[gjallen3]

I'll be moving permanently to AZ in about a year. I have a home there now with a 2017 Ford Fusion as my daily driver. I'll be bringing out my 1970 Mach 1 with me and want to get it tagged with Antique or Classic Car plates and registered as such. My first question is what is the difference between antique and classic if there is any? I know the car is exempt from emission testing regardless. Second question. Are there any restrictions on where or how often I can drive? I also want to put replica YOM (Year of Manufacture) plates on the car that would be correct for 1970, but I also want to customize it with a Vanity Number. The vanity number I want is available now so I'm thinking I'd like to get it now and assign it to the Fusion. When I permanently move to AZ, transfer that vanity number to the Mach 1. My third question is will this be possible? Can you have an Antique/Classic license with a vanity number?

 

[GT289]

That's our retirement destination as well; we've put in an offer on a house there.
I don't know the answers to those questions but there are several VMF members
that live in Arizona that undoubtedly do.

 

[LeeFred]

I'll be moving permanently to AZ in about a year. I have a home there now with a 2017 Ford Fusion as my daily driver. I'll be bringing out my 1970 Mach 1 with me and want to get it tagged with Antique or Classic Car plates and registered as such. My first question is what is the difference between antique and classic if there is any? I know the car is exempt from emission testing regardless. Second question. Are there any restrictions on where or how often I can drive? I also want to put replica YOM (Year of Manufacture) plates on the car that would be correct for 1970, but I also want to customize it with a Vanity Number. The vanity number I want is available now so I'm thinking I'd like to get it now and assign it to the Fusion. When I permanently move to AZ, transfer that vanity number to the Mach 1. My third question is will this be possible? Can you have an Antique/Classic license with a vanity number?

Just did a bit of research, and it appears you cannot order the classic/historic plates for the Fusion and transfer them later to the Mach 1. The only "classic vehicle" plate you can get for your Mach 1 here in AZ is the "Historic Vehicle" plate, which states on the AZ DOT website, "$25 initial application fee/ $10 annual renewal. Vehicle must indicate a model date of original manufacture that is at least 25 years old. May require a vehicle inspection." When I checked on the "ServiceArizona" website, where one can order license plates for vehicles, there are no provisions to personalize the "Historic Vehicle" plate. I do have a YOM plate on my 65, and there are no restrictions on when, where, how far, etc., on operating my vehicle.

I don't know if you can use replica YOM plates here in Arizona. You'll have to contact the Arizona DOT in regards to that.

Arizona has four different "classic" vehicle plates. "Street Rod" - for 1948 or older vehicles; "Classic Car" - for fine or distinctive vehicles, i.e., Deuesenberg, Packard, Studebaker, etc.; Horseless Carriage - 1915 or older vehicles; and finally the "Historic Vehicle" - 25 years or older.

Be aware that effective 12/01/2018, Arizona has enacted a $32 per vehicle tax, errrrr, I mean FEE. It is to be paid yearly on top of your annual vehicle registration. This extra tax money, I mean FEE, is being used to fund the Arizona Department of Public Safety aka Highway Patrol.

When it comes to emissions testing, if you live in the Phoenix or Tucson metro area, then the following applies: "Vehicles that are model year 1967 and newer and more than 5 years old require emissions—this includes gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles. Alternative fuel, flexible fuel (E85) and hybrid vehicles also require emissions. Newer vehicles are exempt for the first 5 years of registration. Some vehicles may require a different schedule. If unsure, call 1-877-myAZcar (1-877-692-9227.)" All other areas of Arizona do not require annual emissions testing.

 

[Boss5Oh]

AZ Specialty Plates

Already in AZ and I have a 1970 Mach 1 in restoration. Provided below are the specialty plate selections available. To my knowledge, a specialty plate places no restrictions on use, but for the classic and historic plates the vehicle has to be 25 years old to qualify.

For what it is worth, after living in CA for the majority of my life, AZ is paradise. It is a much better place to retire than continuing with the rat race in CA.

