What You Need to Transfer a Title in Arizona

To transfer a vehicle title in Arizona, you will submit documents to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division. The process requires the current title, a completed process form, proof of ownership, and payment of a transfer fee. Most transfers take 10 to 15 business days once ADOT receives your paperwork.

The exact documents and steps depend on whether you are buying a used vehicle, inheriting one, receiving one as a gift, or transferring ownership between spouses. Each situation has different requirements, and some require a notarized signature or a lien release from a bank.

You can submit your transfer by mail, in person at an ADOT office, or through an authorized third-party service. Mailing is the slowest route but works if you cannot visit an office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona requires the current title, a completed Form 44-131 (process for Title), and the transfer fee, which varies based on the vehicle's value.
  • If you are buying a used car, you need the seller's signature on the title and a bill of sale showing the purchase price.
  • Transfers involving a loan require a lien release letter from the bank or lender before ADOT will issue a new title.
  • You can mail documents to ADOT, visit a local office, or use a third-party service like an auto dealer or title company to speed up the process.
  • Arizona titles are issued in the name of the owner, and adding a spouse's name requires a separate transfer or a new title process.

Buying a Used Vehicle From a Private Seller

When you buy a used car from an individual, the seller must sign the back of the title in the designated signature line. You will also need a bill of sale that shows the purchase price, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the date of sale, and both the buyer's and seller's names and signatures. Arizona does not require a specific bill of sale form, but having one in writing protects both parties and gives ADOT proof of the transaction.

Bring or mail the signed title, the completed Form 44-131, the bill of sale, and your proof of identity to ADOT. The transfer fee is based on the vehicle's value and ranges from about $10 to $50 for most used cars. If the title has a lien on it (meaning the seller still owes money to a bank), the seller must obtain a lien release letter from their lender and provide it with the title. ADOT will not issue a new title until the lien is cleared.

If the seller cannot locate the original title, they can request a duplicate from ADOT before the sale. This adds time to the process, so ask the seller to handle this before you complete the purchase.

Inheriting or Receiving a Vehicle as a Gift

If you inherit a vehicle, you will need the title, a death certificate, and proof that you are the beneficiary or heir. The probate court or the deceased's will determines who owns the vehicle. Bring these documents along with Form 44-131 to ADOT. If the estate is still in probate, the executor or administrator may need to sign the title transfer on behalf of the deceased's estate.

For a gift, the donor (the person giving you the car) must sign the title and provide a bill of sale showing the purchase price as $0 or "gift." Arizona taxes gifts based on the vehicle's fair market value, not the stated price, so ADOT may assess a transfer fee based on the vehicle's actual worth. Bring the signed title, the gift bill of sale, Form 44-131, and your proof of identity.

Both inheritance and gift transfers require the same documents as a purchase, except the bill of sale shows no money exchanged. If you are unsure whether probate is required, contact the county probate court or an estate attorney before submitting your transfer.

Transferring a Title Between Spouses

Arizona allows spouses to transfer a vehicle title without paying a transfer fee if both spouses' names are already on the title or if the transfer is part of a divorce settlement. To add a spouse's name to an existing title, both the current owner and the spouse must sign Form 44-131 and submit it with the current title and proof of marriage (such as a marriage certificate).

If you are transferring a vehicle as part of a divorce, you will need the divorce decree or settlement agreement showing who receives the vehicle. The spouse keeping the vehicle submits the title, the divorce document, and Form 44-131 to ADOT. The fee is waived if the transfer is ordered by the court.

If only one spouse's name is on the title and you want to add the other spouse, this counts as a regular transfer and may include a fee. Contact ADOT to confirm whether your situation qualifies for the spousal exemption before submitting documents.

Handling Titles With Liens and Loan Payoffs

If you are buying a vehicle that still has a loan against it, the seller's lender holds the title until the loan is paid off. The seller must obtain a lien release letter from their bank or credit union, which states that the loan is paid in full and the lender releases its claim to the vehicle. This letter must be dated and signed by an authorized bank representative.

The seller provides the lien release letter along with the original title to you at the time of sale. You then submit both documents to ADOT with your transfer paperwork. ADOT will not issue a new title in your name until the lien is released. If the seller is still paying off the loan, they must pay it off before the title can be transferred to you.

Some buyers and sellers use a third-party escrow service or title company to handle the loan payoff during the sale. The title company holds the funds, pays off the loan, obtains the lien release, and then transfers the title. This protects both parties but adds a fee (usually $100 to $300) to the transaction.

Where and How to Submit Your Transfer

You have three main options for submitting your title transfer: mail, in-person visit, or third-party service. Mailing takes the longest (10 to 15 business days after ADOT receives your package) but requires no appointment. Send your documents to the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office that serves your county. Include a check or money order for the transfer fee and keep a copy of everything you send.

Visiting an ADOT office in person is faster if you have all documents ready. Walk-in service is available at most locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day. Bring the original title, completed Form 44-131, your proof of identity, and payment. ADOT staff can review your documents on the spot and tell you if anything is missing before you leave.

Third-party services include auto dealers, title companies, and DMV service centers. These businesses charge a fee (typically $25 to $75) but handle the paperwork and submission for you. This is useful if you are buying from a dealer or if you cannot visit an ADOT office yourself. The service submits your documents and you receive your new title by mail within 2 to 3 weeks.

What Happens After You Submit Your Transfer

Once ADOT receives your complete transfer package, they process it and issue a new title in your name. You will receive the new title by mail at the address you provided on Form 44-131. During processing, you can drive the vehicle using a bill of sale or a temporary registration receipt if you purchased it from a dealer. Do not drive without proof of ownership or a temporary permit, as you can be cited for not having a valid title.

If ADOT finds an error or missing document, they will contact you by mail or phone. This delays the process, so double-check that all signatures are present, dates are filled in, and your address is correct before submitting. If you submitted by mail and ADOT needs more information, respond quickly to avoid further delays.

Once you receive your new title, keep it in a safe place. You will need it if you sell the vehicle, refinance a loan, or transfer it again. If the title is lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate from ADOT using Form 44-131.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a notary to transfer a title in Arizona?

No, Arizona does not require a notarized signature for most title transfers. However, some lenders or title companies may require a notarized bill of sale or lien release. Check with your lender or the seller before assuming you need a notary.

What if the seller's name on the title does not match their ID?

The name on the title must match the seller's current legal name. If it does not, the seller must obtain a corrected title from ADOT before the sale. This requires proof of the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order) and takes about two weeks.

Can I transfer a title if the vehicle has an outstanding loan I did not know about?

No. ADOT will not issue a new title if a lien is recorded against the vehicle. The seller must pay off the loan and obtain a lien release before you can take ownership. If the seller refuses, do not complete the purchase.

How long does it take to get a new title after I submit my transfer?

Processing takes 10 to 15 business days after ADOT receives your complete process. If you submit by mail, add 3 to 5 days for delivery. Using a third-party service may take 2 to 3 weeks but includes handling time.

What if I buy a vehicle out of state and want to register it in Arizona?

You must transfer the out-of-state title to Arizona before you can register the vehicle here. Bring the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, Form 44-131, and proof of identity to ADOT. The process is the same as a private sale transfer, and Arizona will issue a new Arizona title.