Arizona VIN Check

What to know when buying used cars in Arizona

Arizona, the Grand Canyon State, is home to a wide variety of used cars. In terms of average used car prices, it takes a middle ground between the cheapest and most expensive states, based on a CBS42 report. If you want to get your hands on a used Arizona car, you better prepare for it ahead of schedule. It is recommended to run a Free Arizona VIN check to help you make an informed decision. 

Arizona Vehicle History: When purchasing a pre-owned vehicle in Arizona, it is essential to investigate a car’s history. Verify if it still possesses its original parts and if it has undergone significant damage. One option for prospective buyers to get an Arizona vehicle history report is to consult the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) or private car report providers, such as Carfax or Autocheck, by using the Arizona VIN Check.

An Arizona vehicle history report by Arizona VIN Check may show these details:

• Vehicle specifications – basically, it refers to the features, dimensions, performance, and appearance of a car. 
• Accident history – any record of past accidents or damages the vehicle has sustained over the years. 
• Title information – this shows whether a car possesses an untainted title record or if it has undergone salvage, reconstruction, or total loss.
• Ownership history – provides details on the past owners and the length of time they possessed the car as well as the dates and frequency of ownership transfer.
• Mileage history – displays the distance tracked by the odometer over time, and it can be utilized to identify any manipulation of a vehicle’s mileage.
• Vehicle use – checks records if a car has past personal or professional purposes, and whether it had ever served as a rental, taxi, or conveyance means.
• Manufacturer recalls – displays recall data instigated by the car manufacturer, along with a brief description of the defect as well as proposed fixes. 
• Theft record –  confirms any status that the vehicle has been marked as stolen or if it has a record of being retrieved after being stolen.
• Liens and finance history – indicates if a car has outstanding debts or liens that have not been paid off, or if it has been confiscated for non-payment of loans.
• Others – Information regarding both currently active and expired warranties as well as car insurance policies.

Required Documents: If you plan on purchasing a secondhand vehicle in Arizona, you must verify if the seller has revealed all necessary details from the title, registration, bill of sale, and other docus, to avoid possible legal issues. It is also the responsibility of the seller to clear any liens or encumbrances related to the ownership of the vehicle before they sell it unless they declare before the buyer their intention to sell a vehicle as is. 

Inspection Requirements: If you live or work in Tucson or Phoenix and own a vehicle made after 1967, you must undergo an emissions test. The frequency of the emissions testing may vary depending on the specific characteristics of your vehicle.

Lemon Law Protections: Arizona has lemon laws that provide legal protection to consumers who purchase vehicles that turn out to be defective. The law requires the manufacturer to repair any defects covered by the warranty that substantially impairs the vehicle’s value, safety, or use. If the manufacturer is unable to fix the problem after a reasonable number of repair attempts, the consumer may be entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle from the manufacturer.

New cars: To be covered by Arizona’s lemon law, the defect must be reported to the manufacturer or authorized dealership within the warranty period or within two years or 24,000 miles of the vehicle’s original delivery date (whichever comes first).

Used cars: If a crucial part of your car malfunctions within 15 days or 500 miles of purchasing the vehicle, it may fall under the jurisdiction of Arizona Used Car Lemon Law.

Why Arizona VIN Check Is a Must-Do

Are you ready for an adventure in Arizona? Well, before you hop in that car and hit the road, you better make sure you know what you’re getting into with an Arizona VIN check! You wouldn’t want to end up stranded in the middle of the desert with a lemon, would you? An Arizona VIN check will give you all the juicy details about your car’s ownership, accidents, repairs, and even theft incidents, on an Arizona vehicle history report. It’s like a treasure map leading you to the best car for the best price! So don’t take any chances and make sure to do an Arizona VIN check before embarking on your Arizona adventure. Your wallet (and sanity) will thank you!

Arizona MVD

Registering/titling a car in Arizona? You must apply for registration/titling with an Arizona MVD office or authorized third parties within 15 days of purchase or entering the state. 

Here is a quick list of Arizona DMV vehicle-related services car buyers and owners can take advantage of:

• Title and registrations for vehicles.
• Title/registration transfers and lien releases.
• Replacement/Renewals of titles and registrations.
• Issuance of license plates and placards.
• Vanity or Personalized License Plate Requests.
• Motor Vehicle Records.

Arizona MVD FAQs

How to register and title a vehicle in Arizona?

Here is a general overview of the process in Arizona:

1. Obtain insurance: Car insurance is mandatory in Arizona. All drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage. 

The minimum coverage limits in Arizona are as follows: 

• $25,000 for bodily injury to one person
• $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people
• $15,000 for property damage. 

Failure to carry valid car insurance in Arizona can result in a fine, suspension of driver’s license or registration, or even imprisonment in certain cases.