Lots of car guys here in Prescott. Lots of car shows and events in the Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Moving your vehicle registrations over is simple, but not painless. I was surprised at the registration fees charged. Somehow I had the belief the registration would be less in AZ vs. CA, not so much. The MVD added a $32 fee the first of 2019 that is supposed to fund the Highway Patrol. Just another way to tax everyone with a car. It is a shell game really, the money previously used to fund the Highway Patrol is now used to fund the raises for the teachers. There is talk that the gas taxes are going to go up to fund road maintenance and improvements. Don't get me wrong, the teachers needed salary increases, but the way the governor went about funding those raises was not discussed in advance. The MVD fee was originally estimated to be $18, but set a $32 to everyone's surprise.

https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicles/VehicleServices/PlatesandPlacards/plate-selections

 

[gjallen3]

Thanks for the reply. I see the Historic tags and I guess that is all I can get when I register the car as a Historic vehicle, but I have thought up a good vanity number that is available and I'd like to use. But as far as I can tell you have to go with the number they assign you.
I only recently became aware of the replica YOM plates and now like everything else about this car, I'm obsessed with getting an authentic looking, 1970 correct license plate with my vanity number.
I have been a part time resident of AZ for about 25 years and I have seen lots of change, but what disturbs me the most is seeing east coast (New Jersey) type fees, taxes, and regulations creep into the state. You would think everything is worse in NJ, and for the most part it is, but gasoline,despite an almost 50 cent per gallon tax is actually about 35 cents less per gallon less than AZ. I can't imagine gas being any higher in AZ with new taxes. I'm really looking forward to day trips in the Mach 1 to places exactly like Prescott, then maybe up to Sedona. Good luck with your Mach 1 restoration. I'm 99.9% complete. That's why I get crazy over silly things like license plates when there is nothing left to do on the car. The last time I restored a 66 Mustang convertible to perfect. So perfect there was nothing left to do and I became bored and sold it. Not this time. They'll bury me in the Mach 1.

 

[GearHeadPeter]

The reason gas is higher here is there are no refineries here. We get all of our gas from CA.

 

[ginpunk]

You must have your car inspected when you bring it in to AZ. Being a 1970, it’ll need a smog certificate. All smog stations here are state run and you can check out how busy they are on line. Fee is cheep.

Once you have this done, MVD will build the title and fees with it and issue registration.


If you are a stereotypical Jerseyite, please leave your lefty politics back there and leave free out here. Youll be glad you did.

 

[gjallen3]

No worries about my politics. I am far, far, from your typical Jerseyite. That's why we are moving out of here. Before someone turns off the lights. But there are more of us here than you might think. We just don't make a lot of noise.
I did some more research and I do have some answers, and a few questions. AZ does accept YOM plates in place of the Copper Historic Plates. You can find the old 1970 plates for sale on Ebay. Those can be replicated so you don't put an old narly one on your car. But my question is can you have a vanity Historic plate, or can you get a modern 2019 plate with vanity numbers and still avoid inspections? Or is the only way to avoid it is by getting the copper Historic plates?

 

[LeeFred]

What area of Arizona are you planning on moving into?

It's been awhile since I transferred title to here in AZ, but when I got my car inspected before being issued an AZ title, the only inspection I went through was to verify the VIN. But I also live in a non-emissions testing region of AZ.

Earlier today, I went through the process of ordering a copper Historic Vehicle plate just to see what it entails. There was no way to make it a vanity plate. It appears to be whatever the state, and what numbers the inmates up in Florence stamp out that week, come up with when you apply.

Before I purchased my YOM plate that's currently on my car, I ran the numbers through ADOT, and they came back clear, so I ordered the plate and registered it.

When you order a license plate here in AZ, you own it. You can transfer it to another vehicle. In the case of the specialty plates, the vehicle it is transferred to must meet the requirements for the plate. So you cannot order a Historic Vehicle plate for your Mach 1, then later on decide to put it on your 2017 Fusion, for example.

 

[Boss5Oh]

You must have your car inspected when you bring it in to AZ. Being a 1970, it’ll need a smog certificate. All smog stations here are state run and you can check out how busy they are on line. Fee is cheep.

Once you have this done, MVD will build the title and fees with it and issue registration.


If you are a stereotypical Jerseyite, please leave your lefty politics back there and leave free out here. Youll be glad you did.

Not my experience in Prescott. I have brought 4 cars from CA into AZ, none required any inspection of any kind. One vehicle was my 1970 Mach 1 and I simply paid the tax and registration fees. This was a good thing as the car did not run and won't for years until the restoration is complete. We don't have regular smog inspections here in Prescott either, something that is required in the Phoenix area I believe. So I would say it depends on where you are moving to regarding the inspections, both at the time of registration and recurring smog.

