Arizona Military Support/Freedom Specialty Plate

Show your appreciation for the freedom that we enjoy as Americans and say thank you to a veteran by purchasing a Freedom special plate.

Some common questions . . .
- Can anyone purchase a Freedom special plate?
- What is the cost of the plate?
- When will I receive my new plate?
- Is this plate available in a size to accommodate motorcycles and golf carts?
- Can this plate be personalized?  If so, how many characters are allowed?
- How many plates are issued?
- Can I get this plate with a disability symbol?
- What do I do with my old plates?
- I’m ready for a Freedom special plate.  What do I do now?

Can anyone purchase a Freedom special plate?

Yes, this plate is available to everyone.  There are no special requirements.

What is the cost of the plate?

The cost is $25 initially, with $17 of the fee going to a special fund to benefit veterans.  There is a $25 annual renewal fee.

When will I receive my new plate?

All Desert Title locations have standard issue Freedom license plates in stock, so you can take them with you the same day you apply for them.

Is this plate available in a size to accommodate motorcycles and golf carts?

Yes, it is also available in a small size for motorcycles and golf carts.

Can this plate be personalized?  If so, how many characters are allowed?

Yes.  A full size personalized plate may have a maximum of seven characters, and a small size plate may have a maximum of five characters.  Your personalized Freedom plates will be mailed to you approximately three weeks after ordering.

How many plates are issued?

One standard issue plate will be issued.  If personalized, two full size plates will be issued, but only one small size plate will be issued.

Can I get this plate with a disability symbol?

Yes.    Your Freedom license plate (full size or small) with a disability symbol will be mailed to you approximately three weeks after ordering.

What do I do with my old plates?
You can send your old plates back to MVD or simply discard them.

I’m ready for a Freedom plate.  What do I do now?

Just come into any Desert Title location, fill out your application, and we will quickly take care of you.  There is no appointment needed.   And thank you for supporting our veterans!

Arizona In God We Trust Specialty Plate

The idea came from Sen. Ron Gould, R-Lake Havasu City, after he saw a license plate from Indiana with the phrase.

Nothing seems to be without controversy these days, so it is no surprise that several senators opposed Gould’s bill, including Sen. Marsha Arzberger, D-Wilcox, who called it “weird.”  She said that she is not against God, but that no one was behind the bill or requested it except Gould.  Apparently, someone was behind it because the bill passed the House and it is now law.

The initial cost of the plate is $25, with annual renewals of $25.  A fund to promote the national motto “In God We Trust” will receive $17 of each fee.

For more information on how you can get your In God We Trust specialty plate, see below:
- Can anyone purchase an In God We Trust plate?
- What is the cost of the plate?
- When will I receive my new plate?
- Can this plate be personalized?  If so, how many characters are allowed?
- How many plates are issued?
- Can I get this plate with a disability symbol?
- What do I do with my old plates?
- I’m ready for an In God We Trust plate.  What do I do now?

Can anyone purchase an In God We Trust plate?

Yes.  This plate is available to everyone.

What is the cost of the plate?

The initial application fee is $25; annual renewals are $25.  Of these fees, $17 goes to a fund to promote the national motto “In God We Trust”.

When will I receive my new plate?

At present, Desert Title locations do not have standard issue In God We Trust plates in stock, but they can help you with your application for the plate, which will then be mailed to you.

Can this plate be personalized?  If so, how many characters are allowed?

Yes, your In God We Trust plate can be personalized with up to six characters.

How many plates are issued?

One plate will be issued.  Two plates will be issued if personalized.

Can I get this plate with a disability symbol?

Yes.    Your In God We Trust license plate with a disability symbol will be mailed to you approximately three weeks after ordering.

What do I do with my old plates?

You can send your old plates back to MVD or simply discard them.

I’m ready for an In God We Trust plate.  What do I do now?

Just come into any Desert Title location, fill out your application, and we will quickly take care of you.  There is no appointment needed.

Arizona State University Specialty Plate

If Rep. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, had his way, Arizona would immediately halt production of more than 40 specialty plates currently in circulation, such as the Golden Rule plate that benefits a fund promoting the rule in schools and communities, and one promoting spay/neuter efforts for pets.

