Registration
Airman and Family Readiness Center
5355 E. Granite Street
Ste. 201
Tucson, AZ 85707
Phone 520-228-5690
Phone (DSN) 312-228-5690
Fax 520-323-5622
Fax (DSN) 312-228-5622
Mon - Fri 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sat and Sun - closed
Holidays - closed
Registration & Licensing Requirements
Arizona State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.
State Laws
This is the correct state law - ARS 28-907 (A) and (B) A person shall not operate a motor vehicle on the highways in this state when transporting a child who is under five years of age unless that child is properly secured in a child restraint system. Each passenger who is at least five years of age, who is under eight years of age and who is not more than four feet nine inches tall is to be restrained in a child restraint system. (There are exceptions for older vehicles or vehicles that are larger, like buses.)
Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.
Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.
Base Regulations
Vehicle Checks -- All vehicles entering or leaving Davis-Monthan are subject to search.
Motorcycles – Novice motorcycle riders must complete both Basic Rider’s course and Intermediate Rider’s Course to receive a base decal. Contact 355 Fighter Wing Safety Office at 520-228-5342 for motorcycle information.
Speed Limits -- Speeding on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is not tolerated. All roads on base are routinely patrolled and radar is used to find and ticket violators. Do not expect any flexibility in the posted speeds. Base housing is of particular concern due to adults and children traversing the streets. Be especially careful in these areas. The speed in all parking lots on base is 5 m.p.h. Violators are ticketed. The Air Force directed points system is strictly enforced, so don't be surprised if you see people taking the "shoe leather express" to work for having too many moving violations on the base.
Cell Phones -- You cannot use a cell phone if you are the operator of a vehicle on base, while the vehicle is in motion unless you are using a hands-free device. Otherwise, pull to the side of the road or into a parking lot before answering.
Traffic -- Arizona state traffic laws apply on Davis-Monthan AFB. Seat Belts are mandatory. Child car seats/restraints are mandatory for children under 40 pounds and/or under the age of five.
Emission Testing
If you are driving with Arizona license plates, you must comply with Arizona's emission laws. Emissions testing is required annually. Automobiles that are less than five years old do not need to be tested. Alternative fuel automobiles whose model years fall after 2003 do not need to be tested. Bring your certificate of title and fee to the emissions stations, the closest being on 1301 S. Stocker Drive. Current cost for all vehicles is $12.25 Payment Method: Cash, personal checks (must be from an Arizona bank, have an imprinted name and physical in-state address), Visa and MasterCard credit/debit cards are accepted at inspection stations.
Driver's License
Non-military spouses who become Arizona legal residents are required to obtain an Arizona driver's license once residency is established (generally within 10 days). However, under the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act, spouses who do not become legal residents of Arizona are not required to obtain an Arizona drivers license. (The Servicemember's Civil Relief Act (SCRA). SCRA gives servicemembers the ability to maintain a home of residency, regardless of placement by military orders, which has given servicemembers tax relief and also made a change in driver's licenses and vehicle registration unnecessary. The Military Spouse Residency Relief Act gives military spouses the same benefits as they relocate with their active-duty spouses.)
Arizona Vehicle Registration
Lieu Tax Form -- Active duty members only may obtain a statement affirming that they are physically assigned in Arizona (available at the Base Legal Office) to receive discounted vehicle registration fees. Must provide a copy of their Leave and Earning statement (LES) indicating the member's state of residence, proof of ownership (including VIN) and ID. Must be stationed in Arizona and NOT be an Arizona resident.
New Vehicles require visit to Base Legal Office, renewals may be done through unit orderly room. Spouse or others must have a Special POA to register vehicle (DMV does not accept General POA).
Before registering your vehicle in Arizona, you will need to have the following items for verification:
- an emissions test
- certificate of title
- proof of insurance
- picture identification
Insurance
In Arizona, drivers are required to purchase auto insurance to protect themselves and other drivers. Liability insurance is most important. At minimum, you must provide $15,000 in injury liability for one person, $30,000 in injury liability for all people, and $10,000 in liability for property damage.
When driving, you must carry your proof of insurance with you. The best document to have is your insurance card, although other acceptable documents include your premium receipt, a copy of the policy, a temporary insurance card, or the declarations page of your policy. If you've recently purchased the vehicle, you may also carry proof of purchase within the past 60 days and an insurance card from your previous vehicle.
In Arizona, drivers are not required to carry certain other kinds of Arizona auto insurance. Although it is highly recommended that you do anyway, you are not required by law to carry personal injury protection or uninsured motorist insurance.
Sales Tax
No matter what state the member is a resident of, a "sales tax" of up to 5% of the purchase price of the vehicle (based upon Bill of Sale) will need to be paid if the vehicle is purchased from a licensed dealer whether in Arizona or another state. If the vehicle is registered in another state before arriving here and an amount of sales tax is collected there, then that portion not collected (up to 5%) will be collected upon registration here. This should not be confused with property or excise taxes paid.
If the member is an Arizona resident and vehicle is titled in his/her name, then the member must pay "only" a Vehicle License Tax (VLT). Call Arizona Office of Transportation at 520-629-9808 for further information.
Homes Near Base
