Buying a Car from Out of State in Arizona
Buying a car from out of state can save thousands — but registering it in Arizona requires specific steps, inspections, and tax payments. This guide covers everything you need to know before you buy and after you bring the vehicle home.
Sales/Use Tax
5.6% state + local VLT (Vehicle License Tax, not a sales tax)
Registration Window
15 days after purchase
Inspection Required
Yes
Arizona-Specific Consideration
Arizona assesses an annual Vehicle License Tax (VLT) based on the vehicle assessed value — separate from sales tax. The VLT replaces a traditional registration fee and is higher for newer, more expensive vehicles. Factor this into ownership cost.
Arizona DMV Official Guide →How to Register an Out-of-State Vehicle in Arizona
- 1
Get a signed bill of sale from the seller
Before leaving, ensure the seller provides a signed, dated bill of sale with the VIN, sale price, odometer reading, and both signatures. Use the BillOfSaleNow form for a legally-sound document.
- 2
Obtain the out-of-state title
The seller signs the back of the title at sale. Verify the VIN matches the dashboard VIN plate. If there is a lien on the vehicle, request the lien release letter — without it, you cannot get a clean Arizona title.
- 3
Get Arizona-compliant insurance
Contact your insurer before the purchase. You need an active policy in Arizona with the correct VIN before you can register. Drive with the insurance card and bill of sale during the trip home.
- 4
Pass the Arizona inspection
Arizona requires an emissions test in Maricopa and Pima counties (Phoenix and Tucson metros) before registration. Other counties are exempt.
- 5
Visit a Arizona DMV office
Bring the out-of-state title, bill of sale, and proof of AZ insurance to an AZ MVD Now office or authorized third-party provider. Pay AZ sales tax (TPT) and the annual VLT based on vehicle value.
- 6
Pay sales/use tax
Arizona charges 5.6% state + local VLT (Vehicle License Tax, not a sales tax). This is paid at the DMV/tag office, not to the seller. If you paid tax in the originating state, bring documentation — Arizona typically credits out-of-state tax paid.
- 7
Receive your ${stateName} title and plates
You will get Arizona plates immediately. Your certificate of title will be mailed within 2–4 weeks.
Documents Checklist for Arizona Registration
Signed out-of-state title (seller signature on back)
Lien release letter (if vehicle had an outstanding loan)
Signed bill of sale with VIN, price, odometer, both signatures
Arizona-compliant auto insurance card
Government-issued ID with current address
Emissions/safety inspection certificate
Odometer disclosure (if vehicle is < 10 years old)
Any warranty documentation or AS-IS disclosure from seller
Vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck)
★ = Required | ○ = Recommended
Does Buying Out-of-State Make Financial Sense?
When it makes sense
- The vehicle is $2,000+ cheaper than comparable local listings
- You can find a rare trim or color unavailable locally
- The vehicle has lower mileage than anything in your local market
- You are near a state border and can easily pick it up
- The originating state has lower or no sales tax (savings offset by Arizona use tax)
When to think twice
- The savings are less than $1,000 (travel + shipping + inspection eat the margin)
- The vehicle needs to pass a Arizona emissions test you are not sure it will pass
- Arizona uses fair market value for tax assessment instead of purchase price (GA, for example)
- The title has a lien and the seller is unclear about the payoff status
- You are buying from a private seller and cannot inspect in person
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax in Arizona when buying from out of state?
Yes — Arizona charges 5.6% state + local VLT (Vehicle License Tax, not a sales tax) when you register the vehicle. If you paid sales tax in the originating state, Arizona typically gives you a credit. Bring your original bill of sale.
How long do I have to register an out-of-state car in Arizona?
15 days after purchase to apply for AZ title. Missing this window can result in late fees at the DMV.
Does Arizona require an inspection for out-of-state vehicles?
Arizona requires an emissions test in Maricopa and Pima counties (Phoenix and Tucson metros) before registration. Other counties are exempt.
What if the vehicle has a lien from the previous state?
You cannot get a clean Arizona title without a lien release. The seller must provide a letter from the lender confirming the loan is paid. Never complete an out-of-state purchase without verifying lien status on the title.
Can I drive home on the seller's out-of-state plates?
Generally yes — you can drive the vehicle home using the seller's plates and a copy of the signed bill of sale. Most states give buyers 7–30 days. Once you are a Arizona resident, register within the 15 days after purchase.
Generate a Arizona Bill of Sale
Use a professional, state-compliant bill of sale for your out-of-state vehicle purchase.
Create Arizona Bill of Sale