 

[ginpunk]

Bless you my son! WELCOME to ARIZONA. You will love it.

No worries about my politics. I am far, far, from your typical Jerseyite. That's why we are moving out of here. Before someone turns off the lights. But there are more of us here than you might think. We just don't make a lot of noise.

 

[bmcgc]

Ive lived in Tucson 3x. Mid-60s, early 70s, late 90s. All three times it changed, I love the memories, but would not move there today, although I want to.

The lefties have forever changed Arizona.

 

[ginpunk]

I imported my car from the Republic of California in August. However, I am in Phoenix. MVD said inspection was necessary.

What area of Arizona are you planning on moving into?

It's been awhile since I transferred title to here in AZ, but when I got my car inspected before being issued an AZ title, the only inspection I went through was to verify the VIN. But I also live in a non-emissions testing region of AZ.

The person that inspected my car loved it ('65 Fastback) so, to be sure it passed, I asked her if she wanted to sit in it and I'd snap her picture. She said, "I'm going to upload it to Instagram!'. Did the same thing inside the MVD office, she took me up as well.

 

[arcane73]

I -think- that if you choose to run the copper plates (historic vehicle) then you're excluded from the emissions testing requirement.
When I bought my 68, it had standard plates on it. I switched them over to the historic plates when i registered it in my name and, living in phoenix, have not been required to have the car sniffed.

Both of my dailies have to get sniffed regularly. (yearly)

 

[Laurie_S]

If you will be living in Phoenix, you will have to pass emissions or have specialty insurance. The copper antique plates do not excuse you from emissions testing. The $32 fee was overturned last week. Welcome to Arizona! The Old Pueblo Mustang Club will be hosting our fourth MCA National Show next year in March at the Casino Del Sol.

 

[vegasloki]

The lefties have forever changed Arizona.

Interesting, seeing how in the last 20 years both the state house and state senate have been under Republican control. And three of the last four governors have been Republicans. And except for the US Senator elected last year since 1995 all have been Republicans. The Democrats do have you guys by one seat in the US Congress but it's historically been bright, bright red. Except for once in 96 when AZ went for Slick Willy AZ has chosen Republican presidential candidates since 1952. Of course notwithstanding the fact there are more declared registered Republicans than Democrats. Those lefties must have some kind of superpower to make that big of a difference in a place that's been resoundingly Republican for the last 70 years or so. It would be interesting to see how they got all that socialist legislation through a Republican governor and state house... :shrug:

 

[LeeFred]

The $32 fee was overturned last week.

Last I saw, the repeal made it through the Senate on Feb 12, and was headed to the House. Ducey says he'll veto it, but it appears there are enough votes to override his veto. I don't believe that it has been repealed as of yet because I can't imagine anything was done by the Legislature in 3 days...especially before a 3 day weekend. But I'm crossing my fingers because there was some shady backdoor maneuvering they played up there in Phoenix to get that TAX passed.

 

[bmcgc]

Interesting, seeing how in the last 20 years both the state house and state senate have been under Republican control. And three of the last four governors have been Republicans. And except for the US Senator elected last year since 1995 all have been Republicans. The Democrats do have you guys by one seat in the US Congress but it's historically been bright, bright red. Except for once in 96 when AZ went for Slick Willy AZ has chosen Republican presidential candidates since 1952. Of course notwithstanding the fact there are more declared registered Republicans than Democrats. Those lefties must have some kind of superpower to make that big of a difference in a place that's been resoundingly Republican for the last 70 years or so. It would be interesting to see how they got all that socialist legislation through a Republican governor and state house... :shrug:

Im at a loss of how Republicans keep getting elected in AZ when the people clearly do not support Republican values or policies. My neck of the woods is Tucson, my sister still lives there and I visit whenever I can. Tucson is becoming more and more a cross between California and Mexico. High crime, high unemployment, low wages, unaffordable housing, anti ICE, pro illegal immigration, my B-I-L is a police officer in Tucson, hates it.

I love the weather, the scenic beauty, the open space, rodeo and Tex-Mex to mention a few, but I see moving there as a sideways move from where I am now.

 

[Scode67FB]

Does anybody know what constitutes "outside of the Phoenix metro area? I'm considering relocating to that area when my daughter finishes school in a couple of years. I would love to avoid dealing with emissions testing.

 

[supershifter2]

Good ole Mysharona I mean anozirA !