Moving to Arizona
About 256,000 people moved to Arizona from other states in 2023.
- California sent about 54,200, more than three times the next state.
- Texas sent about 16,800, Washington and Florida about 12,800 each, Oregon about 10,500, and Illinois about 9,000.
- Arizona gives no grace period after you become a resident.
- Register the car and get an Arizona driver license once you meet the residency test.
- This page covers every Arizona-destination route we track.
Arizona at a Glance
Taxes
Climate
Hot desert climate with dry heat, sunny skies, and mild winters.
Cost of Living
Why People Move to Arizona
On cost, Arizona sits above the national average.
- The MERIC first quarter 2026 series put the cost of living index at 107.6, ranked 37th.
- Housing is the high component at 119.0, and groceries are slightly below average at 99.6.
- Taxes are low.
- The Tax Foundation lists a flat 2.50 percent income tax and a 0.48 percent effective property tax rate on owner-occupied homes.
- The state sales tax is 5.60 percent, and the average combined state and local rate is 8.52 percent.
- Arizona is also a community property state.
- Property either spouse acquires during the marriage is community property, except gifts and inheritances.
Plan for heat and air conditioning.
- At Phoenix Sky Harbor, the NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals show an average July high of 106.5°F and about 111 days a year at 100°F or hotter.
- In the EIA 2024 data, the average Arizona home used about 1,075 kWh of electricity a month, with an average bill of about $160.
Popular Routes Moving to Arizona
After You Arrive in Arizona
Register your car as soon as you become a resident
Register a vehicle from another state as soon as you become an Arizona resident. You count as a resident if any one of these applies. You stay in Arizona seven months or more in a calendar year. You work here, except in seasonal agricultural work. You register to vote here. You put children in school without paying the nonresident tuition rate. You get a state license or pay school tuition at the resident rate.
Source: Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) MVD, New to AZGet an Arizona driver license once you are a resident
State law lets a nonresident drive on a valid license from their home state. The exemption is for nonresidents only. Once you become an Arizona resident, get an Arizona driver license.
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes 28-3152, Driver license exemptionsTitle and register the car in person at an MVD office
Bring a signed Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236) and the out-of-state title. If a lender holds the title, bring the out-of-state registration instead. In the Phoenix and Tucson areas, also bring an emissions compliance form. Bring a lien clearance if it applies. For a leased car, bring a power of attorney from the lessor.
Source: ADOT MVD, Vehicle RegistrationPass an emissions test first in the Phoenix and Tucson areas
Residents of the Phoenix and Tucson areas must have their vehicles pass an emissions test. So must people who commute into those areas for work or school. A new resident in the area must pass the test before registration, unless the vehicle is exempt. Vehicles are exempt for their first five years of registration. All-electric vehicles are exempt, but hybrids are not. At the test station, show the title or registration and your residence address.
Source: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, myAZcar FAQsSend proof of Arizona insurance within 30 days
Insure every vehicle you drive on Arizona roads with Arizona liability insurance. After you register, you have 30 days to submit proof of it. The minimum is $25,000 for injury to one person and $50,000 for two or more persons. The minimum for property damage is $15,000. Without insurance, MVD can suspend your registration or driver license.
Source: ADOT MVD, Insurance Information and RequirementsRegister to vote by the 29th day before an election
The deadline to register or update your registration is midnight on the 29th day before the election. If you have an Arizona driver license or ID card, you can register online through AZ MVD Now. To vote a full ballot, which includes state and local races, submit proof of citizenship.
Source: Arizona Secretary of State, Registering to VoteArizona DMV & Registration
Go to an MVD office for both the license and the car.
- No appointment is needed.
- For the license, bring your current license, proof of authorized presence in the U.S., and your Social Security number.
- A Travel ID (REAL ID) is optional and needs two documents that show your Arizona address.
- For each car, bring a signed Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236) and the out-of-state title.
- If a lender holds the title, bring the out-of-state registration instead.
- In the Phoenix and Tucson areas, pass the emissions test before you go.
- After you register, you have 30 days to submit proof of Arizona insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to get an Arizona driver license after moving?
Arizona does not give new residents a set number of days.
- State law lets a nonresident drive on a valid license from their home state, and that exemption ends when you become a resident.
- Apply in person at an MVD office.
- Bring your current license, proof of authorized presence in the U.S., and your Social Security number.
- For a Travel ID (REAL ID), also bring two documents that show your Arizona address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
How long do you have to live in Arizona to be considered a resident?
For vehicle registration, you are a resident if you stay in Arizona seven months or more in a calendar year.
- You are also a resident if any one of these applies.
- You work in Arizona, except in seasonal agricultural work.
- You register to vote here.
- You put children in public school without paying nonresident tuition.
- You get a state license or pay school tuition at the resident rate.
How do I register my car when I move to Arizona?
Register it in person at an MVD office as soon as you become a resident.
- Bring a signed Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236), the out-of-state title, and payment for the title and registration fees.
- If a lender holds the title, bring the out-of-state registration instead.
- Bring a lien clearance if it applies.
- For a leased car, bring a power of attorney from the lessor.
- In the Phoenix and Tucson areas, also bring an emissions compliance form.
How much does it cost to register a car in Arizona?
Arizona charges a vehicle license tax based on the car's value.
- In the car's first year, the value is 60 percent of the manufacturer's base retail price, and the tax is $2.80 for each $100 of that value.
- The value drops 16.25 percent for each year of the car's age after that, and the tax is then $2.89 for each $100.
- The minimum is $10 a year.
- You also pay title and registration fees.
Does my car need an emissions test in Arizona?
Only in the Phoenix and Tucson areas, including if you commute into them for work or school.
- There, a new resident must pass the test before registration.
- Vehicles are exempt for their first five years of registration.
- All-electric vehicles are exempt, but hybrids must test.
- Bring the current title or registration and your residence address to the test station.
What car insurance do I need in Arizona?
Liability insurance from a company authorized in Arizona.
- Out-of-state insurance does not count.
- The minimum is $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 for two or more persons, and $15,000 for property damage.
- Submit proof within 30 days after you register.
- Without it, MVD can suspend your registration or driver license.