Arizona Automobile Theft Authority

A: The AATA is a state agency whose mission is to deter vehicle theft through a cooperative effort by supporting law enforcement activities, vertical prosecution, and public awareness/community education programs. We are funded by the Insurance Industry by a mandatory $1 per year assessment on every vehicle insured in the State of Arizona. The Agency does not receive ANY funding from the State's General Fund. We are a unique example of a government/business/consumer partnership.

In addition to the Watch Your Car program, the AATA also funds the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force and issues grants to local criminal justice agencies for law enforcement, vertical prosecution, and public awareness/community education activities.

The AATA's community education message strongly encourages the public to be diligent about practicing theft prevention and utilize a "layered approach" to protection (for more information, see our Anti-Theft Tips page). Simply stated, the more theft prevention devices on your vehicle, the tougher it will be to steal.

Q: What is the Watch Your Car Program?

A: The Watch Your Car Program is a free, voluntary program which operates daily between 1 AM and 5 AM, when many auto thefts occur. Participants enroll in the program, then receive decals, which are placed on the front and rear windows of the vehicle. If a police officer observes the vehicle in operation between the program hours, they have the authority to stop the vehicle and verify ownership.

Q: Is there any cost to enroll in the Watch Your Car Program?

A: The Watch Your Car Program is a FREE program sponsored by the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) for all residents with vehicles currently registered in the State of Arizona.

Q: What is involved in the enrollment process?

A: There are several ways to enroll: The quickest and most efficient way is via our website at www.azwatchyourcar.com. Simply go to the Watch Your Car section and complete the on-line application form. It goes directly into our Agency e-mail account and is processed from there.

Next, you may also request a form by contacting our agency at 602 364-2886 or toll free in Arizona 1-888-668-4433 - press option 1 - follow the easy phone steps as prompted. All portions of the enrollment form MUST be completed, including your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) number, license plate, phone numbers, etc. Only the registered vehicle owner(s) are permitted to enroll. Once your form has been processed in the MVD system, your decals (one for the front windshield, one for the rear window) are mailed to you along with a (yellow) cancellation form for future use.

Q: How long will it take to receive my Watch Your Car decals?

A: The average turn-around time to process a new Watch Your Car enrollment form is 2-4 weeks from the time you submit from our website or mail it in.

Q: Where do I place my decals once I receive them?

A: The front (rectangular) decal goes on the outside, lower front windshield on the driver's side. Photo showing a rectangular decal placed on the outside, lower front driver's side of a windshield.

The rear (round) decal goes on the outside, lower corner on the driver's side. Photo showing a round decal placed on the outside, lower corner of a car's rear window on the driver's side.

Q: What are some reasons why my Watch Your Car enrollment may be delayed?

A: There are several reasons why it may take longer than 2-4 weeks to receive your decals from the AATA. Some common delays include: A recently purchased vehicle (new or used) that does not have the permanent license plate from the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) - the temporary plate you received at the time of purchase will not suffice. Please submit your enrollment form AFTER you receive the permanent license plate from MVD.

If the license plate and/or VIN number are not written correctly on your form or are illegible, the AATA will need to research that information further, which will cause a delay.

Also, if the enrollment form is submitted by anyone other than the registered owner(s).

Q: I have sold the vehicle I had enrolled in the Watch Your Car program - what do I need to do?

A: When you sell, trade-in or no longer own the vehicle that was enrolled in the Watch Your Car program, you need to complete the (yellow) cancellation form that was sent with your decals when you first enrolled then mail it to the AATA. You MUST also scrape off the decals from your vehicle windows. If you no longer have the original cancellation form, you may download one from our website - go to the Watch Your Car section - click on download/print Cancellation Form.

You may enroll your new vehicle in the Watch Your Car program by visiting our web site - Watch Your Car section or contacting us at 1-888-668-4433 to request another enrollment form.

Last revision: 22-June-05