dealers may not charge more for your registration fees, although they may include a separate registration filing fee as long as you are aware of it. You may report the dealer to the ADOT if you think you are being charged incorrectly for your vehicle registration. Registering a Used Vehicle If you purchase your vehicle from a private party or if your car dealer is not able to process your registration, you will have to visit the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) in person to complete the registration process. There are also many third party offices that can handle your registration process. These offices, though, may charge you an extra convenience fee, besides your regular registration fees. By law, you must title and register your vehicle in Arizona within 15 days of purchase. If you live in the Tucson or Phoenix area, you will need to have your car inspected at a station. Once you pass the inspection, you will receive an emissions compliance form. Keep this in a safe place since you will need it later on to register your vehicle. Vehicles five years old or newer don t have to go through an emissions inspection. 7

8 Documents Once you are ready to register your vehicle, go to the MVD or a third party office and provide: Your driver s license. Completed Title and Registration Application form. Proof of Arizona insurance. Proof of ownership, such as a vehicle title, bill of sale, or Manufacturer s Certificate of Origin. Your emissions compliance form, if applicable. Newer vehicles exempt from the emissions test may be registered for five years, while older vehicles may be registered for one or two years. Temporary Registration As mentioned before, driving without registration is illegal in Arizona and you may be penalized if you do it. But, how are you going to take your vehicle to the ADOT to have it registered? The solution is a Restricted Use 3-Day Permit. This will allow you to drive your recently bought vehicle for purposes of titling and registering. With this permit, you may take your car to an inspection station or to have it repaired in order to comply with the emissions or safety requirements set by the ADOT. You can get your permit in person at any ADOT or third party office offering registration services. You may also get it online by entering your Vehicle Identification Number. Then, you will just need to have a working printer attached to your computer to print your permit, and a credit, debit or check card to pay the fee. The system may be used daily from 12:10 am to 11:50 pm and from 2 am to midnight on weekends. OUT-OF-STATE VEHICLE REGISTRATION If you recently changed your address to Arizona, you most likely brought your vehicle with you. Since your vehicle insurance, registration and driver s license are from a different state, you have to transfer all of them to Arizona to be allowed to drive legally. You have 15 days to complete this errand. But, first things first, get an Arizona driver s license and talk to your insurance company about transferring to Arizona. Once you have done this, it is time to register your car. In Arizona, you may only register your vehicle in person. Make sure to have all your out-of-state documentation ready with you at the time you register the vehicle. The 8

9 process to title and register your vehicle is done at the same time. You will need to present: Your Arizona driver s license or picture ID. A completed Title and Registration Application form. Your out-of-state title or registration. In case you don t have them, you will have to pass a Level I vehicle inspection. Your out-of-state license plates. If your vehicle is leased, you will also have to provide a lien clearance or a Power of Attorney from the lessor. Registration Fees The registration fee you must pay for your vehicle varies according to the vehicle s characteristics like weight, model, make and year. The amount you will have to pay is composed of four different fees: Air quality research fee $1.50 Title fee $4 Registration fee $8 Vehicle License Tax (VLT) Based on assessed value and age. To know the amount you have to pay for the VLT you must first calculate the assessed value of your vehicle which equals 60 percent of the manufacturer s base retail price for new cars. For older vehicles, the percentage is reduced by percent for each year since you first registered it. Write down the result. You will have to pay $2.80 per each $100 of assessed value for new vehicles, or $2.89 per $100 for used vehicles. 9

