How to Sell a Car in Arizona
The steps and process for selling a vehicle online are different in every state. Learn how to sell your used car or truck privately in Arizona.
Whether you live in the Colorado Plateau, the Transition zone or the Basin and Ridge region of Arizona, if you are thinking about privately selling your used car or truck in The Grand Canyon State, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve outlined the steps and forms required for how to sell a car in the state of Arizona so you can sell your car quickly for the most cash.
In the state of Arizona there are tens of thousands of vehicle sales each year which occur between two private individuals, rather than between a buyer and an authorized automotive dealer. This is why so many private vehicle owners from Arizona have used Autotrader to sell their car. It is important to remember; most U.S. states consider the vehicle title a legal document which is why it is advised to use the legal names (no nicknames) of both parties involved along with legible handwriting using a black or blue ink. Mistakes, errors and the use of White Out may void the document so be careful and take your time filling it out.
Step 1: Allow the Buyer to Have the Car Inspected by a Third Party
Step 2: Clean Out the Vehicle
Step 3: Remove the License Plate
Step 4: Complete a Bill of Sale
Step 5: Collect Payment from the Seller
Step 6: Sign off on the back of the title and have your signature notarized
Step 7: Give the title to the buyer
Step 8: Complete a Vehicle Sold Notice
Step 9: Request a Plate Refund (optional)
Step 10: Cancel any Insurance and Subscription Services Associated with the Vehicle
Step 1: Allow the Buyer to Have the Car Inspected by a Third Party
Most vehicle shoppers who buy a car privately pay for a pre-purchase vehicle inspection conducted by a qualified and licensed auto mechanic of their choosing. Although the buyer pays for this inspection, the seller and buyer must agree on when and where the inspection is to be held. If the inspection does find any issues with the car, it is a good idea for you as the seller to keep the report for your records. Autotrader advises all prospective private party buyers to take the car they’re considering to a qualified mechanic for inspection.
Step 2: Clean Out the Vehicle
Assuming the buyer wants to move forward with the sale after having the vehicle inspected, make sure you clean it out before going any further. While removing all personal possessions is a given, this is also a good time to scan your garage for anything that originally came with the vehicle that you’ve since removed, such as floor mats, cargo nets, and even cup holder liners. Finally, remove all registration and insurance cards from the glovebox and keep them with you. In fact, it’s a good idea to clean your car thoroughly before listing it for sale.
Step 3: Remove the License Plate
To initiate the sale, first remove your license plate from the vehicle. Arizona license plates are tied to the owner, not the vehicle, so you’ll want to make sure these stay with you after ownership is transferred. Leaving them on the vehicle could lead to you being responsible for parking tickets or other infractions committed by the new owner.
The state of Arizona suggests that within 30 days, you transfer the license plate to another vehicle you own, return it to an MVD office, or destroy it.
Step 4: Complete a Bill of Sale
A Bill of Sale acts as your receipt when you sell a vehicle. While Arizona doesn’t require one, the state does provide form 48-2004 you can mostly fill out online and then bring with you when you make the transaction, although more comprehensive forms are available from third parties. It’s written for the seller, but it’s a good idea to make a copy of the Bill of Sale for yourself as well for your own records. The Bill of Sale should be signed by both the buyer and seller.
Step 5: Collect Payment from the Seller
Right before signing over the title is a good time to collect payment from the seller. Remember, private vehicle sales in Arizona are not taxed.
Step 6: Sign off on the back of the title and have your signature notarized
To transfer ownership of the vehicle to the buyer, you must enter some information on the back of your Arizona title. First enter the odometer reading, in whole numbers, into the field that says ‘odometer reading’. Below that, you’ll print your full name as it appears on the front of the title, and sign in the box to the right. Below that, you’ll enter your address. If there are two (2) owners joined by the conjunction “and” or with no conjunction between the names shall have tenancy in common ownership rights and both owners (sellers) shall be required to sign the title application. If there are two (2) owners joined by the conjunction “or”, the signature of either seller will be accepted; both signatures are not required. If there are two (2) owners joined by the conjunction “and/or”, the signature of both sellers will be required. In the event of the death of either party, the surviving owner/seller will need to provide a death certificate for the deceased owner and then may sign alone when selling the vehicle.
