If you just bought a car in Arizona without plates, or if your current registration is expired, you cannot just drive it “carefully” to the shop. You need a permit.
Arizona offers four specific types of temporary tags, ranging from a $1.00 “quick fix” to a 90-Day solution for out-of-state buyers.
This guide explains which permit you qualify for, how to print it instantly from AZ MVD Now, and why the “Restricted” permit might get you pulled over if you use it for grocery runs.
3-Day Restricted Use Permit Arizona: $1 Emissions/Repair Only (Max 3 Permits/Year)
Best For: Emissions tests, repairs, or driving to the MVD. Cost: $1.00. Validity: 3 Business Days.
This is the cheapest and most common permit, but it is Restricted. You legally cannot use this permit to drive to work or the grocery store. It is only for vehicle compliance trips.
- Allowed Uses:
- Driving to an Emissions Testing Station.
- Driving to a repair shop (for inspection/emissions repairs).
- Driving to an MVD or Third Party office to apply for title/registration.
- The Limit: You can only purchase 3 of these permits per vehicle in any 12-month period.
How to Get It: Log in to AZ MVD Now. Click “Permits” > “Restricted Use 3-Day.” You can print it immediately.
30-Day General Use Permit Arizona: $15 Any Purpose (1 Permit Per Vehicle Per Year)
Best For: Driving a car while waiting for paperwork or private sale title transfers. Cost: $15.00. Validity: 30 Days.
Unlike the 3-Day permit, this is a General Use tag. You can drive to work, school, or out of state.
- The Catch: You can only buy ONE 30-Day General Permit per vehicle every 12 months.
- Requirement: You must prove ownership (Title or Bill of Sale) to get this.
- Where to Buy: Online via AZ MVD Now or at any MVD office.
Arizona Dealer TRP: 45-Day Temporary Registration Plates (Strict Dealer Limit)
If you buy a car from a licensed Arizona dealer (like a Toyota or Ford dealership), you don’t need to do anything.
- What You Get: A cardboard Temporary Registration Plate (TRP) attached to the rear of the car.
- Validity: 45 Days (Strict Limit).
- The Process: The dealer acts as your agent. They collect your sales tax and fees and submit the title work to the state. Your metal plates should arrive by mail before the 45 days are up.
- Warning: If your paper plate expires and metal ones haven’t arrived, contact the dealer immediately. Do not drive on an expired TRP.
Arizona 90-Day Permits: Non-Resident (Out-of-State) vs Resident
Arizona has two specific permits for people moving across state lines.
Option A: 90-Day Non-Resident Permit (Leaving AZ)
If you live in another state (e.g., California) but buy a car in Arizona to drive home:
- Cost: $15.00.
- Purpose: Allows you to legally drive the car out of Arizona without paying Arizona Vehicle License Tax (VLT).
- Requirement: You must show proof of out-of-state residency (Driver’s License) and sign an affidavit that you will register the car elsewhere.
Option B: 90-Day Resident Registration (Staying in AZ)
If you are a new resident but are missing documents (like a lien release from your old bank):
- Cost: $15.00.
- Purpose: Allows you to drive legally while your bank sends the title.
- Next Step: Once your paperwork is sorted, you will need to finish your registration and likely transfer your out-of-state license to Arizona to fully become a resident.
Which Permit Do You Need?
| Permit Type | Cost | Valid For | Usage | Limit |
| Restricted Use | $1.00 | 3 Days | Repairs / Emissions Only | 3 per Year |
| General Use | $15.00 | 30 Days | Any (Work/School) | 1 per Year |
| Dealer TRP | Included | 45 Days | Any (Wait for Plates) | Issued by Dealer |
| Non-Resident | $15.00 | 90 Days | Driving Out of State | Once per Sale |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Arizona law strictly limits you to one 30-day permit per year. If it expires and you still can’t register the car, you cannot legally drive it.
Buy the $1.00 Restricted Permit. This gives you 3 days to drive it to a mechanic. If it takes longer to fix, you can buy a second $1.00 permit (up to 3 times total).
Yes. Authorized Third Party (ATP) offices can issue all these permits, but they often charge a “convenience fee” on top of the state fee. If you want to save money, verify if you can print it yourself on AZ MVD Now. If you need an in-person visit, check our guide on Arizona MVD appointments to skip the line.
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