What Arizona License Plates Are Available and How Much They Cost

Arizona offers standard passenger plates, specialty plates with different designs and causes, and personalized plates where you choose the characters. A standard plate costs $17 when you first register a vehicle, then $12 for renewal every year. Specialty plates — which support causes like wildlife conservation, military service, or Arizona universities — cost between $25 and $50 upfront, depending on the plate type, then $12 to $25 at renewal. Personalized plates add $25 to the standard plate fee, so $42 for a new registration or $37 at renewal.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division manages all plate issuance. You can order a plate when you first register a vehicle, renew your registration, or replace a damaged or lost plate. Most people order through their local MVD office in person, though some specialty plates can be ordered online through the ADOT website.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Arizona plates cost $17 when you register a new vehicle and $12 at each renewal.
  • Specialty plates supporting specific causes or organizations cost $25 to $50 upfront and $12 to $25 at renewal, depending on the plate design.
  • Personalized plates let you choose up to seven characters and cost an extra $25 on top of the standard plate fee.
  • You can order plates in person at any Arizona MVD office, and some specialty plates can be ordered online through ADOT's website.
  • Replacement plates for lost, stolen, or damaged plates cost $12 and can be ordered at an MVD office or online.

Arizona Specialty Plates and What They Support

Arizona has more than 100 specialty plate designs. Some support state universities like Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University. Others benefit causes including wildlife conservation (Arizona Game and Fish), veterans and military service, organ donation awareness, and professional organizations. A portion of the specialty plate fee goes to the organization or cause listed on the plate.

The most common specialty plates are university plates, which cost $25 upfront and $17 at renewal. Military-themed plates, including plates for Purple Heart recipients and former prisoners of war, typically cost $25 upfront and $12 at renewal. Wildlife and conservation plates run $35 to $50 upfront and $17 to $25 at renewal. You can see the full list of available specialty plates and their costs on the ADOT website before you order.

If you want a specialty plate, you must order it when you register a new vehicle or renew your registration — you cannot switch from a standard plate to a specialty plate mid-registration cycle without paying a transfer fee. The transfer fee is $12 and covers the cost of issuing a new plate.

How to Personalize Your Arizona Plate

A personalized plate lets you choose up to seven characters — letters, numbers, or a combination. You cannot use spaces, but you can use hyphens or apostrophes. ADOT rejects combinations that are offensive, spell profanity, or duplicate an existing personalized plate in Arizona. The review process takes about one week.

To order a personalized plate, you can explore online through the ADOT website or in person at an MVD office. Online ordering is faster and you can check whether your desired combination is available before you pay. The personalized plate fee is $25 on top of the standard plate fee ($17 for new registration, $12 for renewal), so a new personalized plate costs $42 total. At renewal, a personalized plate costs $37.

Once ADOT approves your personalized combination, the plate is mailed to you within two to three weeks. If you are renewing your registration and want to keep the same personalized combination, you do not need to reapply — ADOT will issue the new plate with the same characters automatically.

Ordering a Plate at an Arizona MVD Office

To order a standard or specialty plate in person, visit any Arizona MVD office with your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. Bring your current plate if you are replacing a damaged or lost one. If you are registering a new vehicle, bring the title or bill of sale, proof of insurance, and identification.

Tell the MVD staff whether you want a standard plate, a specialty plate, or a personalized plate. If you choose a specialty plate, the staff will show you the available designs and costs. If you choose a personalized plate, you can request a specific combination, and the staff will check availability on the spot. You pay the plate fee at the counter, and the plate is mailed to your address within two to three weeks.

MVD offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the ADOT website.

Ordering a Plate Online Through ADOT

You can order a replacement plate or renew your registration and order a new plate online through the ADOT website without visiting an office. To order online, you need your vehicle registration number, current plate number (if replacing), and a valid payment method.

Standard replacement plates and renewal plates can be ordered online. Some specialty plates can also be ordered online, though the availability varies. Personalized plates must be ordered online or in person — you cannot order them by mail. When you order online, you pay the plate fee when ready, and ADOT mails the plate to your address within two to three weeks.

If you are ordering a replacement plate because your current plate is lost or stolen, report the loss to ADOT or your local police department before ordering. ADOT may ask for a police report number or a statement that the plate is lost.

Costs and Fees for Plate Replacement and Renewal

A replacement plate for a lost, stolen, or damaged plate costs $12. This is a one-time fee and does not extend your registration. Your registration renewal date stays the same.

When you renew your registration, you must renew your plate as well. A standard plate renewal costs $12. A specialty plate renewal costs $12 to $25 depending on the plate type. A personalized plate renewal costs $37 (the $12 standard renewal fee plus the $25 personalized plate fee). All renewal fees are due when your registration expires.

If you switch from a standard plate to a specialty plate or vice versa outside of your regular renewal cycle, ADOT charges a $12 transfer fee in addition to the new plate fee. For example, switching from a standard plate to a specialty plate mid-cycle costs $12 (transfer) plus $25 (specialty plate) = $37 total.

What Happens If Your Plate Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

If your plate is lost or stolen, report it to ADOT or your local police department as soon as possible. You can report a lost or stolen plate online through the ADOT website or in person at an MVD office. A police report is not required but can help if you need documentation for insurance purposes.

Once you report the loss, order a replacement plate. The replacement costs $12 and is mailed to you within two to three weeks. If you need a plate sooner, some MVD offices can issue a temporary plate on the spot, though this is not standard practice — call your local office to ask whether they offer this service.

If your plate is damaged, bent, faded, or illegible, you can request a replacement at no cost during your registration renewal. If you want to replace it before renewal, the replacement costs $12. Bring your current plate to an MVD office or include a photo of the damage when you order online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my personalized plate if I buy a new car?

Yes. You can transfer a personalized plate to a different vehicle by paying a $12 transfer fee. Visit an MVD office or order online through ADOT. The personalized combination stays yours as long as you renew it every year — if you let your registration lapse for more than a year, the combination becomes available for someone else to order.

How long does it take to get a plate after I order it?

Standard plates, specialty plates, and personalized plates are all mailed to your address within two to three weeks of your order. If you need a plate sooner, contact your local MVD office to ask whether they have plates in stock that can be issued when ready, though this is uncommon.

What if the personalized combination I want is already taken?

ADOT will tell you when ready if your desired combination is unavailable. You can choose a different combination and resubmit. If you order online, you can check availability before you pay. If you order in person, the MVD staff will check availability at the counter.

Do I have to get a new plate when I renew my registration?

Yes. Arizona requires a new plate at each registration renewal. Your old plate expires when your registration expires. You can order the new plate online, in person at an MVD office, or by mail when you renew your registration.

Can I order a plate without renewing my registration?

You can order a replacement plate if your current plate is lost, stolen, or damaged. You cannot order a new plate straightforward to change the design or get a personalized combination unless you are also renewing your registration or transferring the plate to a different vehicle.