10 Renewing Your Vehicle Registration It is of paramount importance that you keep in mind your registration s expiration date. Not renewing your registration on time or driving without valid registration could result in severe penalties and fines. Avoid the hassle by renewing on time. In Arizona, you may renew your registration in person, online, by phone or by mail. The MVD will send you a courtesy renewal notice before your registration period expires. Keep this letter at hand to take to the office when renewing. Newer vehicles usually have to renew every five years, but other vehicles would have to renew every one or two years. The renewal date is printed on the registration certificate. You must renew either by the 15 or by the end of your renewal month. All this information will be specified on your renewal notice. RENEW IN PERSON To renew your car s registration in person you must go to a MVD office after passing any required inspection. Some vehicles require an emissions inspection every one or two years. Make sure you plan ahead to have time to make any repairs; although, if your car doesn t pass the inspection, the MVD will give you a period of grace of 30 days to make the necessary repairs. You can then continue the renewal process as usual. At the agency you must provide: Your renewal notice or license plate number. Your registration certificate, even if it is expired. Proof of having passed the emissions inspection, if required. After paying the renewal fees and taxes, you will receive your renewed registration papers. RENEW ONLINE Renewing your registration online is very simple; click here to begin the process. Your vehicle must have passed the emissions inspection before renewing. The MVD is notified automatically after the test. Have your renewal notice with you since you will be required to enter the record number and the last two digits of your Vehicle Identification Number. If you don t have 10

11 a renewal notice you can also skip this part and enter your license plate number and either the last two digits of your Vehicle Identification Number or the last name or company name on your registration certificate. With this information, the system will retrieve your record and indicate the amount you have to pay for the renewal. You must have a valid credit or debit card to process the payment. Your registration and stickers will be mailed to you within five business days of completing the renewal process. Tip Make sure your address is up to date with the MVD. This will ensure that you will receive your renewal notice and any other information from the MVD on time. RENEW BY PHONE Renewing by phone is very similar to renewing online. You must have passed any required inspection and then call at any time or day and provide: The record number on your renewal notice. The last two digits of your Vehicle Identification Number. If you did not receive a renewal notice or if you don t have it for any reason, you may also provide: Your license plate number. The last two digits of your Vehicle Identification Number. The last name or company name on your vehicle registration. You must have a valid credit or debit card to process the payment. Your registration and stickers will be mailed to you within five business days of completing the renewal process. RENEW BY MAIL Your renewal notice will have instructions on how to renew by mail. Basically, after passing any required inspection, you just need to return the renewal to: Motor Vehicle Division 4005 N. 51st Ave. Phoenix, AZ

12 Include a check or money order payable to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division for the amount you have to pay for your renewal as stated on the notice. If you did not get a renewal notice, call the MVD to verify the amount you have to pay and any other requirement. Registration Fees The registration renewal fee you must pay for your vehicle varies according to the vehicle s characteristics like weight, model, make and year. The amount you will have to pay is composed of four different fees: Air quality research fee $1.50 Registration fee $8 Vehicle License Tax (VLT) Based on assessed value and age. Late renewal fee $8 plus an additional $4 for each month it s To know the amount you have to pay for the VLT you must first calculate the assessed value of your vehicle which equals 60 percent of the manufacturer s base retail price for new cars. For older vehicles, the percentage is reduced by percent for each year since you first registered it. Write down the result. You will have to pay $2.80 per each $100 of assessed value for new vehicles, or $2.89 per $100 for used vehicles. 12

13 Replacing Your Vehicle Registration Driving without your vehicle registration papers may lead to severe penalties and fines. If your registration documents get lost, stolen or damaged, you may easily request a duplicate in person or online. You would just need to provide your vehicle s information, such as your license plate number, the name under which the car is registered and the VIN number. If you would like to use the online system click here and follow the prompts on screen to complete the process. There is a $4 duplicate fee that must be paid by debit or credit card if processed online, or by cash, check or money order when replacing your registration in person. You will need to have a working printer hooked up to your computer since you will have to print your duplicate at home if processed online. 13

14 Updating Your Vehicle Registration Have you gone through big changes in your life that led you to change your name or move neighborhoods? Either way, it is essential to keep this information updated in all your MVD documents, which include your registration card. In case you have never updated your registration card information and you are looking for guidance on how to do it, you have come to the right place. The only thing you will have to do is inform the AZ DOT of these changes and ask them to update your information. To understand the process better, you must follow the steps that best fit your situation below. Tip Remember that, before updating your car registration information, you must update your driver license or ID information. CHANGING YOUR NAME Changing your name is not only the result of a big change in your life, but it will also greatly affect your documents and general information in regards to your identity. If you have officially changed your name, then you will surely be required to update it on all of your identification documents and cards, including your car registration. Doing this is very simple, but you need to contact the Social Security Administration first so the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division can verify the adjustment. You can contact the SSA by visiting their website or calling Once you have updated your name on the SSA records, you must wait at least two business days before going to an MVD office in person to update your records. At the MVD office, you will need to provide: Valid identification documents, such as your updated Social Security Card or driver s license Proof of name change, such as: Marriage certificate or license Divorce decree Certification of citizenship or naturalization Court order Documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Once the update is complete, you need to request a duplicate of your car registration. The replacement fee is $4, and you can order it while at the MVD office. 14