Arizona Pet Friendly/Spay & Neuter Specialty Plate

Currently . . .
Currently, drivers with specialty plates pay an extra fee which is $25 above the basic cost for a plate. Of that $25, the state keeps $8 for administrative costs and passes along the other $17 to sponsoring charities.

Arizona Purple Heart Specialty Plate

Rep. Farley Calls It Insanity
Farley has been quoted as saying, “This would finally end the insanity.” He feels it is not government’s role to do fundraising for private groups, no matter how noble the cause. He cites the State of Maryland as an example where this type of fundraising has gotten out of hand. Maryland, according to Farley, currently has 700 specialty plates.

Arizona Cancer Awareness Specialty Plate

Bill Proposed
Farley’s committee authored House Bill 2313, which would stop production of most existing specialty plates. It would allow those who now have such a plate to renew it but direct their fees to a separate fund instead of a charity, and it would prevent the issue of any new specialty plates as of January 1, 2013.

Arizona Transplantation Awareness Specialty Plate

Many Opponents of the Bill
Opponents of the bill protest that this ban would cut off vital finds for many charities, including scholarships to ASU, much needed spay/neuter funds, etc.

Arizona Pearl Harbor Survivor Specialty Plate

Bill Passed House Transportation Committee
The House Transportation Committee passed the bill on a 4-2 vote, with both Republicans and Democrats saying the barrage of specialty plates detracts from the main reason for having a license plate: easy identification of a vehicle.

Arizona Navajo Nation Specialty Plate

Bill Blocked
Later, the bill hit a snag at the House Government Committee, when the chairman, Rep. Michelle Ugenti, block action on the bill. Ugenti, of Scottsdale, is herself the sponsor of a specialty plate to honor Fallen Heroes, which was inspired by the actions of Pat Tillman.

Arizona Fallen Police Officers Specialty Plate

Rep. Farley Hasn’t Given Up Hope
Farley hasn’t given up hope of limiting specialty plates. He is talking with a senator interesting in tacking the provision onto a bill that’s still alive in the Senate. This latest version, if it happens, would ban the plates going forward, but grandfather in the 60 plates currently in circulation.

Arizona Fire Fighter Specialty Plate

For More Information
For more information, see the Arizona Republic articles of February 16 and February 24, 2012.

What You Can Do
If you feel strongly about this issue, make your voice heard by contacting your Arizona state legislators. Click on either Senate or “House” for a complete contact list.

Are you considering getting an Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV)?

- Can anyone purchase an AFV plate?
- What is the cost of the plate?
- When will I receive my new plate?
- Can this plate be personalized?  If so, how many characters are allowed?
- How many plates are issued?
- Can I get this plate with a disability symbol?
- What do I do with my old plates?
- I’m ready for an AFV plate.  What do I do now?

Can anyone purchase an AFV plate?

No.  The vehicle you are purchasing the plate for must be exclusively powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG, propane), natural gas (CNG, LNG), a blend of 70% alternative fuel and 30% petroleum-based fuel, hydrogen, solar or electric (excluding golf carts).

What is the cost of the plate?

There is a one-time $8 initial application fee; no annual renewal fee.

When will I receive my new plate?

All Desert Title locations have standard issue AFV license plates in stock, so you can take them with you the same day you apply for them.

Can this plate be personalized?  If so, how many characters are allowed?

Yes.  An AFV plate may be personalized with a maximum of seven characters.  Your personalized AFV plate will be mailed to you approximately three weeks after ordering.

How many plates are issued?

One plate will be issued; two plates will be issued if personalized.

Can I get this plate with a disability symbol?

Yes.    Your AFV license plate with a disability symbol will be mailed to you approximately three weeks after ordering.

What do I do with my old plates?

You can send your old plates back to MVD or simply discard them.

I’m ready for an AFV plate.  What do I do now?

Just come into any Desert Title location, fill out your application, and we will quickly take care of you.  There is no appointment needed.

Old Plate Design:

In 2011, five Arizona police officers (Officer Bradley Jones, Sgt. Darrell Curley, Officer Rolando Tirado, Agent Eduardo Rojas, Jr., and Agent Hector Clark) lost their lives in the line of duty.  In an effort to support the families of the fallen (past and future), a specialty plate was made available for purchase.

Recently, the plate was redesigned to improve readability for law enforcement purposes.  (See examples of the old and new designs above.)  The new design is issued for personalized plates.  Existing supplies of the old design will be issued until exhausted for standard plates.

