How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Arkansas?

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Do you want to transfer the title of your vehicle to Arkansas? Whether it’s a used car, truck, or motorcycle, transferring the title is an important step that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Luckily, it doesn’t have to be intimidating or overly complicated.

We are here to help guide you through understanding what you need and how to go about getting it so that transferring your vehicle title will be a breeze. Keep reading for all the details!

Do you want to exchange ownership of a vehicle? If so, you’ll complete a title transfer.

The title transfer process in Arkansas involves the following:

  • Having the title signed by both parties
  • Getting a lien release if needed
  • Providing ID and proof of auto insurance
  • Showing a Bill of Sale and Odometer statement if necessary
  • Paying the necessary fees and any taxes

Of course, this is a simplified overview of the process.

Below, you’ll learn the full process behind doing a…

Arkansas Auto Title Transfers: How It’s Done

You will visit an Arkansas DMV office in this process.

Your best bet is to have both parties go to the local clerk’s office to avoid any potential issues. The process is largely the same between seller and buyer with a few exceptions – below; you’ll find a general overview of the process.

This is the process (including both parties):

  1. Retrieve the vehicle’s title or request a duplicate title
    1. Note: You may need a lien release from the current owner
    2. Or: Provide a lien release to the buyer (if you’re the owner)
  2. Fill out the forms on the Arkansas certificate of title – including:
    1. Full legal name and address of buyer and owner
    2. Date of sale (month, day, and year)
    3. Purchase date/price
  3. As the buyer: Complete the Arkansas Vehicle Registration Application (here)
    1. Owner/buyer information and signatures
    2. Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (if applicable)
  4. As the seller: Complete the Notice of Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle (here)
    1. Odometer disclosure (if control # is less than 3003001 or from out-of-state)
    2. Bill of Sale (if control # is less than 3003001 or from out-of-state)
  5. Bring the necessary documents:
    1. Proof of identification
    2. Proof of insurance
  6. Pay the taxes and fees
    1. Title transfer: $10
    2. State taxes: Varies
    3. Local taxes: Varies

* The title transfer may happen when receiving a duplicate title.

Always keep copies of the bill of sale for record-keeping. Congratulations, you’ve completed the Arkansas title transfer application and switched ownership of the vehicle!

Alternative Title Transfers in Arkansas

Arkansas wants to know when titles are transferred outside of private sales, whether buying from a car lot or passing the vehicle & title around family and friends.

Buying from Dealerships

Dealerships will process your title & registration, sending documents to their appropriate locations. If they don’t, request the forms and deliver them to an AR DMV. They will complete the title application form and do the process as noted in the section above.

Out-of-State Vehicles

Bringing a vehicle from another state requires you to submit an odometer disclosure statement. You’ll follow much of the same steps as the private sale – except swap items with your out-of-state information. Pay your registration and titling fees and you’re good to go!

You should also get Arkansas auto insurance before you decide to get on state roads.

Inheriting or Gifting a Vehicle

Inheriting a vehicle from a deceased family member is wholly dependent on the situation. However, you’ll typically go to the DMV and submit the title, proof of the deceased, and an Affidavit of Inheritance of a Motor Vehicle (here), plus any applicable fees/taxes.