Arizona license plate transfers allow you to move your existing plate to a newly purchased vehicle of the same class. Arizona plates stay with the owner when a vehicle is sold — you remove your plates and either transfer them to your new vehicle or return them to the Arizona MVD. Arizona also requires you to complete a sold notice when selling a vehicle. The plate transfer process is managed through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) or authorized third-party providers.
Does Arizona Allow You to Transfer a License Plate to a New Vehicle?
Yes. Arizona allows plate transfers between vehicles of the same registration class owned by the same person. When you sell your current vehicle, remove your plates and transfer them to your new vehicle through ServiceArizona or an authorized MVD office or third-party provider. If you do not purchase a replacement vehicle, you must either return the plates to the MVD or destroy them.
How Do You Transfer a License Plate in Arizona?
Arizona plate transfers can be completed online through ServiceArizona, at an MVD office, or through an authorized third-party provider (ATP).
- Remove your plates from the vehicle you are selling. Arizona plates stay with the owner.
- Complete an Arizona sold notice for the vehicle you sold — this removes your liability for the vehicle and can be done online at servicearizona.com.
- Title the new vehicle within 15 days of purchase. Arizona requires title transfer within 15 days.
- Visit servicearizona.com, an MVD office, or an authorized third-party provider to transfer your plates to the new vehicle.
- Pay the applicable transfer fee.
- If retaining your VLT credit: Arizona allows you to receive credit for the unused VLT portion of your old registration when transferring to a new vehicle.
What Documents Do You Need to Transfer a Plate in Arizona?
Have these documents ready for an Arizona plate transfer.
- Valid Arizona driver’s license or state ID
- Title for the new vehicle — completed and signed by the seller if a private-party purchase
- Completed Arizona Sold Notice (online at servicearizona.com) for the sold vehicle
- Current registration or plate number for the plates you are transferring
- Proof of current Arizona liability insurance for the new vehicle
- Payment for transfer fee
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a License Plate in Arizona?
Arizona plate transfer fees are modest. The VLT on your new vehicle is the larger cost component.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plate transfer fee | Confirm current fee at servicearizona.com — typically a small administrative fee |
| Vehicle License Tax (VLT) on new vehicle | Based on 60% of MSRP depreciated 16.25% per year — calculated at transfer |
| Title fee for new vehicle | $4.00 |
| Arizona sold notice filing | Free — online at servicearizona.com |
Can You Transfer a Personalized or Specialty Plate in Arizona?
Arizona specialty and personalized plates can be transferred to a new vehicle of the same class. Contact the Arizona MVD or check servicearizona.com for current specialty plate transfer procedures and any additional fees.
What Happens to the Old Registration When You Transfer a Plate in Arizona?
When you sell a vehicle in Arizona, complete an Arizona sold notice at servicearizona.com immediately. This removes your liability for the vehicle in the MVD system. The new owner must title and register the vehicle within 15 days of purchase. Your old registration is cancelled when the sold notice is filed and the plate is removed.
Can You Transfer a License Plate to Someone Else in Arizona?
No. Arizona plates are not transferable between different owners. Plates may only transfer between vehicles owned by the same person. When selling your vehicle to another person, remove your plates and allow them to obtain new plates through the MVD.
What Happens If You Sell Your Car — Do the Plates Stay With the Vehicle?
Arizona plates stay with the owner. Remove your plates when selling your vehicle. File an Arizona sold notice at servicearizona.com to remove liability. You then have the option to transfer your plates to your new vehicle or return them to the MVD. If you don’t purchase a new vehicle, return the plates to the MVD or destroy them.
Is There a Deadline to Complete a Plate Transfer in Arizona?
Arizona requires you to title a newly purchased vehicle within 15 days of purchase. Failure to complete the title transfer within 15 days results in late fees. Plate transfer should be completed at the same time as the title process.
What Should You Do If You Don’t Want to Transfer the Plate?
If you sell your vehicle and do not purchase a replacement, you must either return your plates to an Arizona MVD office or destroy them. Do not leave plates on a sold vehicle or keep expired plates in circulation. You may be eligible for a partial refund or credit of your VLT for the unused registration period — contact the Arizona MVD or check servicearizona.com.