How to transfer a car title in Arkansas
For private sellers and buyers in Arkansas. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Arkansas, the seller and buyer both sign the title, and the seller gives the buyer a bill of sale with the VIN, date, price and both signatures. The buyer takes them to a State Revenue Office within 60 days of the sale and pays the fees and any sales tax.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Arkansas?
Seller
- Sign the title over to the buyer. The buyer signs it too.
- Give the buyer a bill of sale with the VIN, the sale date, the price and both signatures.
- For a car under 20 years old, fill in the odometer statement. You and the buyer both sign it.
- You can send the optional Notice of Transfer of Ownership to the Office of Motor Vehicle. Once you have sold the car and handed it over, you are not liable for damage from how it is driven.
Buyer
- Title and register the car at a State Revenue Office within 60 days.
- If the title names more than one owner joined by "and", all of you sign the title application.
- Bring the signed title and bill of sale, proof the car is assessed with your county, proof your personal property tax is paid, and proof of insurance.
- Pay sales tax and any local tax when you register. A used car sold for $3,999 or less owes no sales tax.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle before you go: dfa.arkansas.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Arkansas?
Step 2 · Seller
Write a bill of sale.
Include the VIN, the sale date, the price and both signatures.
dfa.arkansas.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Fill in the odometer statement.
Needed for a car under 20 years old. You and the buyer both sign.
dfa.arkansas.gov checkedStep 4 · Seller
Send the notice of transfer (optional).
It tells the Office of Motor Vehicle you sold the car.
dfa.arkansas.gov checked
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle asks for a bill of sale when a car is sold. dfa.arkansas.gov checked
Arkansas bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Arkansas?
Step 1 · Buyer
Get the signed title and bill of sale.
Both you and the seller sign them.
dfa.arkansas.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Get your county assessment and tax receipts.
Have the car assessed with your county and your personal property tax paid, and get insurance.
dfa.arkansas.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Go to a State Revenue Office within 60 days.
Fill out the title application and pay the fees and tax.
10-381 · Application for Title or Replacement Titledfa.arkansas.gov checked
After Arkansas DFA processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Arkansas guides
How much does a title transfer cost in Arkansas?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | Not confirmed yet | Buyer | dfa.arkansas.gov Checked |
| Sales tax | Being checked | Buyer | dfa.arkansas.gov Checked |
| Late registration penalty, after 60 days (if it applies) | $3 for each 10 days late | Buyer | dfa.arkansas.gov Checked |
| Late penalty on the tax, after 60 days (if it applies) | 10% of the tax due | Buyer | dfa.arkansas.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | Not confirmed yet |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Arkansas are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Title or Replacement Title (10-381).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
What does the buyer bring?
The signed title and bill of sale, proof of the county assessment, proof the personal property tax is paid, and proof of insurance.
dfa.arkansas.gov checked
What if the buyer is late?
A registration penalty of $3 for each 10 days late and a sales tax penalty of 10% of the tax due apply.
dfa.arkansas.gov checked
Does the seller have to report the sale?
No. The notice of transfer is optional.
dfa.arkansas.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Arkansas sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.