Additionally, if you’re selling your car in the state of Arizona, you’ll need to have your signature notarized. The notary will sign, date, and stamp the title below the seller’s address section. The notary will generally require the buyer’s information to be filled in before they’ll notarize the document.
If you’ve lost the vehicle title or damaged it to the point where it cannot be used, you’ll need to apply for and receive a duplicate title before you can transfer ownership. The form for requesting a new title can be found here. This form is to be completed and brought to any MVD-authorized third-party location, or mailed to:
Motor Vehicle Division
4005 N. 51st Avenue
MD 555M
Phoenix, AZ 85031
A $4 fee is required for a duplicate title, and the old title is to be surrendered, if available.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) odometer disclosure requirements were updated in December 2020 impacting certain private vehicle sales in Arizona: For a vehicle transfer that occurs from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2030, any vehicle of model year 2011 or newer (2012, 2013, etc.) will require odometer disclosure. Starting on January 1, 2031, any vehicle that is less than 20 model years old will require an odometer disclosure. Previously, the NHTSA required disclosure was for only the first 10 years. Cars older than 2010 are exempt from odometer disclosures.
Step 7: Give the title to the buyer
After you’ve both signed off on the back of the title and had your signatures notarized, hand the title over to the buyer, along with any lien release, if applicable.
Step 8: Complete a Vehicle Sold Notice
As the seller, you are required to notify the Arizona Department of Transportation of the sale of your vehicle within 15 days after the date of sale by filling out a Vehicle Sold Notice. This ensures you aren’t held liable if the vehicle is later found abandoned, ticketed, involved in an accident, or used in a crime. This can easily be completed online. Information required for completing a Vehicle Sold Notice includes the vehicle identification number and the seller’s driver’s license number.
Step 9: Request a Plate Refund (optional)
If you sell a car, you have the option of requesting a refund for license plate fees previously paid for that vehicle. Before completing this step, it is required that you’ve already submitted a vehicle sold notice. There’s a $12 fee assessed on all plate refunds. The plate refund request can be completed online.
Step 10: Cancel any Insurance and Subscription Services Associated with the Vehicle
Once the vehicle is out of your possession, remember to cancel your insurance policy on the vehicle. Additionally, remember to cancel any telematics, satellite radio, or internet subscriptions associated with the vehicle as well.
For more information, visit the Arizona Department of Transportation website.
Questions about selling your car in Arizona? We have answers.
Do I remove my license plate when I sell a car in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona license plates are tied to the owner, not the vehicle, so you’ll want to make sure these stay with you after ownership is transferred. The state of Arizona suggests that within 30 days, you transfer the license plate to another vehicle you own, return it to an MVD office, or destroy it.
Is a Bill of Sale required for selling a car in Arizona?
Legally, the Arizona DMV does not require private sellers to have a bill of sale, but most private sellers use one as a best practice. The Bill of Sale should be signed by both the buyer and seller.
Are private car sales taxed in Arizona?
No. Private party vehicles sales are not taxable according to the Arizona Department of Revenue.
Does a vehicle bill of sale have to be notarized in Arizona?
No. When you privately sell a car in Arizona, the Bill of Sale does not need to be notarized. Some buyers and sellers do so anyways as it can add another level of protection to both parties.
Do I need a notary to transfer a car title in Arizona?
Yes. A notary needs to witness the seller signing the title during a private vehicle sale. The notary will sign, date, and stamp the title below the seller’s address section. The notary will generally require the buyer’s information to be filled in before they’ll notarize the document.
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