Applying for Special Plates in Arizona

The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) offers several types of specialty plates that can come standard or personalized, as well as multiple options for ordering these plates.

Read more to learn how to apply for a specialty plate in Arizona.

Applying for a Special Plate in Arizona

You can apply for an AZ special plate:

• In person.
• By mail.
• Online.

In Person or By Mail

To apply for a special plate in person:

• Complete a Special Plate Application (Form 96-0143).
• Provide payment for applicable fees (varied depending on the specialty plate you are ordering).
  • If sending by mail, write a check payable to “Motor Vehicle Division" for fees plus postage and handling.
• Gather any required documents (refer to your application).
• Submit the above:
  • In person to your local MVD office.
  • By mail to:
    Mail Drop 801Z
    Special Plates Unit
    Motor Vehicle Division
    4005 N. 51st Avenue
    Phoenix, AZ 85031

Fees and documentation requirements vary among plate types. You can check the application to find what you'll need for your plate, or check the AZ's list of plates and placards.

Online

You can visit the MVD's authorized service website to order your personalized and/or specialty plate online.

You can also use the service website to check the availability of a personalized plate and to see samples of the several different types of special plates.

When you're ready to apply for your custom AZ plate, make sure you're prepared with the following:

• Your license plate number or registration document.
• Your car's vehicle identification number (VIN).
• Your credit card for payment.

NOTE: Your address must be correct to order online. If you need to change your address, do so prior to applying.

Restrictions

The following types of specialty license plates are currently NOT available for online ordering:

• Amateur Radio.
• Purple Heart.
• Purple Heart Medal Motorcycle.
• Street Rod.
• Veteran.
• Veteran Motorcycle.

Personalized Plates

Standard plates and many specialty plates can be personalized for an additional fee.

To apply, take the steps outlined above.

If you have a personalized plate but want to change to another plate, you can do so by:

• Visiting any MVD office (or office of an authorized third party).
• Paying the special plate fee.

Energy Efficient Plates

Certain vehicles qualify for Arizona's Energy Efficient Plate Program, which gives drivers of these vehicles full access to AZ's high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.

If interested in participating in this program:

• Check your vehicle's eligibility.
• If eligible, apply online.

Renew Arizona Specialty Plates

Renewal fees for your specialty plates are due on the date of your vehicle's registration renewal, even if you only recently purchased your special/personalized plate.

If you want to purchase a custom plate and your registration renewal is due within 3 months, the MVD suggests that you renew early (before you submit your special plate application) in order to avoid paying a renewal special plate fee almost immediately after registering.

AZ allows you to renew your plates:

• In person.
• Online.
• By phone.
• By mail.

To renew a disability or hearing impaired plate, fill out the Disability/Hearing Impaired Plate/Placard (Form 96-0104).

Visit our page on renewing your registration in AZ for more information.

Replacing Specialty License Plates

If your special plate is lost or damaged, you can have it replaced by:

• Complete a Special Plate Application (Form 96-0143).
  • Note on the application that you are requesting a replacement for a lost or damaged plate.
• Pay the $5 replacement fee (plus shipping and handling if mailing).
• Take your form to your local MVD branch (or authorized third-party office) or mail it to the address on the form.

To replace a disability or hearing impaired plate, complete the Disability/Hearing Impaired Plate/Placard (Form 96-0104). Your form must have the signature of a notary or MVD agent.

Transferring Specialty Plates in AZ

When you sell your car, your special license plate remains with you. You can transfer it to another vehicle that you own.

Plate Credit

If the registration was not expired on the car you sold, you may be able to receive credit towards the registration of the car to which you transfer your plates. You will want to do this as soon as possible. Possible credit reduces each month.

If you have a plate credit over $12 you may be eligible for a refund. You can check your plate credit eligibility online.

Plate Refund

If you do not wish to transfer your specialty plates to another vehicle, you may be able to receive a refund if your plate credit is over $12.

You can check your plate refund eligibility online.

AZ Specialty Plates Fees

Personalized and Specialty license plates fees typically apply* as follows:

• Personalized: $27.30.
  • Personalized renewal: $25.

• Speciality Plate: $27.30.
  • Speciality Plate renewal: $27.30.
• Speciality Plate Personalized: $50.
  • Speciality Plate Personalized renewal: $50.
• Replacement: $5.

• 1 plate: $2.30.
• Motorcycle plate: $2.30.