What an Arkansas car title is and who issues it
An Arkansas car title is a legal document that proves you own a vehicle. It lists the vehicle identification number (VIN), the owner's name and address, and any lienholders (like a bank if you financed the car). The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Revenue Division issues all titles in the state.
You need a title to sell a car, register it, or use it as collateral for a loan. If you buy a used car from a dealer or private seller, the seller must sign the title over to you. If you buy a new car, the dealer handles the title paperwork and sends it to the state on your behalf. Without a valid title in your name, you cannot legally prove ownership.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas titles are issued by the Department of Finance and Administration, Revenue Division, and you can request one by mail, in person, or online through their portal.
- A replacement title costs $10 and takes about two weeks by mail, or you can get one the same day at a county clerk's office in person.
- If your title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to provide your VIN, proof of ownership, and a signed process form.
- A lien title shows that a lender has a claim on the vehicle; the lender must sign off before you can get a clear title after the loan is paid off.
- Duplicate titles are issued to both you and any lienholder, so the lender receives their copy automatically.
How to request a replacement title in Arkansas
If your title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through three methods. The fastest is to visit your county clerk's office in person with your VIN, proof of ownership (such as a registration card or insurance document), and a signed process. You will receive the replacement title the same day, though you may need to wait a few hours for processing.
By mail, send a completed process form (available on the Revenue Division website) along with a copy of your proof of ownership to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Revenue Division. Include a check or money order for $10. Processing takes about two weeks from the date they receive your packet.
You can also request a replacement title online through the Arkansas Revenue Division portal if you have a valid driver's license and can verify your identity electronically. This method is faster than mail and costs the same $10 fee.
What documents you need to provide
The state requires specific documents depending on your situation. For a replacement title, you need your vehicle identification number (VIN), which you can find on your registration card, insurance documents, or the dashboard of your car. You also need proof that you own the vehicle—a registration card, insurance document, or previous title all work.
You must complete the process form for a replacement title, which the Revenue Division provides on their website. If you are explore in person at a county clerk's office, staff can provide the form and help you fill it out. If you are explore by mail, print the form, sign it, and include it with your payment and proof of ownership.
If the title was damaged in a way that makes it unreadable (water damage, torn, faded), you can send the damaged title itself along with your process. This helps the state verify that you are the registered owner.
Understanding lien titles and clear titles
A lien title shows that a lender (usually a bank or credit union) has a legal claim on your vehicle because you borrowed money to buy it. The lender's name appears on the title, and they hold the title document until you pay off the loan. You own the car and can drive it, but you cannot sell it or refinance it without the lender's permission.
A clear title means no lender has a claim on the vehicle—you own it outright. Once you pay off your car loan, the lender must sign a release document and send it to the state. The Revenue Division then issues you a new title without the lender's name. This process usually takes two to four weeks after the lender submits the paperwork.
If you buy a used car that still has a lien on it, the seller must pay off the loan before transferring the title to you. Some private sales go through a title company or bank to handle this step safely. Never accept a title with a lien on it unless you are taking over the loan yourself.
Transferring a title when you sell your car
When you sell your car in Arkansas, you must sign the title over to the buyer. The back of the title has a section for the seller's signature, printed name, address, and date. You sign this section in front of a notary public—most banks, credit unions, and some pharmacies offer notary services for free or a small fee. The buyer then takes the signed title to their county clerk's office to register the vehicle in their name.
If your title has a lien on it, the lender must also sign the title release before the buyer can register the car. Contact your lender and ask them to sign the release and return it to you. Some lenders will mail it directly to the buyer or the county clerk instead. Make sure the release is signed and dated before you hand over the title to the buyer.
If you lose the title before you can sell the car, you can request a replacement and then sign it over to the buyer. The replacement process takes the same amount of time whether you are selling or keeping the car.
Duplicate titles and multiple owners
Arkansas allows you to list more than one owner on a title. If you and another person own the car together, both names appear on the title. When the state issues the title, they print two copies—one for you and one for the other owner. If there is a lienholder, the lender receives a third copy.
If you are the sole owner and want to add another person's name, you must request a duplicate title that lists both names. This requires both owners to sign an process and provide proof of ownership. The state will then issue new titles to both of you.
If you are selling a car with multiple owners, all owners must sign the title in front of a notary. If one owner cannot be present, that owner must sign a power of attorney document allowing another owner to sign on their behalf. The notary must witness all signatures.
What to do if your title has errors
If your title has a spelling error in your name, a wrong VIN, an incorrect vehicle description, or any other mistake, contact the Revenue Division to request a corrected title. You will need to provide proof of the correct information—for example, your driver's license for a name spelling, or your vehicle registration for the VIN.
Send a letter explaining the error, a copy of the incorrect title, and documentation of the correct information to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Revenue Division. Include a check for $10. The state will issue a corrected title, which usually takes two to three weeks.
Do not attempt to cross out or write over errors on the title yourself. The state will not accept a title that has been altered by hand. A corrected title from the state is the only legal fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement title in Arkansas?
By mail, expect two weeks from the date the Revenue Division receives your packet. In person at a county clerk's office, you can receive it the same day, though processing may take a few hours. Online requests through the state portal are faster than mail but slower than in-person pickup.
Can I register my car if I don't have the title yet?
No. You must have the title in your name before you can register the vehicle. If you are buying a new car from a dealer, the dealer handles the title paperwork, and you can register once the state issues it. If you are buying used, the seller must sign the title over to you first.
What if the previous owner won't sign the title over to me?
Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Revenue Division, and explain the situation. They can advise you on your options, which may include filing a complaint or requesting a court order. Do not give money to the seller until you have the signed title in hand.
Do I need to notarize my signature when I request a replacement title?
No. A notary is required only when you are signing the title over to a buyer. For a replacement title request, your signature on the process form is sufficient.
What happens if I sell my car but the buyer never registers it in their name?
Once you sign the title over to the buyer, your responsibility ends. If the buyer does not register the vehicle, that is their problem. However, keep a copy of the signed title for your records in case questions arise later about the sale.