The proceeds from this specialty license plate go to a special fund for helping in the healing of family survivors of police officers who died in the line of duty in Arizona.

- Can anyone purchase a Families of Fallen Police Officers plate?
- What is the cost of the plate?
- When will I receive my new plate?
- Can this plate be personalized?  If so, how many characters are allowed?
- How many plates are issued?
- Can I get this plate with a disability symbol?
- What do I do with my old plates?
- I’m ready for a Families of Fallen Police Officers plate.  What do I do now?

Can anyone purchase a Families of Fallen Police Officers plate?

Yes, these plates are available to everyone.  There are no special requirements.

What is the cost of the plate?

The cost is $25 initially, with $17 going to a special fund for helping in the healing of family survivors of police officers who died in the line of duty in Arizona.  There is a $25 annual renewal fee.

When will I receive my new plate?

All Desert Title locations have standard issue Families of Fallen Police Officers license plates in stock, so you can take them with you the same day you apply for them.

Can this plate be personalized?  If so, how many characters are allowed?

Yes.  A personalized plate may have a maximum of seven characters.  Your personalized Families of Fallen Police Officers plate will be mailed to you approximately three weeks after ordering.

How many plates are issued?

One plate will be issued; two plates will be issued if personalized.

Can I get this plate with a disability symbol?

Yes.    Your Families of Fallen Police Officers license plate with a disability symbol will be mailed to you approximately three weeks after ordering.

What do I do with my old plates?

You can send your old plates back to MVD or simply discard them.

I’m ready for a Families of Fallen Police Officers plate.  What do I do now?

Just come into any Desert Title location, fill out your application, and we will quickly take care of you.  There is no appointment needed.   And thank you for supporting the families of Arizona’s fallen police officers!

Ham radio operators are among the groups who want to proudly display evidence of their hobby or specialty, and Arizona now has a license plate to allow them to do just that!  And unlike any other specialty license plate, the numbers on this plate are actually the same as the operator’s Federal Communications Commission assigned call sign.  How cool is that?!  A sample of the plate, which sports a radio tower, is pictured above.

For obvious reasons, applicants must have a valid operator license from the FCC.  A Special Plate Application must be filled out, and the operator’s FCC assigned call sign will be the actual numbers/letters displayed on their new plate.  For this reason, the plates must be ordered, and they will be mailed out in about three weeks.

- Can anyone purchase an Amateur Radio Operator plate?
- What is the cost of the plate?
- When will I receive my new plate?
- Can this plate be personalized?
- How many plates are issued?
- Can I get this plate with a disability symbol?
- What do I do with my old plates?
- I’m ready for an Amateur Radio Operator plate.  What do I do now?

Can anyone purchase an Amateur Radio Operator plate?

No, only applicants with a valid operator license from the FCC are eligible to order these plates.  Submission of a completed Special Plate Application (form #96-0143) is required.

What is the cost of the plate?

The cost is $25 initially.  There is a $25 annual renewal fee.

When will I receive my new plate?

All Desert Title locations have applications for this plate, but because the plates are only available as personalized plates, with the letters/numbers being the same as the applicant’s/operator’s FCC assigned call sign, they must be ordered.

Can this plate be personalized?

The Amateur Radio Operator plate is only available as a personalized plate.  The numbers/letters of the plate are the same as the applicant’s/operator’s FCC assigned call sign.  The personalized Amateur Radio Operator plate will be mailed to you approximately three weeks after ordering.

How many plates are issued?

Two Amateur Radio Operator plates will be issued.

Can I get this plate with a disability symbol?

Yes. Your Amateur Radio Operator license plate with a disability symbol will be mailed to you approximately three weeks after ordering.

What do I do with my old plates?

You can send your old plates back to MVD or simply discard them.

I’m ready for an Amateur Radio Operator plate.  What do I do now?

Just come into any Desert Title location, fill out your application, and we will quickly take care of you.  There is no appointment needed.

With designs ranging from Amateur Radio to Wildlife Preservation, Arizona drivers currently have 50 different designs to choose from, including:

Have you ever wondered how a specialty license plate is chosen to go into production?  Even though ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division (and third party offices) issue license plates, ADOT and MVD do not decide which plates get the okay.  That’s a common misconception.  In fact, that’s a function of the legislative process.

