Arizona DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In Arizona

A vehicle title is a document issued by the State of Arizona that proves who legally owns a vehicle. Formally known as the Certificate of Title, the document is issued for the first time when a new car is bought and must then be transferred to each new owner every time the car is sold.

If you have purchased a new or used car in Arizona, you will need to perform a title transfer in order to officially put the vehicle in your name. This is known as a title transfer.

You must follow the same title transfer process if you have sold a used car in Arizona.

In the State of Arizona, you can go to any Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) branch office to transfer a title in person. You can also perform a title transfer at one of the many third-party MVD locations.

In this guide, you will learn about the title transfer requirements and how to transfer a title in Arizona.

Buying A Car From A Dealership In Arizona

If you purchased your vehicle from a dealership, they will likely be able to handle the title transfer for you. This makes the purchase process easier for you, but car dealerships usually charge a fee for this convenience.

So, if you would rather save money and do it yourself continue on to the next section, Buying a Car Through a Private Sale, of this title transfer guide.

Buying A Car Through A Private Sale

The title transfer requirements for Arizona are straightforward. First, you must fill out the Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236). Check the box for Title, or Title and Registration if you will be registering the car at the same time.

It’s important to know that you must register the vehicle, in addition to transferring the title, before you can drive it legally in Arizona.

Required Title Transfer Documents In Arizona

To complete your title transfer, you will need to have the following information:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Vehicle year, make, and model.
• Names, addresses and birth dates of all the owners to be listed on the title.
• Lien information if the car is financed.
• Lien release if the car is being released from a lien holder (see below).

Do not sign the form without a notary. All owners will need to sign the form in front of a notary and the form must be officially stamped with the notary seal.

Arizona Title Transfer Fees

How much does a title transfer cost in Arizona?

The fee to transfer a title in Arizona is $4.

Lien Release Title Transfer Requirements

When you pay off your car loan, you will want to have the lien holder removed from the title and have the vehicle officially in your name.

In order to have a lien holder removed from a vehicle title, you will have to obtain a lien release from the lien holder.

A lien release document must have the following information:

• A full vehicle description, including the Vehicle Identification Number, year, make and model of the vehicle.
• A statement indicating the date the lien was paid in full.
• The signature of the lien holder.
• An official stamp indicating the lien is paid in full.

Submit your lien release document, along with the notarized Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236) to complete the title transfer to your name.

Selling A Car In Arizona

If you have sold a used car in Arizona, the title transfer process is the same.

You will need the original title document to transfer the vehicle to its new owner. Make sure you sign the title, and have it notarized to ensure a smooth transition.

AZ Bill of Sale Form

You may also want to write up a Bill of Sale that is signed by the current owner and the new owner. Have this document also notarized.

Every time a vehicle changes hands, a title transfer must be completed. And, don’t forget that once the title transfer is complete, the new owner must register the vehicle before it can be driven legally in the State of Arizona.

Arizona DMV Hours And Contact Information

For more information on questions specific to your title transfer scenario, clarification on the title transfer process in the state of Arizona, or for AZ DMV hours and to find the DMV location nearest to you, visit the official Arizona Motor Vehicle Services website by clicking here.

Common Questions About Arizona Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of Arizona.