15 CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS Many situations may lead you to move to a different neighborhood in Arizona. When this happens, you must remember to notify the Arizona MVD within 10 days from moving. It is important to keep your records up to date since the MVD usually sends important notifications to your registered address, including renewal notices for all your MVD services. Fortunately, changing your address with the Arizona MVD is quite simple. You have the option of doing it online, by phone or in person. Online Changing your address online is one of the fastest ways to update your MVD records. You will just need to follow a simple process: Logon to the Address/ Change website You will be prompted to enter: Full name Date of birth Driver s license number New AZ address Print your confirmation You will not have to pay for your address change, although, if you would like to have the change reflected on your registration documents, you will have to follow the procedure to get a duplicate registration and pay the corresponding fees. By Phone Sometimes filling out computer forms and sending them does not feel secure enough, or you simply prefer to deal with a human representative instead. Then, changing your address by phone would be the best solution for you. It is as simple as calling Phoenix: Tucson: Other locations in AZ: A phone representative will guide you through the process. You will need to provide: 15

16 Full name Date of birth Driver s license number Your new residential address Once you complete the process, the MVD will send all their notifications to your new residence. If you need to have the new address printed on your registration, you must request a duplicate and pay the fees. There is no charge for changing your address over the phone. In Person If you would rather go to an MVD service center in person to change your address, you will only need to provide your driver s license with your identification information: Full name Date of birth Driver s license number New residential address Address changes are free of charge, but if you need your registration to reflect the change, you can ask to get a duplicate for a $4 fee. 16

17 License Plates When you register your vehicle, the MVD assigns a license plate number to you. Whenever you renew your registration, your license plates are also renewed. The MVD will give you a tab that you must attach to the license plate. This tab has the expiration date of your registration and must be up to date at all times. There are different types of plates besides the original Arizona plates. You can even order your own personalized plate. REPLACING YOUR LICENSE PLATES Your license plate is what identifies your vehicle to the authorities and is used to keep track of your driving behavior. This is why it must always be in good conditions and completely legible. If your license plate gets lost, stolen or defaced, you may request a new one at a MVD office or online. You would just need to provide your vehicle s information, such as your license plate number, the name under which the car is registered and the VIN number. If you would like to use the online system click here and follow the prompts on screen to complete the process. There is a $5 duplicate fee that must be paid by debit or credit card if processed online, or by cash, check or money order when replacing your registration in person. You will need to have a working printer hooked up to your computer since you will have to print your receipt at home if processed online. GETTING CUSTOM PLATES Your license plate can say more about you than just a random set of numbers and letters. You can order your personalized license plate at your local MVD office. To do this you will only require to fill out the Special Plate Application and pay an additional $25 fee for your application and every year at the time of renewal. You can also order your personalized plates online. You will be able to check if the combination you chose is available and order your plate when ready. You will also need to have a working printer to print the receipt at the end of the process. If you lose your custom plates, you may order a duplicate by using the online system or at an MDV office and pay $5, plus any postage and handling needed. 17