More about the process . . .
First, a nonprofit group or cause has to get the attention of state lawmakers.  A bill sponsored through the legislature must pass and then be signed into law by the governor before any specialty plate can be manufactured.

Once that step is cleared, the group pays a $32,000 implementation fee, which covers programming costs and production.  Specialty plates don’t cost the state anything.

Next, the group works on a design in conjunction with ADOT/MVD.  There are a few guidelines the plates have to follow.  First, it has to be readable at 100 yards.  It cannot be too busy, and it must have a definite color offset between the numbers and the background design.

Once a design is agreed on, seven prototype plates are created.  Then, law enforcement officials, representatives of the nonprofit group and MVD’s director all review and sign off on the plate . . . literally.  They put their signature right on the back of the prototype!

When all the approvals are in place, the new plates are rolled out and made available to motorists.

Specialty plates cost drivers a $25 initial application fee and a $25 renewal fee, but $17 of that money goes right to the nonprofit group/cause that put up the $32,000 implementation fee.  The remaining $8 is for administrative costs.

Some Specialty Plate Statistics
Did you know that more than 10,500 Arizona drivers have chosen the pink ribbon/cancer awareness plate?  The Arizona Diamondbacks plate is a popular one too.  Roughly 8,200 cars are sporting the Diamondbacks plate!  But the Arizona Cardinals have that beat – more than 20,000 Arizona motorists have shown their team spirit by choosing a Cardinals license plate.

Availability
If you’re now more interested than ever in getting a specialty plate, you can go to any Desert Title location to purchase any of the plates.  We keep them all in stock and are familiar with all of the requirements and details – just ask!  You don’t need an appointment – just walk right in to any location for fast and friendly service!

- What types of inspections are available, and who needs them?
- Can Desert Title perform an inspection, or do I need to go to the DMV?
- What is the cost of an inspection?
- If I can’t come in to a Desert Title location, can you come to me to perform a Level I inspection?

What types of inspections are available, and who needs them?

There are three levels of inspections:

• Level I – This is the most common type of inspection, and it is required for vehicles that need a body style change, have been abandoned, require a bond title or a VIN correction.  A Level I inspection used to be required for any out-of-state vehicle entering Arizona and seeking registration, but that is no longer a requirement as long as you have a title or a registration from another state.
• Level II – This type of inspection is required when the federal odometer sticker is not legible, missing, or has been tampered with.
• Level III – This type of inspection is required when the VIN number can’t be found on the vehicle and/or the vehicle has been constructed from several different vehicles.

Can Desert Title perform an inspection, or do I need to go to DMV?

Desert Title is qualified to perform Level I inspections.  All of its employees have been trained, tested and certified.  Level I inspections are done at any of the Desert Title locations.  No appointment is needed.  Employees can answer your questions regarding Level II and III inspections, but the Level II and III inspections can only be performed by someone at the DMV.

Note that the Motor Vehicle Providers Association is currently working towards privatization of Level II and III inspections, so these services may be offered at Desert Title in the future.

What is the cost of an inspection?

• Level I inspection performed at any Desert Title location – no charge
• Level II inspection (needs to be performed at a DMV office) – $20
• Level III inspection (needs to be performed at a DMV office) – $50
• See below for charges that apply to remote inspections.

If I can’t come in to a Desert Title location, can you come to me to perform a Level I inspection?

Yes!  Desert Title will send a certified inspector to your location to perform a Level I inspection if you are unable to drive your vehicle into one of our offices.  The charge for this off-site inspection is $45 plus mileage.  Please call any one of our Desert Title locations for more details and to make an appointment for an off-site inspection.

- Can anyone purchase an “Eight” plate?
- What is the cost of the plate?
- When will I receive my new plate?
- Can this plate be personalized?  If so, how many characters are allowed?
- How many plates are issued?
- Can I get this plate with a disability symbol?
- What do I do with my old plates?
- I’m ready for an “Eight” plate.  What do I do now?

Can anyone purchase an “Eight” plate?

Yes, these plates are available to everyone.  There are no special requirements.

What is the cost of the plate?

The cost is $25 initially, and $17 of that amount goes to Arizona Foundation of Public Broadcast Television, which provides noncommercial and nonsectarian educational television services.  There is a $25 annual renewal fee.

