jimbob
Posts:113
 | | 12/11/2007 6:01 PM |
 Alert | We moved recently and need to get our cars registered here and get our AZ driver's licenses. Has anyone done this recently that can give us some pointers?
From looking at the site it looks like we need to have our cars smog checked and take in our title, proof of insurance, and identification. Also, on the site it says they need to do an inspection. What does that involve? Will they care that my front windshield has a crack in it? (Any recommendations for someone to come out and replace my windshield?)
Anything else we're not thinking of? Any particular MVD location that you prefer? We just want to be prepared so it goes as smoothly as possible. Thanks!
-j | |
Our website:http://jamesandchanin.com | |
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OBG II
Posts:447
| | 12/11/2007 7:30 PM |
Alert | Casa grande mvd is not bad at all.
we have had one car turned down for a windshield crack.
they will look at your vin and your title or registration and thats it. If you know your GPS coordinates they may not require a smog inspection.
AAA Glass does a good job and they come to the Copa certain days of the week or if you work in town they will come to you.
You may have to take a DL test. | |
Hay! I am now running for VPeep!
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mallardisme
Posts:531
| | 12/11/2007 8:06 PM |
Alert | We did ours at the MVD in Maricopa (next to the tracks).
They needed license, registration, proof of insurance and then did their inspection, which involved matching VIN and serial numbers of various components. No smog, although we were up for them this round in california. We had the plates the same day and registered for 2 years.
It was pretty simple.
A lot better than what I have had to do in the past. The people were nice as well. A lot cheaper too.  | |
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jimbob
Posts:113
| | 12/11/2007 8:33 PM |
Alert | OBG, when you were turned down for the windshield were you still able to register but just had to go back later to confirm the fix? Or did they pretty much just send you home? If they just sent you home then I should definitely get that window fixed first. Whatchoo talking about GPS coordinates? We just had our cars smogged a few months ago in CA but on the phone they said we'll need to have them smogged here as well. If we don't need it we could save some dough but if we do I'd rather get it out of the way and not have to drag it on.
Thanks mallardisme. There's an MVD in Maricopa? I thought we'd have to drive into Casa Grande or Chandler at least. Where exactly is it? Or are you telling stories?
So, it kinda sounds like we just have to go and see what happens. Maybe we can get away with no smog check and no window replacement. | |
Our website:http://jamesandchanin.com | |
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Fritzydoodle
Posts:930
| | 12/11/2007 8:48 PM |
Alert | Thanks mallardisme. There's an MVD in Maricopa? I thought we'd have to drive into Casa Grande or Chandler at least. Where exactly is it? Or are you telling stories?
Mallard is 1/2 correct. There is a private, charge an additional fee type MVD service in Maricopa at the Stage Stop on the Mar/CG Hwy. They can do the auto registration but not the drivers license change. You'll need to go to either Casa Grande or Chandler to do that. So you might as well go to a state MVD office.
The rules for emissions testing are a bit complicated for Maricopa. If you live in the City of Maricopa and work anywhere in Maricopa County - you need emissions testing. If you live in the City of Maricopa and work in Pinal County - you don't need emissions testing. If you live in the city limits you don't need the GPS location. If you are in the county boonies - you'll need your GPS to help.
The inspection is mainly a VIN check - but they will do a basic safety check. As far as the windshield - who knows if they will or won't pass you. You might as well get it fixed.
The directions to the CG office is simple. Turn east on the Maricopa/Casa Grande Hwy. Take it 22 miles into CG. The office is just past Pinal Avenue on the north side of the road. | |
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jimbob
Posts:113
| | 12/11/2007 8:58 PM |
Alert | OH OK, thanks for the clarification. One question, how would they know which county I work in? I typically work from home so that would mean I work in Pinal county. And since we live in Maricopa (not in the boonies) I guess we shouldn't need the emissions testing.
If I can get a good deal on a new windshield I'll just do that soon. I guess I need to get that done anyway.
Also, I read that you typically don't need to take the driver's license test if you already have a valid one from another state? But has anyone out there found that not to be true?
Thanks! | |
Our website:http://jamesandchanin.com | |
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Fritzydoodle
Posts:930
| | 12/11/2007 9:06 PM |
Alert | They do periodic 'sweeps' at the major employers in Phx. If you don't have the correct tag on your license plate you get the emissions ticket for improper registration.
