8.16.7

DISTINCTIVE VEHICLE LICENSE PLATES

Effective Date: April 01, 2026

Review Due: April 01, 2028

Summary of Changes

No changes needed per the two year review.

Purpose

Guidelines for the issuance of distinctive vehicle license plates.

Authority

Two Year Review, A.R.S. §§ 1-215, 28-2352, 28-2356, 28-2403, 28-2511, 28-2512, 28-2513, 28-2514, 28-2402, 28-2403, 28-2405, 28-2409, 28-2416, 28-2511, 35-146 and 35-147.

Policy

1. The Division is authorized to issue the distinctive vehicle license plates as follows:

1. Farm Vehicle
2. Government
3. Moped
4. Off-Road Recreational

2. The distinctive vehicle license plates are not available with the International Symbol of Access (é).

3. The distinctive vehicle license plates may not be personalized.

4. The fee to replace a lost, stolen or mutilated distinctive vehicle license plate is $5 plus postage and handling.

Farm Vehicle License Plate

5. The Farm Vehicle License Plate is issued to a vehicle that is strictly for commercial farming use. Vehicles that are:

1. Operated by and for commercial farming or the raising of commercial stock.
2. Used to transport agricultural products, machinery or supplies to or from a commercial farming or a commercial stock raising operation.
3. Not used in the operations of a For-Hire Motor Carrier.

• For-Hire Motor Carrier means a person engaged in and compensated directly for the transportation of goods or passengers.

6. In addition to other applicable fees, the following fees are required:

1. An initial application fee of $25.
2. A special annual renewal fee of $8.
3. A special plate transfer fee of $12.
4. Postage and Handling, see Postage and Handling Fees chart.

Government Vehicle License Plates

7. A Government Vehicle License Plate may be issued to any vehicle that is owned by:

1. A foreign government.
2. A Consul or any other official representative of a foreign government.
3. The United States.
4. A city, town, county, state or federal agency.
5. A political Subdivision of a state.
6. A Tribal government.
7. A provider of an ambulance, firefighting or rescue service that is used solely for the purpose of providing emergency services.
8. A non-profit organization that presents a form approved by the Division Director of Emergency Management.

8. The Government License Plate may be issued to any type of vehicle and is a permanent plate that does not require a validation tab.

9. A Government License Plate may be assigned to another vehicle that is titled in the name of the same department, agency or political subdivision. Either of the following documents are required:

1. A copy of the new registration.
2. A statement on agency letterhead which contains the following information:

1. The agency name and address.
2. The vehicle information.
3. The plate number that is being transferred.

10. The Division does not charge a fee for the initial issuance or transfer of a Government License Plate.

11. A $5 plate replacement fee is required if the Government License Plate is destroyed, lost or becomes illegible.

12. A Government agency that meets all of the qualifications above may qualify for a Government Alternative Fuel License Plate or a Government Energy Efficient License Plate if the registered vehicle meets the qualifications; see Policy 8.16.3 Alternative Fuel License Plate or 8.16.8 Energy Efficient License Plate.

Moped License Plate

13. A moped License Plate may be issued to a vehicle that meets the criteria for a moped registration; see Policy 8.10.8 Moped Registration.

14. There is no fee for a Moped License Plate.

Off-Road Recreational License Plate

15. An Off-Road Recreational License Plate may be issued to a vehicle that meets the criteria of an off-road recreational vehicle; see Policy 8.13.4 Off-Highway Vehicle.

16. The Off-Road Recreational License Plate is issued for the sole purpose of identifying the off-road vehicle. The Off-Road plate alone does not authorize a person to operate the vehicle on public roadways.

17. The initial plate fee of $8 is required at the time of issuance and there is no annual renewal fee.

18. The Off-Road Recreational License Plate must be removed at the time of sale of transfer and the following shall apply:

1. The Off-Road Recreational License plate is transferable to a newly acquired vehicle.
2. No plate transfer fee is required.
3. The Off-Highway Vehicle Decal is not transferable; see Policy 8.13.4 Off-Highway Vehicle.