The AutoZone return policy gives you 90 days to return most items, whether purchased online or in-store. Items must be unused and in original packaging, and all returns require proof of purchase and a valid photo ID. This 2025 guide covers everything you need to know—core returns, special order exceptions, final sale items, refund timelines, and how to handle both in-store and mail returns.
Key takeaways
- AutoZone offers a 90-day return window for most items, both in-store and online
- Special order, custom, and final sale items are non-returnable.
- Refunds for mail-in returns may take up to 5 business days after receipt.
What is the Autozone Return Policy?
AutoZone offers a 90-day return window for most items purchased either in-store or online. This generous period gives customers ample time to decide if a part or accessory is right for their needs.
Key Points:
- The 90-day period starts from the date of purchase.
- Some special order items and tools may have different return periods.
- Items returned after 90 days are typically not eligible for a refund, except in cases involving warranty claims or defective products.
Holiday Extensions:
During peak seasons or holidays, AutoZone may extend the standard return window. Always check your receipt or the AutoZone website for any promotional exceptions.
Condition Requirements for Returns
To ensure a smooth return, your item must meet certain criteria:
- New and Unused: Most items should be in new, unused condition.
- Original Packaging: Items must be returned with all original packaging, accessories, manuals, and tags.
- Defective Items: If a product is defective, it can be returned within the warranty period, even if used.
- Installed or Used Parts: Generally, installed or used parts are not eligible for return unless they are defective and covered under warranty.
- Fluids and Hazardous Materials: Any part containing fluids (e.g., batteries, radiators) must be fully drained before return.
Exceptions:
- Opened electrical components, fluids, chemicals, and safety gear are usually non-returnable unless defective.
- Special orders and modified items are not eligible for return.
AutoZone is the leading retailer and a leading distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the United States and operates over 6,000 stores across the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Brazil.
Proof of Purchase: What’s Needed?
AutoZone requires proof of purchase for all returns. Acceptable forms include:
- Original Receipt: The best and fastest way to process a return.
- Order Confirmation Email: For online purchases, a printed or digital confirmation is accepted.
- Packing Slip or Shipping Invoice: These can serve as proof for online orders.
- Gift Receipt: Allows for exchange or store credit.
- Loyalty Program Account: Purchases linked to your AutoZone Rewards account can be verified in-store.
Lost Your Receipt?
Contact AutoZone Customer Support at 1-800-288-6966. They can often locate your transaction using your payment information or loyalty account, but returns without proof of purchase may be denied or refunded as store credit, at the manager’s discretion.
ID Requirement:
A valid government-issued photo ID is required for all returns to help prevent fraud. Accepted IDs include:
- U.S. or Canadian Driver’s License
- State or Province ID
- U.S. Military ID
- Mexican Voter Registration Card
- Passport
How to Start a Return at Autozone
In-Store Returns
- Bring the item, receipt, and a valid photo ID to any AutoZone store.
- If the item was purchased with a credit card, bring the same card for a faster refund.
- An associate will inspect the item and process your refund or exchange.
Online Returns
Option 1: Return to Store
- Bring the item, packing slip, and ID to any AutoZone store.
Option 2: Return by Mail
- Complete the return form (included in your shipping invoice).
- Pack the item securely in its original packaging.
- Include all accessories, manuals, and the completed return form.
- Attach the return shipping label (provided by AutoZone for eligible returns).
- Ship the package to the address listed on the return form.
Core Returns:
For items with a core charge (e.g., alternators), drain all fluids and return the core with your receipt for a refund of the deposit.
Online vs. In-Store Returns: Key Differences
FEATURE | IN-STORE RETURNS | ONLINE RETURNS |
Return Window | 90 days | 90 days |
Proof of Purchase | Receipt, loyalty account | Order confirmation, packing slip |
Condition | New/unused, original packaging | New/unused, original packaging |
Return Method | Bring item to any store | Return to store or ship back |
Refund Processing | Immediate or 1–3 business days | 3–5 business days after receipt |
Shipping Fees Refunded | N/A | Only if AutoZone is at fault |
Final Sale and Non-Returnable Items
Some items are considered final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged:
- Gift Cards: All sales are final.
- Customized Products: Personalized items (e.g., floor mats with logos).
- Special Order Items: Marked as non-returnable at purchase.
- Opened Electrical Components: Unless defective.
- Fluids, Chemicals, and Safety Gear: Opened or used items are non-returnable.
- Used/Installed Parts: Unless covered under warranty for defects.
- Clearance Merchandise: Marked as final sale.
Defective Final Sale Items:
If a final sale item is defective, contact AutoZone Customer Support for warranty assistance.
Autozone refund Policy
- Refund Method: Refunds are issued to the original payment method (credit card, PayPal, etc.). If you paid cash, you’ll receive a cash refund.
- Store Credit: If you lack proof of purchase, you may receive store credit at the manager’s discretion.
- Refund Timeframe:
- In-store: Immediate or within 1–3 business days.
- Online/mail: 3–5 business days after the return is received and processed.
- Shipping Fees: Refunded only if the return is due to AutoZone’s error or a defective product.
- Core Refunds: Issued once the core passes inspection.
Potential Delays:
Refunds may take longer if additional inspection or verification is required, especially for mail-in returns or core parts.
“AutoZone has been an important partner to the automotive industry for many years. They have a reputation for providing exceptional customer service and quality products, and their commitment to excellence is evident in everything they do.” – Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors.
Return Policy Full Breakdown
- AutoZone offers a 90-day return window for most items, both in-store and online.
- Proof of purchase and a government-issued photo ID are required for all returns.
- Items must be in new, unused condition with original packaging and accessories.
- Special order, custom, and final sale items are non-returnable.
- Returns can be made at any AutoZone location, not just the store of purchase.
- Online purchases can be returned in-store or by mail.
- Shipping fees are refunded only if AutoZone is at fault.
- Core returns require all fluids to be drained and the core to pass inspection.
- Refunds are processed to the original payment method or as store credit.
- Contact Customer Support if you’ve lost your receipt or need help.
- Defective items can be returned within the warranty period, even if used.
- Clearance and opened electrical items are generally non-returnable.
- Gift cards and personalized items are always final sale.
- Refunds for mail-in returns may take up to 5 business days after receipt.
- Always check your receipt or AutoZone’s website for special return conditions.
Autozone Return policy FAQs
What is the AutoZone standard return window for most parts and products in 2025?
AutoZone allows returns within 90 days of purchase for most items.
Can I return items to AutoZone without a receipt?
Returns without a receipt may be possible if Customer Support can verify your purchase, but are usually refunded as store credit.
Which products are non-returnable under the AutoZone return policy?
Gift cards, custom products, special orders, opened electrical components, fluids, chemicals, used/installed parts, and clearance items are non-returnable.
How do I return an online AutoZone order by mail or in-store?
You can return online purchases in-store or by mailing them back with the provided return form and shipping label.
Does AutoZone refund shipping fees on returned items?
Shipping fees are refunded only if AutoZone shipped the wrong item or the product is defective.
What proof of purchase is required to return items to AutoZone?
A receipt, order confirmation, packing slip, or loyalty account record is required for returns.
Can I return an item to any AutoZone store, regardless of where I bought it?
Yes, returns can be made at any AutoZone location.
How does AutoZone issue refunds for returns or warranty claims?
Refunds are issued to the original payment method or as store credit if no proof of purchase is provided.
What is the AutoZone return policy for defective items returned after 90 days?
If the item is under warranty, you can return it for a replacement or refund.
Do I need to drain fluids before returning a used part to AutoZone?
Yes, all fluids must be drained from parts like batteries or radiators before returning.