Yes, you can get a refund on your car registration in Arizona, but only under very specific circumstances. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) does not issue refunds simply because you sold your vehicle, moved out of state, or stopped using the car. The primary scenario for a refund is if you paid for registration fees and then the vehicle was totaled, stolen, or salvaged before the registration period expired. You must apply for the refund within one year of the incident.
The refund amount is calculated on a pro-rated basis, meaning you'll receive a portion of your fee based on the number of full months remaining on the registration. For example, if you paid for a full year and the vehicle is declared a total loss six months into the registration, you could be eligible for a refund covering the remaining six months. Application fees and other one-time charges are typically non-refundable.
To apply, you must submit a Claim for Refund (Form 96-0248) to the Arizona MVD. Required documentation usually includes the vehicle's title, a copy of the police report (if stolen), or documentation from your insurance company confirming the vehicle was a total loss. The process is not automatic, so you must initiate it yourself. If your license plates are still in your possession, you may also need to surrender them.
| Refund Scenario | Eligible? | Key Requirement | Refund Calculation |
|---|
| Vehicle Totaled in Accident | Yes | Submit insurance "total loss" documents | Pro-rated for full months remaining |
| Vehicle Stolen & Not Recovered | Yes | Submit police report | Pro-rated for full months remaining |
| Vehicle Sold or Traded In | No | N/A | Registration credit may transfer to new owner |
| Moved Out of Arizona | No | N/A | No refund issued |
| Duplicate Payment | Yes | Provide proof of duplicate payment | Full refund of the duplicate amount |
| Registration Fee Overpayment | Yes | MVD must acknowledge the error | Refund of the overpaid amount |
It's crucial to understand that if you sell your car, you cannot get a refund. However, the remaining registration may be credited to the new owner when they title and register the vehicle, which can be a selling point. Always contact the Arizona MVD directly or visit their official website for the most current forms and detailed instructions.
