Moving Car from CA to AZ. Process ? (Phoenix: car insurance, DMV)

[abhisheks77]

Hello,

We are moving from CA to Arizona in second week of April. We have 2009 Camry, which we will keep in new state. I have registration and Insurance (Mercury) valid till May. Please help me to understand, if I am understanding it correctly. I will need to -
- Apply for AZ license (written test as well behind the wheel)
- Registration of vehicle (have to go in person to DMV)
- I will get new license plate

Am I missing anything or sequence ?
Can I wait till one month after reaching in AZ and then start this process ?
Do I need to do anything before my movement from CA ?

Regards

[DetroitN8V]

If you have a drivers license already, you don't need a written or a road test to obtain an AZ drivers license. You'll just go to the MVD, apply for a drivers license and register your car. They'll give you your new license and plate right then and there.

[abhisheks77]

Thanks.
I need to book an online appointment to go to MVD (as we do in CA) ?
Do I need to register immediately after reaching there or I will have some time frame ?
Its a dumb question, but what should I do with CA license plate ? Just throw it ?

[cre8lite]

the mvd will take your california plates when you register your car

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by abhisheks77

Hello,

We are moving from CA to Arizona in second week of April. We have 2009 Camry, which we will keep in new state. I have registration and Insurance (Mercury) valid till May. Please help me to understand, if I am understanding it correctly. I will need to -
- Apply for AZ license (written test as well behind the wheel)
- Registration of vehicle (have to go in person to DMV)
- I will get new license plate

Am I missing anything or sequence ?
Can I wait till one month after reaching in AZ and then start this process ?
Do I need to do anything before my movement from CA ?

Regards

Seriously, Abhisheks . . . I have a feeling you are in for a pleasant surprise.

Although it has been a few years since I relocated from California to Arizona, I remember how pleasant my entire experience at the Arizona MVD was compared to the fiascos at the DMV in California.

Plan on a couple of hours to lessen any stress . . . take all of your paperwork plus the vehicle to the local MVD (AFTER visiting the nearest Emission Testing Facility if required) and you will walk away with a New Title, New Plates and much less out of wallet expenses than expected.

WELCOME and Good Luck.

[jamies]

First step drive car from Cali to AZ. After you cross the river, stop, get on your knees and kiss the land of freedom. Then face the settng sun and flip the bird to the west.

Go to DMV late on a Wednesday, unless you are in Phoenix there will be little wait. Present CA DL, fill out form, take eye test, get photo. Give auto reg and ins. They may or may not go look at it, depending on where you are. Pay $$ take plate (one plate) affix to car. DL will come in mail.

Then go outside, count the money you saved and shout FREEDOM!

[abhisheks77]

Thanks a lot.
I am much relaxed and happy now :-)

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by abhisheks77

Thanks a lot.
I am much relaxed and happy now :-)

Another biggee, Abhisheks . . .

After your initial visit to the Arizona MVD and you become an official Arizonian, most, if not all, of your future transactions are easily performed on their website.

It has been years since I have needed to visit the MVD.

[elcajones]

Originally Posted by abhisheks77

Hello,

We are moving from CA to Arizona in second week of April. We have 2009 Camry, which we will keep in new state. I have registration and Insurance (Mercury) valid till May. Please help me to understand, if I am understanding it correctly. I will need to -
- Apply for AZ license (written test as well behind the wheel)
- Registration of vehicle (have to go in person to DMV)
- I will get new license plate

Am I missing anything or sequence ?
Can I wait till one month after reaching in AZ and then start this process ?
Do I need to do anything before my movement from CA ?

Regards

Coming from out of state you will have to take an emissions test first. Locations can be found here.

Phoenix Area Locations | Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

It's $27 you pay at the emissions center and in my experience, as long as you don't have a major exhaust leak or check engine light, you'll pass.

You'll be fine for a month with your California plates. When I moved here I kept my CA registration til it expired (it was like 6 months, no issues). You don't have to take a driving test, just swap out your license for an az license. Registration is way cheaper here. Car insurance is quite a bit more though, at least coming from San Diego.

[abhisheks77]

Thanks a lot elcajones