Arizona
About Replacing Car Registration in Arizona
Operating a vehicle without valid and readable registration credentials is against state law. As such, it is important that you always replace a defective or lost car registration in Arizona as soon as possible.
If your vehicle’s registration card, validation decals or license plates are damaged by water, heat, fire or vandalism — or if these important credentials disappear from your automobile at any time — you must purchase a replacement as soon as possible.
To replace damaged or lost vehicle registration credentials, you can typically submit your request online or in person. If you wish to replace your vehicle’s license plates, however, you must apply in person or by mail.
To learn more about the steps you must take to replace your vehicle’s registration card, tabs or license plates, review the information below.
Replacing a Defective or Lost Registration in Arizona
To purchase duplicate registration credentials, you can submit your request online or in person. To learn more about these two application methods, review the sections below.
Replacing Online
If you need to replace car registration credentials, submitting an online request on the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) website may be a quick and convenient option. To do so, you must be able to pay the application fee with an accepted form of credit, and your address must be current with the MVD.
If your current address does not match the information on your record, you must first request a change of address with the department.
When replacing your credentials online, you must have access to a working printer and be able to provide your vehicle’s license plate number and identification number (VIN). You must also provide your driver’s license number or MVD customer number.
If your registration is lost or damaged, you may be asking, “Can you print your car registration online after completing your transaction?” After replacing a damaged, lost or stolen registration card, you must print the duplicate credential using your home printer.
Note: If you purchase a copy of registration stickers, you will receive your replacement card and tab in the mail.
In Person
If you prefer to purchase an auto registration replacement in person rather than online, you must visit a local MVD branch or an authorized third-party office that processes these types of transactions. During your visit, you must present a photo ID and payment for the applicable fee.
To purchase a replacement car registration credential in person, you can visit the Arizona MVD’s website to search for local offices before heading in.
If you have questions about the types of information you may need to provide when submitting your request, download our free car registration guide.
Obtaining a Duplicate Registration Plate
Driving without a valid DMV copy of your registration license plate is against Arizona law. Review the sections below to learn more about the process of replacing your vehicle’s defective or missing license plates.
In Person
To order a duplicate plate in person, you must submit your request at an MVD branch or another authorized third-party office. During your visit, you must present one proof of identification, payment for the applicable fee and your vehicle’s license plate number or VIN.
By Mail
If you prefer to replace your vehicle’s tags by mail, you must submit a completed application to the address provided on the official MVD form. You must also include a check or money order as payment for the applicable fee.
Get details about replacing your car registration materials in our free in-depth guide.