Arizona Title Transfer: How to Transfer an AZ Title
Bought a new or used car? Or, gifting one? If so, you’ll complete an Arizona title transfer.
A title transfer is required in Arizona to prove vehicle ownership. The transfer is required if you sold, donated, or gifted your car, too. You will complete the title transfer at an Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) title office or via dealership (within 15 days).
The title transfer process is easy in the state of Arizona. You’ll learn how it’s done in the following, few steps including the information you’ll need to present and the paying fees you’ll pay.
Car Buying and Selling: The AZ Title Transfer Process
Are you buying a vehicle from a private party? Selling your vehicle? You will include the title transfer when doing so to pass ownership of the vehicle.
The AZ DMV needs you to take these steps
- Provide the vehicle title
- Signed by both parties, or
- Notarized
- Complete a Title and Registration Application (96-0236)
- Submit a lien release if there is one on the title
- Pay the title and registration fees
Completing this process will award you with the title of the vehicle. You should register the vehicle as soon as you can after the title transfer to begin driving it on state roads.
If you’re the seller:
You should consider notarizing the title when passing it to the other party. You will remove your license plates and consider turning it in for a plate credit/refund. You should also complete a sold notice within 10 days by marking it on the registration or on the AZ MVD site.
Dealerships, Out-of-state Vehicles, Inherited, and Gifted Vehicles
It’s important to alert the AZ DMV when a title transfers within 5-10 days of receiving the car. Each transfer method is similar but different. Read below for the specifics.
Buying from Dealerships
Dealerships will process your title & registration, sending documents to their appropriate locations. If not, get the documents from your dealer and go through the process as if it were a private sale.
Out-of-state Vehicles
Those bringing a vehicle into Arizona should get it titled as soon as they become a resident. You may need to get a vehicle inspection if you live in the Phoenix or Tucson areas, too.
Requires a trip to a DMV office (browse AZ offices) and presenting:
- Application for Title and Registration
- Vehicle title, registration (with lien clearance), or power of attorney
- License plates
- Emissions compliance (if applicable)
- Title and registration payment
Complete these actions and you can drive your vehicle in the state.
Gifted/Donated Vehicles
Receiving or giving a vehicle? You will do one of the following:
- Inherited: Complete a title transfer (like buying)
- Gifting: Transfer the title (like selling)
- Donate: Transfer and keep receipts
Arizona Title Fees and Taxes
Title transfers and their associated fees and taxes are expected.
Fees can include:
- $15 title
- $21 registration
- $1.50 air quality research
You will also pay the Vehicle License Tax (VLT) based on the vehicle’s value.
Consider getting other items handled when you visit the DMV to maximize your time there. You can complete actions like registering a vehicle or getting a copy of your AZ driver records. Plan wisely and you’ll make the trip as hassle-free as possible.
