Arkansas requires a bill of sale for vehicle ownership transfer, but the state does not mandate a specific form

Arkansas does not have an official state bill of sale form for vehicles. Instead, the state allows buyers and sellers to use any written document that records the sale, as long as it includes the essential details the Department of Finance and Administration needs to process the title transfer. This flexibility means you can write your own bill of sale, use a template, or read one from a private source — what matters is that the document captures the required information and is signed by both parties.

When you sell or buy a vehicle in Arkansas, the bill of sale serves as proof of the transaction. The buyer uses it to explore for a new title at the county clerk's office, and the seller keeps a copy for their records. Without a bill of sale, the county clerk cannot process the title transfer, and the buyer cannot legally register the vehicle in their name.

Key Takeaways

  • Arkansas does not provide an official bill of sale form, so you can create one yourself or use a template as long as it includes the vehicle identification number, sale price, and signatures from both buyer and seller.
  • The bill of sale must be presented to the county clerk's office along with the current title when the buyer applies for a new title in their name.
  • Both the buyer and seller should sign and date the bill of sale, and each should keep a copy for their records.
  • The sale price listed on the bill of sale is used to calculate the title transfer fee, so accuracy matters for the buyer's costs at the county clerk's office.

What information must be included on an Arkansas bill of sale

The bill of sale must contain the vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on the current title and on the dashboard of the vehicle. It should also list the make, model, year, and color of the vehicle so there is no confusion about which car is being sold. The document must include the sale price — the amount the buyer paid for the vehicle — because the county clerk uses this figure to calculate the title transfer fee.

Both the buyer's and seller's names, addresses, and signatures must appear on the bill of sale. The seller should sign as they appear on the current title. The buyer should sign as they wish their name to appear on the new title. The date of the sale should also be written on the document. If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the name and address of the lienholder should be included as well.

Some bills of sale also note whether the vehicle is sold "as is" or with any warranty, and whether the seller discloses any known mechanical problems. While Arkansas does not require these details, including them can prevent disputes later.

Where to find or create a bill of sale template

You can write a bill of sale on plain paper using the information listed above, or you can search online for "Arkansas bill of sale template" to find examples from legal document websites or the American Automobile Association (AAA). Many of these templates are free and can be printed or filled out digitally. The template should prompt you for all the required fields so you do not miss anything.

Some county clerk's offices provide sample bills of sale on their websites, though these are informational only and not official state forms. If you are unsure whether your bill of sale contains everything needed, you can contact your county clerk's office before the buyer comes in to transfer the title. They can review the document and tell you if anything is missing.

How the bill of sale is used in the title transfer process

Once the sale is complete and both parties have signed the bill of sale, the buyer takes it to the county clerk's office in the county where they live or where they plan to register the vehicle. The buyer will also bring the current title (signed by the seller in the appropriate section), proof of insurance, and payment for the title transfer fee. The county clerk uses the sale price on the bill of sale to calculate this fee.

The seller does not need to be present for the title transfer, but the seller's signature on both the bill of sale and the title is required. If the seller does not sign the title, the transfer cannot be completed. The buyer should make sure the seller signs both documents before leaving.

The county clerk will process the new title and mail it to the buyer's address within a few weeks. During this time, the buyer can drive the vehicle with the bill of sale and proof of insurance, though they should not delay registering it.

What happens if the vehicle has an outstanding loan

If the seller still owes money on the vehicle, the lienholder's name appears on the current title. The bill of sale should note the lienholder's name and address. The seller is responsible for paying off the loan before the title can be transferred to the buyer's name. In some cases, the seller and buyer arrange for the loan payoff to happen at closing, often through an escrow service or the lender's office.

The buyer should never take possession of a vehicle with an outstanding lien unless they have a written agreement with the seller about how and when the lien will be removed. If the seller does not pay off the loan, the lender can repossess the vehicle even after the buyer has taken it home. The bill of sale does not protect the buyer in this situation — only proof that the lien has been satisfied does.

Signing and storing your bill of sale

Both the buyer and seller should sign the bill of sale in front of each other. Arkansas does not require the signatures to be notarized, though having a notary witness the signatures adds an extra layer of protection and is sometimes useful if a dispute arises later. Each party should receive a signed copy to keep in their records.

The seller should keep their copy for at least a few years in case questions come up about the sale or the vehicle's condition. The buyer should keep their copy until they sell the vehicle themselves. If the title is lost in the mail or the county clerk needs to verify details of the sale, having a copy of the signed bill of sale can speed up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arkansas require a notary to witness the bill of sale?

No, Arkansas does not require a notary. Both parties can sign the bill of sale in front of each other without a notary present. However, having a notary witness the signatures is optional and can provide extra proof that the signatures are genuine if a dispute arises later.

What if I lose the bill of sale before I take it to the county clerk?

If the bill of sale is lost, you will need to ask the seller to sign another copy. The seller is not required to do this, but without a signed bill of sale, the county clerk cannot process the title transfer. If the seller refuses, you may need to contact a lawyer about your options.

Can I use a bill of sale from another state?

Yes, as long as it contains all the information Arkansas requires: VIN, vehicle details, sale price, buyer and seller names and addresses, and signatures from both parties. The format does not matter — only the content. However, using an Arkansas template is simpler and avoids confusion at the county clerk's office.

Is the sale price on the bill of sale public information?

The bill of sale itself is not public, but the sale price is recorded with the title at the county clerk's office. This information is generally available to the public, though some states limit access. If you have privacy concerns, contact your county clerk's office to learn what information they make public.