What Is a Temporary License Plate in Arizona?
Arizona Motor Vehicle Division publishes several short-term permits that allow a vehicle to operate on public roads until permanent registration. The most common is the Temporary Registration Plate (TRP), issued by a licensed dealer at the time of sale.
Other classes of permits cover buyers lacking complete documentation, nonresidents taking a purchase out of state, and owners transporting unregistered vehicles for inspection or repair. Licensed dealers issue the TRP directly; MVD and Authorized Third Party offices handle all other classes. Each permit is a paper document displayed so it is visible from outside the vehicle.
What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Arizona?
| Class | Official Name | Trigger | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dealer TRP | Temporary Registration Plate (ARS 28-4546) | Vehicle purchase from dealer | Licensed new/used dealer |
| One-Time Trip Permit | One-Time Registration Permit (ARS 28-2155) | Emissions, title, inspection, or repair | MVD or Authorized Third Party |
| General Use | Temporary General Registration (ARS 28-2156) | Vehicle not subject to permanent registration | MVD or Authorized Third Party |
| Nonresident Exit | Special 90-Day Nonresident Registration (ARS 28-2154) | Nonresident purchasing in Arizona | MVD, Authorized Third Party, or dealer |
| Resident 90-Day | Special 90-Day Resident Registration (ARS 28-2154) | Resident with incomplete title documents | MVD |
A consecutive Special 90-Day Resident Registration Plate may be issued under ARS 28-2154(E) for title applicants with a bond, estate settlement, or lien release delay.
When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Arizona?
- A buyer purchasing from a licensed Arizona dealer receives a Temporary Registration Plate at the time of sale; the dealer must submit title and registration applications before issuing the TRP according to ARS 28-4547.
- A nonresident purchasing an unregistered vehicle in Arizona must obtain a Special 90-Day Nonresident Registration before taking the vehicle out of state.
- An owner transporting an unregistered vehicle for emissions testing, MVD inspection, or repair needs a One-Time Registration Permit.
- A resident unable to provide complete title documentation may apply for a Special 90-Day Resident Registration to operate the vehicle while resolving documentation issues.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Arizona?
- Gather proof of ownership (title, MCO, or bill of sale), proof of Arizona mandatory liability insurance, and valid photo ID; nonresidents need an out-of-state driver’s license.
- Choose your path: dealership for TRP, any MVD office or Authorized Third Party for other permits, or the AZ MVD Now portal for available online permits.
- Apply in person at the counter, through the dealer at the time of sale, or online at azmvdnow.gov for the One-Time Registration Permit and Temporary General Registration.
- Pay the fee described in the next section.
- Receive the paper permit at the counter or electronic confirmation online; display it prominently on the vehicle.
The Vehicle Permits page of the MVD lists each class with compliance details.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Arizona?
Fees according to ARS 28-2003:
| Class | Fee | Additional | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Registration Plate | No separate fee to buyer | $1 electronic submission (paid by dealer) | Dealer |
| One-Time Registration Permit | $1 | None | Vehicle owner |
| Temporary General Registration | $15 | None | Vehicle owner |
| Special 90-Day Nonresident Registration | $15 | None | Vehicle buyer |
| Special 90-Day Resident Registration | $15 | None | Vehicle owner |
Authorized Third Party offices may charge a convenience fee in addition to the statutory amount.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Arizona?
Partially: Arizona offers the One-Time Registration Permit and Temporary General Registration online, but not the 90-day permits.
The AZ MVD Now portal (formerly ServiceArizona) processes the Limited 3-Day Permit and General 30-Day Permit with payment by credit or debit card. The permit is available immediately upon completion.
The Special 90-Day Nonresident Registration and Special 90-Day Resident Registration require an in-person visit to an MVD office or Authorized Third Party location. For a standard dealer purchase, the TRP is issued at the dealership counter before the buyer leaves the lot.
Use AZ MVD Now for permits it supports; for a dealer purchase, the TRP at the time of sale is the standard route.
How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Arizona?
| Class | Duration | Restrictions | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Registration Plate | 45 days | None | None; voided upon receiving permanent plate |
| One-Time Registration Permit | 3 days (excludes weekends/holidays) | Start to finish | Max. 3 per vehicle per 12 months |
| Temporary General Registration | 30 days | None | One per vehicle per 12 months |
| Special 90-Day Nonresident Registration | 90 days | None | None |
| Special 90-Day Resident Registration | 90 days | None | Second consecutive allowed under ARS 28-2154(E) |
An expired TRP is invalid according to ARS 28-4551, and operating an unregistered vehicle is subject to a civil penalty of $300 according to ARS 28-2532.