What to do when something is stolen in Arizona

Arizona at a glance

Statute text checked on azleg.gov. Laws change; confirm the current version before relying on it.

Arizona by the numbers

These figures count reports made to federal agencies, so they measure what was reported, not every theft. National context is on the theft statistics page.

Reporting a theft in Arizona

Arizona gives theft victims two things many states do not: wide online reporting in its largest city and a statewide stolen vehicle search run by the Attorney General. Report first to the police department or sheriff's office where the theft happened; the Arizona Department of Public Safety handles state highways and supports local agencies.

The Phoenix Police Department takes online reports for theft, theft from a business, theft from a vehicle, bicycle theft, fraudulent card use and identity theft. Its incident list sets a $25,000 ceiling for most theft types and sends some cases to the phone instead:

• Stolen or lost firearms must be reported by phone.
• Property taken from a fenced yard or enclosed building is burglary and goes by phone.
• Damage to a steering column or ignition is treated as an attempted vehicle theft and goes by phone.

Outside Phoenix, check your own department's site. Keep the permanent report number; Phoenix notes that numbers starting with "T" are temporary tracking numbers.

Arizona theft law and the felony threshold

Under A.R.S. § 13-1802, theft becomes a felony at $1,000, and the grade climbs in narrow bands after that:

• Under $1,000: class 1 misdemeanor.
• $1,000 to under $2,000: class 6 felony.
• $2,000 to under $3,000: class 5 felony.
• $3,000 to under $4,000: class 4 felony.
• $4,000 to under $25,000: class 3 felony.
• $25,000 or more: class 2 felony.

Three exceptions matter for victims. Theft of a firearm is a class 6 felony even under $1,000, as is property taken from the person of another. Theft of a vehicle engine or transmission is a class 4 felony regardless of value. Because the bands are narrow, accurate values with receipts or appraisals can change the charge. This is general information; prosecutors decide the actual charge.

Stolen vehicles and license plates in Arizona

Arizona charges vehicle theft separately. Theft of a means of transportation under A.R.S. § 13-1814 is a class 3 felony regardless of value. Report a stolen car to local police with its VIN and plate, then notify your insurer and ADOT MVD about plates and title.

Before buying a used vehicle, or to see whether a reported car is still listed, use TheftAZ. The Attorney General's tool searches by plate or VIN against records from participating Arizona agencies, updated twice daily. It is not proof that a vehicle is or is not stolen, it does not take reports, and the office advises against acting on a match yourself; call police instead.

The state also funds the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority, a division of the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions that supports law enforcement, prosecution and public education. See our stolen vehicle guide and check if stolen page.

Pawn shops and secondhand sales

Arizona routes pawn data to county sheriffs. Under A.R.S. § 44-1625, pawnbrokers must report each day's reportable transactions to the sheriff or the sheriff's designee within two business days, which is how a serial number in your police report can be matched to a pawned item. Holding periods are set locally. Give police complete serial numbers and let them contact the shop. Our stolen property guide explains why.

Identity theft and fraud help in Arizona

The Attorney General's Consumer Information and Complaint Unit processes consumer complaints and keeps an identity theft page. Phoenix residents can file identity theft and card fraud reports online; Phoenix treats card misuse on an existing account as a separate category from identity theft. File with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan. Our identity theft guide and stolen firearm guide cover next steps.

Checklists for what was stolen

Each guide opens with a checklist in the order to act, with a free printable PDF.

• Domain names
• Identity theft
• Vehicles
• Social media and email
• SIM swap and phone numbers
• Stolen phones
• Bicycles and e-bikes
• Packages and mail
• Wallets, cards and checks
• Passports
• Firearms
• Art and collectibles
• Cryptocurrency

This page is general information about Arizona, not legal advice. For your situation, consult an attorney licensed in Arizona.