18 Tip Before making the trip to the MVD, report any theft to the police to avoid fraudulent use of stolen license plates. SURRENDERING ARIZONA LICENSE PLATES Arizona license plates are your property and you should not leave them on the vehicle when sold or transferred. If you don t need your license plates anymore, you may apply to get a refund for license plate credit. This does not apply if you are moving out of state. You may request your refund at any MVD office or third party provider. You can also get your refund online or by mail. Getting a refund online To ask for a refund online, first fill out a Vehicle Sold Notice online to notify the MVD that you won t be using the vehicle anymore. Then, click here and enter the required information to get the credit amount you may claim. You will need to provide your plate number, driver license number, and date of birth. You will be mailed your refund during the following 10 to 14 business days after completing the process. Surrender your plates at any MVD or third party location. Getting a refund by mail You can also process your refund by mail. You will need to download the Plate Credit Refund Request, fill it out with all the required information and mail it to: Mail Drop 523M ADOT-Refund Unit PO Box 2100 Phoenix AZ You may have to wait longer by using this method; up to eight weeks. After receiving your refund, surrender your plates at any MVD or third party location. 18

19 Vehicle Safety Tips The most important thing before you begin driving any vehicle is that both you and the vehicle are well prepared for any trip you make. This means checking and making any changes to your vehicle or your behavior to make sure that you are able to drive safely at all times. EMERGENCY KIT One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include basic items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid kit, matches, a whistle, etc. During winter months it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks, and a shovel. WINTER DRIVING One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that snows. Therefore, it is best to consider these tips to drive safely during the winter. Don t Rush! Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows, so instead of driving fast and risking an accident in your rush to get to your destination try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and help to avoid rushing other drivers by not tailgating them if they are going slower. Don t Panic If You Skid or Slip In the case that your vehicle does ski or slip while driving make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead all you need to do is apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control. Check Your Vehicle Before you even leave your house make sure your vehicle s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze, exhaust, etc. are all working properly. It is also important that you remove all ice and snow from your car before you begin driving; this prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive. 19

20 DRINKING AND DRIVING Every year thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. This is something that is very easily prevented; it only requires that you plan ahead of time by taking these steps. Even before you begin drinking you should arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. In the case that they also become intoxicated, it is important that you arrange to take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive, instead take away their keys and call for alternative transportation. If you see someone who you suspect is drunk, and they exhibit signs of intoxication while driving such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, braking erratically, turning abruptly, etc. call 911 and contact authorities immediately. Also make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety. USING YOUR PHONE Driving while using your cellphone is one of the most dangerous things you can do because during those few seconds your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. So, make sure you don t text, use of the Internet on your phone, or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible. THINGS TO AVOID Driving isn t always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while on the road driving. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps towards preventing them, as well as stopping them after you discover them to be occurring. Car Accidents The best way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and will not cause you any problems. To do this you only need to regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and not worn out, and that the steering and suspensions are checked by a mechanic and will not fail while you drive, especially at high speeds. Wasting Gas As the price of gas goes up you may begin to start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Well, saving on gas is something that is possible if you take a few steps towards ensuring that you waste less gas. 20

21 Some of the ways you can start saving gas are: not using air conditioning, not leaving your engine running, or speeding above 60 mph. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive, therefore you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste. Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly, you can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well tuned, and check that your octane level is the correct amount to your vehicle s needs. Aggressive Driving Aggressive driving and drivers are both things that should be avoided to prevent any on-road aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, verbal or physically harassing another driver, preventing another driver from merging or passing. However, if you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you do any of the above behaviors. If you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment to breathe and relax before moving on. 21

22 MVD Hours and Locations If you need to conduct a transaction in person, you will not only have the option to visit a MVD office but also to go to an authorized third party office! Many of these offices even offer weekend and extended hours. Click here to find all the office locations, schedules and hours. The MVD now added the feature for you to check the waiting times on each location. Do you prefer to go online, instead? Great news, the MVD offers more than 20 online services for you to save time and the hassle of lines and papers! Check all the online services here. There are several methods you can use to contact the MVD. If you need to contact them by phone, call: Phoenix: Tucson: Rest of Arizona: Hearing/Speech Impaired TDD Phoenix: Hearing/Speech Impaired TDD Elsewhere: You may call Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In case you want to ask a question or submit feedback, you may send it at the official website. You may check their blog as well. The MVD is also part of social networks! Follow them at: Twitter Facebook Flickr YouTube 22

23 DON T WASTE TIME AND MONEY DRIVING TO THE LICENSING OFFICE. 23

24