When will I receive my new plate?

All Desert Title locations have standard issue “Eight” plates in stock, so you can take them with you the same day you apply for them.

Can this plate be personalized?  If so, how many characters are allowed?

Yes.  A personalized plate may have a maximum of seven characters.  Your personalized “Eight” plates will be mailed to you approximately three weeks after ordering.

How many plates are issued?

One plate will be issued; two plates will be issued if personalized.

Can I get this plate with a disability symbol?

Yes.    Your “Eight” license plate with a disability symbol will be mailed to you approximately three weeks after ordering.

What do I do with my old plates?

You can send your old plates back to MVD or simply discard them.

I’m ready for an “Eight” plate.  What do I do now?

Just come into any Desert Title location, fill out your application, and we will quickly take care of you.  There is no appointment needed.   And thank you for supporting Arizona PBS programming!

- Who needs a bonded title?
- What is the purpose of a bonded title?
- What are the steps involved in securing a bonded title?
- Is Desert Title Service equipped to issue a bonded title, and what does it cost?
- Is an inspection necessary to get a bonded title?
- Is there a waiting period to get a bonded title?
- What else do I need to know?
- I think I need a bonded title.  What do I do now?

First, who needs a bonded title?

A bonded title is required when a title cannot be found for a vehicle and the notary or seller cannot be found to substantiate the transaction, or if there is some other reason the holder (owner) of the car cannot produce a clean title proving his right to ownership.

What is the purpose of a bonded title?

A bonded title is insurance against someone later coming back to claim the vehicle in question.  The bond is good for three years, and once approved by MVD, a title can be insured.

What are the steps involved in securing a bonded title?

Bonded titles are common, and Desert Title Service does a lot of them.  If you go to MVD, you will receive a “to do list,” and the work is up to you to complete.  This includes finding records from MVDs of other states and sending out certified letters to obtain records relating to the vehicle in question.  The process requires you to make all attempts to procure a title without going to a bond.  If these attempts have been completed without producing a title, you may go forward with the bond process.  A value is determined for the vehicle, and the bond is set at 1.5 times that value.  The purpose is to protect the state from liability after creating legal ownership to the applicant.

Sometimes when a vehicle has no record and the applicant has no contact information on the person he purchased or received it from, the process can go very quickly.  Desert Title Service determines a value, sets a bond amount and can, via email, have an insurance company issue a bond in just a couple of hours.

Other cases may find a record in another state, with a need to pursue that record and mail requests for a title to the person and address on the record.  In some instances, numerous letters have been exchanged and the process has been lengthier.

Is Desert Title Service equipped to issue a bonded title, and what does it cost?

Desert Title Service is very experienced in helping people with bonded titles.  For a fee of $75 plus costs, a deposit of $100 towards the bond itself, we handle the entire letter writing process, record searches, valuation, and bond purchasing.  The cost of the bond itself is based on the value of the vehicle.  To find an office location near you, please click here.

Is an inspection necessary to get a bonded title?

An inspection is always required for a bonded title.  A Level I inspection is usually all that is necessary.  There is a small charge for this inspection, and you can have it done at any Desert Title location. If necessary Desert Title will have an inspector go to your location to do the inspection.

Is there a waiting period to get a bonded title?

While the time frame for getting a bonded title can be as little as 2-3 hours, a period of 2-3 weeks is to uncommon, and in cases with extenuating circumstances, it can take up to three months.

What else do I need to know?

It is always best to make sure you have a clear title.  Unfortunately, not everyone knows what to look for.  Even when everything is done correctly, things happen and a bonded title may be a person’s only option.  The best course is to ask questions beforehand.  Desert Title employees are very knowledgeable and happy to answer your questions.  Call or stop in to one of the many Desert Title locations if you have a concern about your title or about a transaction you are about to enter into.

It is also important to note that the bond process doesn’t always work.  If a record has a lien holder on it, you must then get a lien release, and Desert Title can help you request that lien release.  However, if the lien holder is available or “receives” the certified letter that is sent out but refuses to provide a lien release, the process stops.

I think I need a bonded title.  What do I do now?

Gather together all of your paperwork on the vehicle and come in to one of the many Desert Title locations, and we will help you determine if you do need a bonded title and begin the process for you.  There is no waiting, and you don’t need an appointment.  We are here to help.