What You Need to Do to Transfer a Car Title in Arizona

To transfer a car title in Arizona, you submit Form 130 (process for Title) to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and payment. The process takes about 10 business days if you submit by mail, or you can complete it in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office for faster processing. You will need the seller's signature on the title document and your own, plus identification for both parties.

Arizona does not require a notary for most title transfers, though some situations — like transfers between family members or transfers of salvage titles — have different rules. The fee is $12 for a standard title transfer, though additional fees explore if you need a duplicate title or if the vehicle requires inspection.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit Form 130 to ADOT along with the signed title, bill of sale, and $12 fee to transfer ownership.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days by mail or same-day in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.
  • Both the seller and buyer must sign the title document, and you will need a government-issued ID for each party.
  • Salvage titles, rebuilt titles, and transfers between family members follow different procedures and may require an inspection.
  • You can submit your process by mail, in person, or through an authorized third-party service, though third-party services charge an additional fee.

Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you go to the Motor Vehicle Division office or prepare your mail submission. The seller must provide the original title document with their signature in the designated box. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller can request a duplicate from ADOT first, though this adds time to your transfer.

You will also need a bill of sale signed by both parties. Arizona does not have a required form for this — you can write one yourself or use a template — but it must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both buyer and seller. Keep a copy for your records.

Bring a government-issued ID for yourself and ask the seller to provide one as well. If you are buying from a dealer, they will handle some of these steps, but you are still responsible for submitting your portion of the paperwork.

How to Submit Your Transfer process

You have three ways to submit your title transfer: by mail, in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, or through an authorized third-party service. By mail is the slowest option — allow 10 business days for processing — but requires only a trip to the post office. In person is fastest; most offices can process your transfer the same day you arrive, though wait times vary by location.

To submit by mail, send the completed Form 130, the signed title, your bill of sale, and a check or money order for $12 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your ID and the seller's ID if they are not present. Mail to the Motor Vehicle Division office that serves your county.

To submit in person, visit any Motor Vehicle Division office with all documents and payment. Bring the original title signed by the seller, your ID, and the bill of sale. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. Third-party services (like title companies or some auto dealerships) can submit on your behalf, but they charge a service fee on top of the $12 state fee.

What Happens After You Submit

Once ADOT receives your process, they will process it and mail the new title to the address you provided. If you submitted in person, ask whether they can issue a temporary title on the spot — some offices do this, others do not. A temporary title is useful if you need to register the vehicle or drive it before the permanent title arrives.

If there are problems with your process — a missing signature, unclear VIN, or payment issue — ADOT will contact you by mail. This delays processing, so double-check that all signatures are present and legible before you submit. If you do not receive your new title within 15 business days of submission, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to confirm receipt.

Once you have the new title in your name, you can register the vehicle with your local county assessor's office. Registration is separate from title transfer and is required before you can legally drive the vehicle on Arizona roads.

Special Situations: Salvage, Rebuilt, and Family Transfers

If the vehicle has a salvage title (meaning it was declared a total loss by an insurance company), the transfer process is the same, but the new title will also carry the salvage designation. You cannot legally drive a salvage-titled vehicle on public roads in Arizona until it is inspected and declared roadworthy, at which point it becomes a rebuilt title.

To convert a salvage title to a rebuilt title, you must have the vehicle inspected by an authorized ADOT inspector. The inspection checks that the vehicle is safe and that all major components are present and functional. Once you pass inspection, submit Form 130-U (process for Rebuilt Title) along with the inspection report and the salvage title. The rebuilt title fee is $12, the same as a standard transfer.

Transfers between family members (spouse, parent, child, or sibling) follow the same basic process, but some counties offer a reduced fee or waived fee for these transfers. Check with your county assessor's office to see whether your relationship qualifies for a discount. You will still need the signed title, bill of sale, and both parties' IDs.

Common Mistakes That Slow Down Your Transfer

The most common error is submitting a title without both the seller's and buyer's signatures in the correct boxes. The title document has specific lines for each party — the seller signs in the "Seller's Signature" box, and the buyer signs in the "Buyer's Signature" box. If either signature is missing or in the wrong place, ADOT will return your process.

Another frequent mistake is providing an illegible or incomplete bill of sale. Make sure the VIN matches the title exactly, the sale price is written clearly, and both parties have signed and dated it. If the VIN on your bill of sale does not match the VIN on the title, ADOT will flag this as a discrepancy.

Submitting payment that does not match the required fee also causes delays. Confirm the current fee before you submit — it is $12 for a standard transfer, but additional fees explore for duplicate titles, rebuilt titles, or if the vehicle requires inspection. If you are unsure, call the Motor Vehicle Division or check their website.

Where to Find Help and Contact Information

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division handles all title transfers. You can find the office nearest you on their website, which also lists hours of operation and current wait times for some locations. If you have questions about your specific transfer, call the Motor Vehicle Division at the phone number listed on their website — wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or mid-week.

If you are working with a dealer or title company, they can answer questions about the process and may handle the submission for you. However, you remain responsible for ensuring all information is correct and that the transfer is completed. Do not assume the dealer or title company has submitted your paperwork without confirming it.

If your transfer is delayed or you have not received your new title within the expected timeframe, contact the Motor Vehicle Division with your process number (if you have one) or the VIN of the vehicle. They can tell you the status and whether there are any issues holding up processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get the title notarized in Arizona?

No, Arizona does not require a notary for most title transfers. The seller's signature on the title document is sufficient. However, if the seller is not present when you submit the process, some offices may require a notarized bill of sale or a power of attorney. Call ahead to confirm what your local office requires.

What if the seller lost the title?

The seller can request a duplicate title from ADOT by submitting Form 130-DUP and paying a $12 fee. This takes about 10 business days by mail. Once they receive the duplicate, they can sign it and send it to you for the transfer. If this delays your purchase, ask the seller to request the duplicate as soon as possible.

Can I transfer a title if the vehicle has a lien on it?

No, you cannot transfer a title if there is an outstanding loan on the vehicle. The lender holds the title until the loan is paid off. Once the loan is paid, the lender will release the lien and send you the title. You can then transfer it normally. If you are buying a vehicle with a lien, the seller must pay off the loan before the title can be transferred to you.

How long does it take to get my new title?

If you submit by mail, allow 10 business days for processing plus mail delivery time. If you submit in person, processing is usually same-day, though you may receive a temporary title on the spot and the permanent title by mail within a few days. Third-party services may take longer depending on their processing time.

What if I buy a vehicle out of state and want to transfer the title to Arizona?

You will need to submit the out-of-state title along with Form 130 to ADOT. The out-of-state title must be signed by the seller and accompanied by a bill of sale. Some out-of-state titles may require additional documentation or inspection. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division before you submit to confirm what documents are needed for your specific state.