AutoTaxCalculatorArizona motor vehicle registration fees
Arizona registration = vehicle license tax + $8 registration fee + $1.50 air quality fee. The VLT is $2.80 per $100 of 60% of the MSRP in the car's first year. A new $40,000 car pays about $672 in VLT, or roughly $682 in total.
The VLT is Arizona's version of a property tax on vehicles, and it's set in the state constitution. The money is split between the state highway fund, counties and cities. The fixed registration fees are tiny by comparison, which is why Arizona registration costs so much for new cars and so little for old ones.
How the vehicle license tax works
- First year of the vehicle's life: the value is 60% of the manufacturer's base retail price. The tax is $2.80 per $100 of value ($1.26 to the highway user revenue fund, $0.69 to the county general fund, $0.16 for county transportation and $0.69 to cities and towns).
- Each following year: the value is 16.25% less than the previous year's value, and the rate is $2.89 per $100.
- Minimum: $10 a year.
Because the VLT follows the vehicle's own life, buying a three-year-old car means paying its third-year VLT, not starting over at year one.
| Year of vehicle life | Assessed value | Rate per $100 | VLT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $24,000.00 | $2.80 | $672.00 |
| 2 | $20,100.00 | $2.89 | $580.89 |
| 3 | $16,833.75 | $2.89 | $486.50 |
| 5 | $11,807.30 | $2.89 | $341.23 |
| 10 | $4,864.91 | $2.89 | $140.60 |
Other Arizona registration and title fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration fee (cars, trucks) | $8.00 |
| Registration fee (motorcycles) | $9.00 |
| Air quality research fee | $1.50 |
| Certificate of title | $4.00 |
| Duplicate registration card | $4.00 |
| 90-day nonresident or resident permit | $15.00 |
Worked example
Registering a 3-year-old SUV with a $40,000 MSRP
- Value: $40,000 × 60% = $24,000, less 16.25% twice = $16,833.75
- VLT: $16,833.75 ÷ 100 × $2.89 = $486.50
- Plus $8 registration + $1.50 air quality fee = $496.00 (+ $4 if you're titling it)
Sales tax when you buy
The VLT and registration are separate from the transaction privilege (sales) tax you pay when you buy a car in Arizona, which is made up of state, county and city rates. Ask your dealer for the combined rate on the contract. A private sale between individuals doesn't carry Arizona sales tax.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Arizona registration so expensive?
Because of the VLT, which is based on the vehicle's original MSRP. A new, expensive car pays the most. The tax falls about 16% every year.
Is the Arizona VLT tax deductible?
Because it's based on value, the VLT can count as a deductible personal property tax on your federal return if you itemize. The flat fees can't. Our guide are vehicle registration fees tax deductible? covers every state.
What is the minimum vehicle license tax in Arizona?
$10 a year.
Can I renew my Arizona registration online?
Yes, through ServiceArizona, which also shows your exact VLT and fees.
Sources
- A.R.S. 28-5801: Vehicle license tax rate
- A.R.S. 28-2003: Title and registration fees
- ADOT: Arizona registration fees (air quality research fee)
This calculator gives an estimate. ServiceArizona or the MVD calculates the final amount. How we calculate