What Does PM Mean On A License Plate? Arizona’s PERM Rules, Fees & Eligibility

A PM license plate sticker means a vehicle has permanent registration, although the exact wording can vary by state. Arizona uses the term PERM on eligible registrations instead of PM. Unlike standard registration, PERM follows different rules and uses a one-time fee structure.

In this blog, we explain what PERM (PM in other states) means, who qualifies, and the requirements that apply.

What Does PERM Mean on an Arizona License Plate?

In Arizona, PERM refers to permanent registration. It means the vehicle has a registration status that does not follow the usual one-, two-, or five-year renewal periods. Permanent registration is available for certain vehicles, including some trailers.

Standard registration, on the other hand, comes with a specific expiration date and must be renewed when that date arrives. PERM registration follows different rules, so the vehicle does not go through the regular renewal cycle. The exact requirements and fees depend on the type of vehicle and registration. Let’s check the difference at a glance:

Feature	PERM Registration	Standard Registration
Registration period	Permanent	1, 2, or 5 years
Regular renewal	Not required	Required at expiration
Expiration date	No standard expiration	Has an expiration date
Eligibility	Limited to certain vehicles	Available for most vehicles

Also read: How do you get a driver’s license in AZ?

How Much Does Permanent Registration Cost in Arizona?

It will depend since Motor vehicle titles and registers both non-commercial (personal) and commercial (business) trailers. Depending on the trailer’s weight and use, it will receive either a permanent or annual registration.

Permanent Registration Requirements

Weight Declaration: Customers must always declare the gross weight.
Personal Use Certification: Non-commercial trailer owners must certify personal use at the time of registration.

Subsequent Fees & Permanency

24-Month Rule: Registration becomes fully permanent two years (24 months) after the initial fees are paid.
Perm Reg Date: This date is always set to the last day of the month, one month forward from the initial payment date.
Prorating VLT: Manual VLT proration is based on the initial VLT paid and the remaining months in the payment period. If a non-permanent trailer is sold before the 24th, an upline approver must check Accommodative Data to find the initial VLT.

A PERM license plate tab is issued after permanent registration. There is no annual billing for registration fees or vehicle license tax. However, a trailer with a special plate will still have the applicable plate fee billed each year. Additional fees may apply when registering.

Which Vehicles Qualify for Permanent Registration in Arizona?

Permanent registration is generally available for qualifying trailers, not standard passenger cars and trucks. Noncommercial trailers and certain heavy trailers can receive permanent registration when they meet Arizona’s requirements. This type of registration comes with a one-time fee and a PERM tab.
For regular cars and trucks, the registration process is different. Most vehicles can be registered for one, two, or five years, depending on emissions requirements. A five-year registration may be available for vehicles that meet specific conditions, including motorcycles and certain alternative-fuel vehicles.

So, seeing a PERM tab generally points to a permanently registered trailer rather than a standard passenger vehicle. Eligibility depends on the vehicle type, its declared gross vehicle weight, and the applicable registration rules.

Passenger Vehicles
Fleet Registration allows owners of two or more vehicles in Arizona to consolidate their registrations under a single account with a unified expiration date [on the last day of the month]. Instead of tracking individual expiration dates, fleet owners pay their registration fees annually and receive a one-time registration card alongside a ‘PERM FLT’ tab, eliminating the need to match specific tabs to specific vehicles.
A Fleet can be for either an individual or organization customer.

How Do You Get Permanent Registration (PERM) in Arizona?

Getting permanent registration starts by confirming that your trailer qualifies and preparing the required ownership documents.
Follow these steps to understand how the process works:

1. Confirm Trailer Eligibility

First, make sure your trailer qualifies for permanent registration. Eligible trailers can be registered permanently through an MVD office or an authorized third-party provider like GG&D Motor Vehicle Services, LLC. The trailer’s type and declared gross vehicle weight (GVW) affect eligibility and the applicable registration fee.

2. Gather Required Documents

Prepare the documents needed to register the trailer, including proof of ownership and identification. If the trailer was previously registered in another state, bring its out-of-state title or registration. Additional documents may be required depending on your ownership or registration situation.

3. Visit An MVD Office

Take your documents and trailer registration information to an Arizona MVD office or an authorized third-party provider. The registration can be completed there after the required information is reviewed. Fees are based on the trailer and its registration circumstances.

4. Pay The Registration Fee

Permanent registration requires a one-time registration fee based on the trailer’s declared GVW and registration history. After payment and processing, a PERM license plate tab is issued. Keep the permanent registration documents with your vehicle records for future reference.

5. Keep Your Records

Once permanent registration is issued, keep the registration card and PERM tab information secure. You generally will not receive annual registration bills for the permanent registration itself. If the trailer has a special plate, the applicable plate fee may still be billed annually.

What Happens to PERM Registration When You Sell a Trailer?

PERM registration does not automatically transfer to the buyer when you sell a trailer. In Arizona, permanent registration remains in effect only while ownership and use remain the same. Once ownership changes, the buyer must complete the title and registration process.
As the seller, transfer the title and submit a Sold Notice to the Arizona MVD as soon as the sale is completed. You should also remove the license plate before handing over the trailer. These steps help protect you from future fees, violations, or other issues involving the trailer.
The buyer must apply for a new title within 15 days and register the trailer in their name. Depending on the circumstances, the buyer may need to pay applicable title, registration, and other fees.

What Should You Do If Your PERM Tab Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged?

If your PERM tab is lost, stolen, or damaged, request a replacement as soon as possible. Since this is an urgent situation, we can help you get a temporary license plate quickly while your replacement is processed.
The authority allows you to request a replacement plate or tab through AZ MVD Now, an MVD office, or an authorized third-party provider. Lost or stolen plates receive new numbers and letters for security.
Once the replacement is processed, the new plate and updated registration and tab will be mailed to you. If your plate was stolen, report it to local law enforcement first. We can help you handle the replacement process and get temporary plate coverage while you wait for the new one.

End Note

One important detail many people miss is that PERM registration is tied to the trailer and its ownership circumstances, so selling a PERM-registered trailer does not simply pass the registration to the buyer. Before selling, replacing a plate, or changing registration details, verify the current requirements.

If you are unsure whether your trailer qualifies for PERM or need help with registration, visit one of our offices soon. Our team can review your situation, explain the applicable rules and fees, and discuss your PERM options with you.