How To Transfer a Car Title in Arizona 2026
The Arizona Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division (Arizona MVD) governs all vehicle title transactions within the state. Under A.R.S. § 28-2058, the acquiring owner must apply for a new certificate of title within 15 days of the date on which the seller transfers or assigns ownership. This requirement applies to all vehicles acquired through private sale, dealer purchase, gift, or any other form of conveyance.
Arizona operates a predominantly electronic title system. When a vehicle is titled or registered in the state, title information is stored electronically rather than printed on paper by default. Registered vehicle owners may access and manage their title records through the AZ MVD Now online account portal.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in Arizona
The table below identifies all documentation applicable to a standard vehicle title transfer in Arizona. Requirements marked "Conditional" apply only in the circumstances described.
| Document | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title or Title Transfer Bill of Sale (Form 38-1306) | Required | Seller must sign the back of the title to assign ownership; the Title Transfer Bill of Sale form may be used instead of the title for Arizona-titled vehicles only |
| Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236) | Required | Must be completed in full and signed by the buyer; available at all MVD and Third Party offices |
| Valid Government-Issued Identification | Required | Arizona driver license or state-issued identification card |
| Odometer Mileage Disclosure | Required | Must be completed on the back of the title at the time of transfer for qualifying vehicles; a separate disclosure form is required if not completed on the title |
| Lien Release | Conditional | Required when the vehicle carries an existing lien; the lienholder must release the lien before or concurrent with the transfer |
| Power of Attorney (Form 48-1001) | Conditional | Required when a designated agent executes any portion of the title transaction on behalf of the vehicle owner |
| Emissions Compliance Certificate | Conditional | Required for vehicles registered in emissions-testing areas (Maricopa and Pima Counties); the vehicle must have a current passing emissions result on file |
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in Arizona
Step 1: Complete the Title Assignment on the Certificate of Title
The seller is responsible for initiating the transfer of ownership by executing the assignment section on the reverse side of the certificate of title before delivering it to the buyer. Per the Arizona MVD selling requirements, the seller must:
- Enter the complete odometer reading at the time of the sale in the designated field on the title (do not estimate; an inaccurate disclosure may constitute a violation of federal odometer disclosure law)
- Sign the title in the designated seller signature area
- Print name as required in the printed name field
- Deliver the original, signed title to the buyer at the time the vehicle is delivered
The signature requirement varies depending on the conjunction between co-owners listed on the title. Where multiple owners are listed with an "OR" conjunction, a single co-owner's signature releases the title. Where the conjunction reads "AND" or "AND/OR," or where no conjunction is present between names, all listed owners must sign. Sellers should additionally remove their license plates from the vehicle before handing it over to the buyer, as Arizona registration plates belong to the owner rather than the vehicle.
Step 2: File a Sold Notice with the Arizona MVD
Arizona law requires sellers to notify the MVD of the transfer by submitting a Sold Notice within 10 calendar days of completing the sale, trade-in, donation, lease termination, or any other transfer of ownership. The Sold Notice is a free service and may be submitted online through the seller's AZ MVD Now account.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents and Confirm Transfer Eligibility
Prior to presenting at an MVD or Authorized Third Party office, the buyer must assemble all applicable documents from the Required Documents table above and verify that the vehicle satisfies all eligibility conditions for the desired transfer method.
eTitle Transfer Eligibility: Qualifying transactions may be completed electronically through AZ MVD Now without visiting an office. To be eligible for eTitle Transfer, the vehicle must:
- Hold an Arizona title with current Arizona registration
- Have no liens recorded on the vehicle record
- Be a non-commercial passenger vehicle (motorcycles and commercial vehicles are not eligible)
- Have no more than two owners
- Have a current passing emissions result on file, or be sold to a buyer in a non-emissions area
Both buyer and seller must hold active AZ MVD Now accounts with enhanced authentication completed. Transactions involving a power of attorney, divorce decree, or other legal instruments are not eligible for eTitle Transfer and must be completed in person.
Step 4: Complete the Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236)
The buyer must complete the Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236) prior to submitting the title transfer request at an office. This form is the primary instrument for both title issuance and vehicle registration in Arizona.
Applicants utilizing eTitle Transfer on AZ MVD Now do not need to complete Form 96-0236, as the system captures all required information through the online transfer workflow.
Step 5: Submit the Application to an MVD or Authorized Third Party Office
Buyers may submit their completed title and registration application in person at any state MVD office or Authorized Third Party provider location throughout Arizona. Third-party providers are private companies contracted by MVD to conduct MVD services; a convenience fee may apply at third-party locations, and many offer extended evening and weekend hours.
If the buyer must drive the vehicle before the title transfer is complete, a Restricted Use Three-Day Permit may be obtained online through AZ MVD Now at a cost of $1.00. This permit authorizes the buyer to legally operate the vehicle for up to three days while the transfer is being finalized.
Mail Submission: Applicants who are unable to appear in person may mail completed original documents and fees to MVD Headquarters. Mail submissions should be directed to:
Motor Vehicle Division PO Box 2100, MD 555M, Phoenix, AZ 85001
Step 6: Pay the Required Title and Registration Fees
All applicable fees must be tendered at the time of application submission. The table below identifies the standard fees associated with a vehicle title transfer in Arizona. Total fees vary based on vehicle type, model year, assessed value, and location.
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title Fee | $4 | Required for all standard vehicle title issuance |
| Registration Fee | $4.50, $8, or $9 | Varies by vehicle type and classification |
| Air Quality Research Fee | $1.50 | Applied to vehicle registrations statewide |
| Vehicle License Tax (VLT) | Variable | Calculated based on 60% of the manufacturer's base retail price, reduced by 16.25% annually from the year the vehicle was first registered in Arizona |
| Late Title Penalty | $8 (first month) + $4/month thereafter | Assessed when the title application is submitted after the 15-day deadline; maximum penalty of $100 |
Fees may be paid by cash, check, or credit/debit card. For mail submissions, payment must be submitted by check or money order payable to the "Arizona Department of Transportation." Applicants completing an eTitle Transfer through AZ MVD Now pay all applicable fees online as part of the transfer workflow.
Step 7: Receive Your Certificate of Title Through AZ MVD Now
Upon successful processing of the title application and payment of all required fees, Arizona MVD will issue an electronic certificate of title to the buyer. Key details regarding title delivery and registration are as follows:
- The electronic title and all associated title information are accessible through the buyer's AZ MVD Now account under "My Vehicles"
- Buyers who complete an eTitle Transfer may print temporary registration documents immediately from their AZ MVD Now account service history
- When a lienholder is recorded on the title, the title is held electronically by the lienholder until the loan is paid in full; upon payoff, the lienholder releases the lien electronically, and MVD notifies the registered owner
- In-person and mail-in applications may take up to six weeks for full processing; applicants are encouraged to monitor their AZ MVD Now account for status updates
Applicants seeking to request a paper copy of their title may do so at any time through the Title Replacement service on AZ MVD Now for a $4.00 fee.
Contact Information
Arizona Department of Transportation — Motor Vehicle Division
1655 W. Jackson Street, MD 555M, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: Arizona Motor Vehicle Division
