Moving hybrid plate from one Prius to the other

[HTMLSpinnr]

Sharing this MVD response for those who may be in a similar situation. As many of you know, AZ is no longer issuing hybrid plates (they've reached their limit). In addition, I have probably one of the best sequences in the state (01L N00 - looks like "OIL NOO"), and really didn't want to give it up. My wife is getting our 2004 once the 2010 arrives, however the 2004 is the one w/ the hybrid plates. Given my wife doesn't do freeways unless someone's life depends on it, it makes more sense to transfer the plate to my new car, which does see HOV lane use from time to time.

For those not familiar w/ AZ's plate rules, the plates stay w/ the owner when the vehicle is sold or transferred, and can either be surrendered after the sale for a refund on what's left of the registration (minus a fee), or applied to a new car (and the registration difference paid).

My Question:

I have two Toyota Prius vehicles, a 2002 Prius w/ std plates and a 2004 Prius w/ Hybrid plates. I will be selling or trading in the 2002 Prius and purchasing a 2010 Prius which will also qualify for the special plates sometime in May. I wish to transfer the 2004 Prius Hybrid plate to the 2010 Prius and put standard plates on the 2004 Prius at or right after the time of purchase of the new vehicle. What is the best way to go about getting standard plates for the 2004 Prius I will be keeping and transferring my Hybrid plates from the 2004 to the 2010 Prius? For the record, I still have the original plates originally assigned to the 2004 Prius - are they reusable with new tags in this scenario?

ADOT Response:

... You can go to any MVD office and they will do this for you. They can put your old plate back on the 2004 prius (or you can get a new one). There may be a charge to do this depending on the fees you paid and the registration cycle of the vehicle. After you buy the new Prius, tell the dealer the Hybrid plate number and they can put it on the paperwork, then MVD will put that plate on the new vehicle and give you the discount fees due. Thank you.

Glad to know it's easier than first suspected.

[HTMLSpinnr]

As a follow-up, I did this today. Between the plate swap and retitling the car from CA to AZ (TFS sent a CA title when I paid off), took about 10-15 min at the counter. Used my old plate and the lady printed a tag right there. $12 total. Bummer was it was 10-15 minutes outside just to get a number, then 15-20 minutes inside. Chatted w/ a guy who had a TDI while I waited though.

It was recommended I keep the old registration for the hybrid plate to prove ownership. It'll go on the 2010 next week (covered by a paper temp tag).

[Chat]

Nice, I heard they were going to make this possible.

[Blauer Glimmer]

Originally Posted by HTMLSpinnr

As a follow-up, I did this today. Between the plate swap and retitling the car from CA to AZ (TFS sent a CA title when I paid off), took about 10-15 min at the counter. Used my old plate and the lady printed a tag right there. $12 total. Bummer was it was 10-15 minutes outside just to get a number, then 15-20 minutes inside. Chatted w/ a guy who had a TDI while I waited though.

It was recommended I keep the old registration for the hybrid plate to prove ownership. It'll go on the 2010 next week (covered by a paper temp tag).

So, 30 minutes max total? Some New Yorkers (especially those on LI) are going to be very jealous.

[HTMLSpinnr]

45-50 min total. 15 min outside, 15-20 min waiting inside, 10-15 min at the desk being processed.

[Blauer Glimmer]

Originally Posted by HTMLSpinnr

45-50 min total. 15 min outside, 15-20 min waiting inside, 10-15 min at the desk being processed.

Sounds more like a typical DMV experience

[Carnutt]

Are they issuing them again? On the Service Arizona site, they still offer it.

[HTMLSpinnr]

Don't believe so... which is why I hung onto my original one.

[sundevil]

I just traded in my Civic Hybrid for a new Prius. I kept my HOV plates and am waiting for the new stickers to arrive. Hope the dealer did everything correctly and the plate swap goes smoothly - it saves me around an hour of driving every work day.

[Carnutt]

Originally Posted by sundevil

I just traded in my Civic Hybrid for a new Prius. I kept my HOV plates and am waiting for the new stickers to arrive. Hope the dealer did everything correctly and the plate swap goes smoothly - it saves me around an hour of driving every work day.

Why will the plate save you time driving? If you're driving a hybrid, you can use the HOV lane, no?