Where to renew your Arizona vehicle registration

You can renew your Arizona vehicle registration through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Motor Vehicle Division, in three ways: online at servicearizona.com, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Online renewal is the fastest route if your vehicle has a current emissions test (if required) and no outstanding issues on the registration. Mail and in-person renewal take longer but work if you prefer not to use the online system.

The method you choose depends on whether your registration is still valid or has already expired. If your registration is current, you can renew up to 12 months before the expiration date. If it has expired, you must renew in person or by mail — the online system will not accept an expired registration.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through servicearizona.com is available if your registration is still valid and you have a current emissions test on file.
  • You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration card, and a valid payment method to renew online.
  • If your registration has expired, you cannot renew online and must go to a Motor Vehicle Division office or mail in your renewal.
  • Emissions testing is required for vehicles in Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties unless your vehicle is exempt by model year or type.
  • Registration renewal fees vary based on your vehicle's weight and type, and you can check the exact amount before you complete the transaction.

Renewing online through servicearizona.com

To renew online, go to servicearizona.com and select the Motor Vehicle Division services. You will need your current registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid credit or debit card. The system will ask you to verify your vehicle information and confirm your mailing address.

Before you start, check whether your vehicle requires an emissions test. If you live in Maricopa, Pima, or Pinal County, most vehicles built after 1975 need a current emissions test. If your vehicle is due for emissions testing and does not have a current test on file, the online system will not let you complete the renewal. You will need to get the emissions test first, then return to renew online.

Once you submit your renewal online, you will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new registration card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with your confirmation number and current registration card until the new card arrives.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to request a renewal form, or read the form from the ADOT website. Fill out the form completely, including your vehicle information and current registration card details. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash.

Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date ADOT receives your envelope. Send your renewal at least 4 weeks before your registration expires to avoid a lapse in coverage.

If you are renewing by mail and your vehicle requires an emissions test, you must include proof of a current emissions test with your renewal. Without it, ADOT will return your renewal incomplete.

Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office

You can renew in person at any Motor Vehicle Division office in Arizona. Bring your current registration card, proof of a current emissions test (if required), and a valid form of payment — cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

If your registration has expired, you must renew in person or by mail. The staff can process your renewal on the spot, and you will receive your new registration card before you leave. If your vehicle requires an emissions test and you do not have proof of a current test, the office can direct you to a testing station nearby.

Motor Vehicle Division offices are located in Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson, Flagstaff, and other cities across the state. Hours and locations are listed on the ADOT website. Some offices have extended hours on certain days, so check before you go.

Emissions testing requirements and exemptions

If you live in Maricopa, Pima, or Pinal County, your vehicle must pass an emissions test before you can renew your registration — unless it is exempt. Vehicles exempt from emissions testing include those built before 1975, diesel-powered vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles registered as antiques or classics. Hybrid and electric vehicles are also exempt.

An emissions test is valid for two years from the date it is completed. If your test is expiring soon, you can get a new test before your registration expires, and both will align on your renewal. Testing stations are located throughout the three counties and typically charge between $20 and $30 per test.

If you live outside Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties, you do not need an emissions test to renew your registration, regardless of your vehicle's age or type.

Registration fees and payment

Arizona registration renewal fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and vehicle type. A standard passenger car typically costs between $30 and $50 to renew, but the exact amount depends on your specific vehicle. You can look up your vehicle's fee on the ADOT website before you renew.

If you renew online, you can pay by credit or debit card. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Do not include extra payment for late fees unless your registration has already expired — if it has, you will owe a late penalty in addition to the renewal fee.

What to do if your registration has expired

If your registration has expired, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office or by mail. When you renew an expired registration, you will owe the standard renewal fee plus a late penalty. The penalty amount depends on how long your registration has been expired.

Do not drive with an expired registration. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. If your registration expired more than a few days ago, go to a Motor Vehicle Division office as soon as you can to renew in person — this is the fastest way to get back into compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if it expires while I am out of state?

Yes. You can renew online through servicearizona.com from anywhere, as long as your registration is still valid and your vehicle has a current emissions test on file. If your registration has already expired, you will need to renew by mail or wait until you return to Arizona to renew in person.

How long does it take to get my new registration card after I renew online?

Your new registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. You can drive legally with your confirmation number and your current registration card until the new card arrives.

What happens if I renew my registration but my emissions test expires before my registration does?

You will need to get a new emissions test before your current one expires. When you renew your registration again, you will need proof of the new test. The two do not have to expire on the same date, but you cannot have a valid registration without a current emissions test in the three required counties.

Can someone else renew my registration for me?

If you renew online, only you can complete the transaction using your registration card and vehicle information. If you renew by mail or in person, someone else can submit the renewal on your behalf, but they will need your current registration card and payment.

Do I need to renew my registration plate, or just my registration card?

You only need to renew your registration card. Your license plate stays on your vehicle. You only need a new plate if it is damaged, lost, or if you are changing your plate type — for example, switching to a specialty plate.