I didn't need to re-take the drivers test when I moved to AZ from FL. But that was 26 years ago so you might want to check | |
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jimbob
Posts:113
| | 12/11/2007 9:38 PM |
Alert | Alrighty, so technically we shouldn't need the emissions testing then. What if you don't even work? I guess then you wouldn't need the testing either?
According to what I read we shouldn't have to take any driver's license test so we'll just hope for the best. Although I have a feeling they'll make us take the simple eye exam.
-j | |
Our website:http://jamesandchanin.com | |
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OBG II
Posts:447
| | 12/12/2007 2:18 AM |
Alert | "OBG, when you were turned down for the windshield were you still able to register but just had to go back later to confirm the fix? Or did they pretty much just send you home? If they just sent you home then I should definitely get that window fixed first."
yeah, they made us get a windshield before we could get a plate.
Also, if DPS stops you and your car has a w/s crack in the sweep of the w/s wipers they will provisionally ticket you and you get it fixed and prove it. hassle hassle
The private MVD in Maricopa is not crowded ever it seems but the tacked on fees are for each and every service separately up to 20.00 each. | |
Hay! I am now running for VPeep!
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OBG II
Posts:447
| | 12/12/2007 2:23 AM |
Alert | "Also, I read that you typically don't need to take the driver's license test if you already have a valid one from another state? But has anyone out there found that not to be true?"
There are some states that, because of the illegals getting D/L's easily, they will not accept a D/L from that state. New Mexico is one of them. This is new. The AZ DOT website is good for this type of info. You can google MVD Arizona. | |
Hay! I am now running for VPeep!
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jestala
Posts:23
| | 12/12/2007 8:03 AM |
Alert | | I just registered my van at the express one here and they send me a certified letter saying they made an error that'll be an additional $101.00. Go to Casa Grande. | | | |
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mallardisme
Posts:531
| | 12/12/2007 11:39 PM |
Alert | 'tis true. The stor ein Maricopa just does the plates. It was funny when I did the registration. 85238 was not in the MVD computer system yet and it made it difficult to go through the emissions requirements. In the end, neither car had to be smogged. My car was $78 for 2 years. Cali wanted $148 for one year and would have needed to be smogged-it would have passed, but the test still costs$$.
Regarding the driver's license, we had ours done in Casa Grande. No issues there. Present old license and proof of insurance and pay the fee. You get your new license on the spot. Coming from Cali, I was amazed at the difference in the office. Much more efficient then any of the 'fun' I was used to in Cali.
BTW, In Az, your dl does not expire again untill you are 65. (At least that is the way it is now) | |
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AzSandSlinger
Posts:456
| | 12/13/2007 12:28 AM |
Alert | Don't forget that if your vehicle is 5 years or newer, an emissions test is not required.
As for getting emissions because someone works in Maricopa County... I think it's ludicrous..
-Shane | |
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Ultra Super Member
Posts: eleventy-billion
Joined: 10 Nov 1775
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"There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and the enemy. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion."
Gen. William Thornson, U.S. Army | |
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AzSandSlinger
Posts:456
| | 12/13/2007 12:32 AM |
Alert | Forgot to add that unless your car is older than 1996 (or 1994 for some models).. the "emissions" test is just an OBD II scan... not a sniff test...
For all you AWD people.. you will never get the sniffer.. AZ doesn't have an AWD dyno to test your vehicle.. yet...
-Shane | |
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Ultra Super Member
Posts: eleventy-billion
Joined: 10 Nov 1775
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"There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and the enemy. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion."
Gen. William Thornson, U.S. Army | |
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OBG II
Posts:447
| | 12/13/2007 1:27 AM |
Alert | From the MVD website:
The following is the result of changes to effective August 25, 2004.
Identification Requirements - An out-of-state driver license or instruction permit from the following states is no longer accepted as a Primary proof of identification for an application for an Arizona driver license or ID Card. These states do not require that a driver licensed in that state be lawfully present in the United States under federal law.
Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin
See Identification Requirements for a listing of acceptable proof of identification. One proof must be listed under Primary.
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Hay! I am now running for VPeep!
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