The Overview

If you own a motorcycle in Arizona, you'll need to make sure at least one registered owner holds a valid motorcycle license before the state will renew your registration. Arizona's motorcycle registration requirements; safety fund bill, HB 2114, became law when Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) signed it June 22. ​

Arizona recorded 262 motorcyclist deaths in 2023, and registrations in the state climbed 33 percent between 2019 and 2023, from 209,719 to 279,569, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The new registration requirement takes effect January 1, 2027.

What the Law Does

The Arizona Department of Transportation may renew a motorcycle registration only if at least one registered owner is licensed to legally operate a motorcycle in Arizona. If the registered owner is a trust, a trustee named in the trust must hold that license. Business-owned motorcycles are exempt.

Under the proposed amendment, the Arizona Department of Transportation may issue a 30-day temporary registration to a person who shows valid proof of enrollment in a motorcycle training program the department approves. That means someone buying a motorcycle for the first time won't be turned away at the counter, but they'll need to get licensed before their first renewal comes due.

Up to 75 percent of the fund can go to voluntary motorcycle education, awareness and training programs, and up to 25 percent can go to scholarships for rural or low-income residents taking motorcycle driver education.

Legislative Status

Rep. Teresa Martinez (R) sponsored the bill, with Matt Gress and Consuelo Hernandez as cosponsors. The bill passed the Senate with only one no vote.

The House passed it 34-23 on Feb. 23. The Senate passed it 26-1 on June 11. The lower chamber passed the measure 54-1 on June 12. The final House tally was the most lopsided vote of the three, with 54 yes votes and one no vote on June 12, compared with 34 yes and 23 no on February 23.

Arizona's Family reported on the new registration rule, noting that at least one registered owner must hold a motorcycle license or endorsement.

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