2. Get a vehicle inspection: In general, most vehicles in Arizona are required to have an emissions inspection every year or two. Additionally, some vehicles may require additional safety inspections depending on their class or weight. It is always a good idea to check with the Arizona Department of Transportation (DOT) to determine what inspections are needed for your specific vehicle.
3. Apply for vehicle title and registration: If you want to transfer vehicle ownership or get your vehicle’s existing documentation updated, obtaining a new registration/title paper is a must. To acquire the vehicle registration and title, you must complete and submit the application form. For the electronic variant of the title, you can click here to request. 
4. Pay the fees: During the application, it is necessary to make the payment for the fees as required by the agents at Arizona DMV.
5. Submit the documents: Depending on the DMV, you may be asked to submit your requirements along with the completed application form and payment for the fees during or after the application. 
6. Get the DMV materials: Once you have provided all the necessary paperwork, you will receive your registration card, title, and other documents, including the Arizona license plate. Before driving your vehicle on Arizona roads, you must attach the plate to the rear of your car in accordance with legal requirements.

How much does it cost to register and title a vehicle in Arizona?

The registration and titling costs for a vehicle in Arizona are influenced by several elements such as the vehicle’s type, age, and weight. Nevertheless, some general criteria offer a rough estimate of the registration and titling expenses you may encounter. 

Vehicle Registration Fee: The registration fee varies depending on the type of vehicle, but the standard fee is $8.

Title Fee: $4 is generally charged for a single copy of the vehicle title. 

Sales Tax: The state of Arizona imposes a sales tax rate of 6.6% on every vehicle purchase, but the overall tax rate may vary based on the specific county and city where the transaction occurs. Local county taxes can reach a maximum of 0.7%, while city taxes can climb as high as 2.5%.

License Plate Fee: Usual estimates put it at $25 and the same charge for renewal. 

Other Fees: There may be additional fees for other services, such as the late registration fee and processing fee. 

It is important to note that the fees specified are not fixed and may vary depending on individual circumstances. To stay informed about the latest registration and title charges, it would be wise to contact the MVD of the Arizona Department of Transportation.

What are the usual requirements when registering or titling a vehicle in Arizona?

The usual paperwork required for vehicle registration and titling includes:

• Proof of ownership: Bill of sale, past registration, and past title qualify. Provide a bill of sale and/or title with signatures from both parties (buyer and previous owner/seller) if transferring ownership. 
• Proof of identity: The driver’s license or any government-issued ID.
• Completed application form(s): Document(s) required for the official Arizona DMV recognition of ownership. 
• Insurance: Proof of liability insurance, such as insurance card, might be required by Arizona MVD agents.
• Smog/Safety certification: This may be required by an attending Arizona agent.

Payment of fees/taxes: Fees and taxes must be settled to complete the process.

Other Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Automotive review sites are online platforms that offer buyers a wealth of information on different vehicles available in the market. Such platforms provide a detailed description of a car’s features, specifications, performance, and expert opinions along with ratings. A potential buyer can compare various vehicles and make a well-informed decision based on their content. Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend are good examples of automotive review sites. 

Vehicle safety rating sites are your go-to if you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle. It is highly advisable to check out their safety ratings. These resources help establish a more accurate public perception on the overall safety of various automobile brands and models. Safety rating websites typically utilize multiple criteria to establish a vehicle’s safety rating, such as results from collision tests, available safety features, and overall safety performance, among others. Ratings generally fall on a one-to-five-point scale, with a score of five representing the highest possible rating. NHTSA and IIHS are popular examples of vehicle safety rating sites.

Vehicle market value websites are online pricing guide sites that offer comprehensive details about a vehicle’s value. Such websites are extremely helpful for people who intend to buy or sell a car, as they regularly release up-to-date information about the present market value of cars. Automotive market value sites possess a crucial feature that enables them to evaluate multiple factors impacting a car’s worth. Such factors include the car’s brand, model, year of manufacture, mileage, special features or add-ons, and the demand for a particular make and model. Two examples of automotive market value sites include Kelley Blue Book and NADA Guides.

Arizona crash report. It’s very important to examine a vehicle for previous accidents that may have resulted in substantial damage. To ensure your safety on the road, always opt for cars that are in good shape. By getting an Arizona vehicle history report through an Arizona VIN check, you can identify prior accidents and receive vital information from law enforcement records and repair transactions. According to the 2019 FARS report, 967 deadly accidents in Arizona resulted in 1,054 fatalities. Worse, the vehicles involved in these accidents may be repaired, refurbished, and sold as new to unsuspecting buyers in the used car market.

Arizona crime report. As per the FBI’s 2019 US Crime report, Arizona recorded 18,151 cases of auto theft during the year. It is advisable to be cautious of cars that may have been stolen and later sold by used car sellers. To confirm instances of theft, acquire an Arizona vehicle history report by using Arizona VIN Check.

Arizona natural disasters. Primal Survivor claimed that Arizona suffered $1 billion worth of damage since 2000. In the face of earthquakes, winter storms, and heat waves, there is a real risk that your car may suffer serious damage, especially if parked in an open space. It might have already been the case for cars you plan to buy in the state. Keep your Arizona car away from harm’s way and get an Arizona car report.