When selling a vehicle, what must the owner do within 30 days?

When selling a vehicle in Arizona, the owner must transfer the license plate to another vehicle they own or turn it in to the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) within 30 days of the sale. This step is essential because the license plate is associated with the owner, not the vehicle itself. By ensuring that the plate is transferred or returned, the owner prevents any future liability or responsibility for the vehicle, as the license plate remains linked to the seller in official records. Additionally, this process helps maintain accurate vehicle registration information within the state.

Transferring the title is also a critical part of selling a vehicle, but it does not alone fulfill the requirement concerning the license plate. Removing the plate and applying for a new one is unnecessary unless the owner is acquiring a different vehicle, and requesting a refund from the MVD applies specifically to special circumstances such as returning a vehicle registration rather than a requirement upon sale.