An Arizona car title is a legal document that establishes proof of vehicle ownership. As such, vehicle owners must apply for a car title within 15 days of purchasing a new or used vehicle. Failure to apply for an auto title before the deadline results in a title transfer penalty fee in addition to regular titling fees.

When drivers apply for a vehicle title, they must complete an application, submit supporting documentation and pay all applicable titling fees. To learn more about how to get car titles and the ways in which titles relate to vehicle registration, review the information below.

Where to Apply for a Car Title in Arizona

Drivers must apply for an Arizona title for car ownership in person at an office of the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) under the state Department of Transportation (ADOT) whenever they purchase a vehicle from a private seller. Alternately, vehicle owners may apply for a DMV car title in person at an MVD-authorized third-party office. However, vehicle owners may obtain an AZ car title application online if they wish to complete the form prior to heading into an MVD branch.

Furthermore, the process of getting car title documentation differs slightly when buyers purchase a new or used vehicle from a dealership. In most cases, the dealership completes the vehicle title paperwork on behalf of buyers and provides vehicle owners with a temporary registration plate (TRP) if needed. However, drivers may apply for a new car title on their own if they prefer.

The Arizona Auto Title Application

When getting a car title in Arizona, vehicle owners must complete a Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236). In addition to applying for a certificate of title (also known as a pink slip), motorists may register their vehicles at the same time.

However, drivers who wish to obtain a new car title and registration simultaneously must check all applicable boxes at the top of the application in order to do so. Furthermore, new or used car title applicants must provide the following information when completing the application:

• The vehicle’s license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, body style, list price, fuel type and gross vehicle weight rating.
• The vehicle’s odometer reading.
• The name, valid AZ driver license number and mailing address of the lienholder (if applicable).
• The vehicle’s lien amount and lien date.
• Vehicle ownership information, including the vehicle owner’s name(s), driver license number, date of birth and mailing address.

Before submitting the application for an AZ vehicle title to the MVD, all vehicle owners must sign it.

Documents You Must Provide When Applying for a New Car Title in Arizona

To get car title documentation, vehicle owners must provide the MVD with supporting documentation as part of the titling process. In addition to submitting an Arizona car title and registration application, motorists must provide the following items:

• The vehicle’s previous auto title (if applicable).
• A lien release for the vehicle (if applicable).
• Payment for all titling and registration fees.

However, the process of how to get a car title in Arizona varies slightly for out-of-state vehicles. To obtain a certificate of title for an out-of-state vehicle, car owners must provide the MVD with an emission compliance form (if moving to the Tucson or Phoenix areas) and proof of completing a Level I vehicle inspection (if the owner cannot provide the vehicle’s out-of-state registration and/or title).

Additionally, drivers who need to obtain a DMV car title must submit the vehicle’s out-of-state license plates, out-of-state title (or registration if the title is unavailable), a lien clearance (if applicable) and a Power of Attorney from the lessor, if the car owner leases the vehicle.

What is an Arizona car registration?

All drivers must obtain car registration documentation before they may drive their new or used vehicles on state roadways. Car owners must complete the Arizona vehicle registration process on their own if they purchase the vehicle from a private party or third-party seller. To get car registration documents after purchasing a vehicle from a dealership, however, the dealer often submits the registration paperwork to the MVD.

As part of the DMV car registration process, the MVD issues a registration certificate and license plates once motorists complete and submit a registration application, provide the MVD with supporting documentation and pay all registration fees. Prior to applying for a new car registration in AZ, drivers must obtain liability auto insurance and complete a vehicle inspection, if applicable. Additionally, vehicle owners must apply for a new title before completing the registration process, or they must apply for a title and registration at the same time.

What is the difference between a car title and a vehicle registration in Arizona?

While drivers may apply for an Arizona car registration and title certificate at the same time, the two documents are not the same, and each document serves a different purpose. The main difference between vehicle registration documents and titling certificates, however, is that a title displays proof of vehicle ownership, while a motor vehicle registration shows that drivers may legally operate the vehicle on state roadways.

To simplify the auto registration and titling process, the state allows drivers to apply for both documents simultaneously through completing the Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236). However, drivers may apply for each item separately if they prefer.

As a general rule, you must renew AZ car registration documents every one, two or five years, depending on the registration period you choose. However, you only need to title a vehicle when ownership changes.

Car Title Costs in Arizona

There is a car title cost that all Arizona motorists must pay when obtaining this credential. The standard fee for new vehicle titles is $4, which must be paid along with the $8 cost for a car registration.

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