What you need to do to transfer a vehicle title in Arizona

To transfer a vehicle title in Arizona, you fill out Form 130-U (process for Arizona Title and Registration), gather documents that prove ownership and identity, and submit them to your county's Motor Vehicle Division office along with the transfer fee. The process takes about two weeks if you do it in person at an office, or longer if you mail documents. You cannot register the vehicle in your name until the title transfer is complete — the two are separate steps, though many people do them together.

Arizona requires the seller to sign the title in the designated area on the back. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller must get a duplicate from their county office first. You will also need to show proof that you own the vehicle (usually the bill of sale) and proof of your identity (driver's license or passport). If the vehicle has a lien on it — meaning a bank or lender holds a security interest — that lender must sign off on the transfer, and their paperwork must come with your process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit Form 130-U along with the signed title, proof of ownership, and your ID to your county Motor Vehicle Division office.
  • The seller must sign the back of the title in the correct location; if the title is missing or damaged, they need to request a duplicate first.
  • If the vehicle has a loan against it, the lender's lien release document must be included with your transfer paperwork.
  • The transfer fee varies by county but typically ranges from $15 to $35, and processing takes about two weeks at an office or four to six weeks by mail.

Documents you will need to bring or mail

Start with the signed title itself. The seller must sign in the area marked "Signature of Registered Owner" on the back of the title. Both the buyer and seller should print their names clearly in the spaces provided. If there are two owners listed on the title, both must sign unless one has a power of attorney document authorizing the other to sign alone.

You also need a bill of sale or proof of purchase. This can be a receipt from a dealer, a written agreement between you and the seller, or documentation from an auction house if you bought the vehicle at auction. The bill of sale should show the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both buyer and seller. If you do not have a formal bill of sale, a signed letter from the seller stating they sold you the vehicle and the price is acceptable.

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or tribal ID card. If you are under 18, you may need a parent or guardian to sign the process. If the vehicle has a lien, you need the lien release document from the lender, which shows the loan has been paid off and the lender no longer has a claim to the vehicle.

Where to go and what the fees are

Arizona has 15 county Motor Vehicle Division offices, one in each county. You can find the address and hours for your county on the Arizona Department of Transportation website. Some counties also have satellite offices in larger cities. You do not have to go to the office in the county where you live — you can use any county office in the state.

The transfer fee is set by each county and ranges from about $15 to $35. Some counties charge a flat fee; others charge based on the vehicle's value. When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The staff will review your documents, collect the fee, and give you a receipt. They will tell you when to return to pick up your new title, which is usually within two weeks.

If you mail your documents instead of going in person, include a check or money order for the fee payable to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Mail everything to your county office. Processing by mail takes four to six weeks, and you will receive your new title by mail. Keep a copy of everything you send in case questions come up.

What happens if the title has a lien on it

A lien means a bank, credit union, or other lender has a legal claim to the vehicle until the loan is paid off. You cannot transfer a title with an active lien unless the lender releases it. The lender must sign a lien release document — sometimes called a "lien satisfaction" or "payoff letter" — that states the loan is paid in full and the lender gives up its claim.

If you are buying a vehicle with a loan still owed on it, the seller must pay off the loan before transferring the title to you. Some dealerships handle this at the time of sale; they use the sale proceeds to pay the lender and then transfer the title. If you are buying from a private seller, make sure the loan is paid off and you have the lien release in hand before you hand over money. Never give money to a seller before you see proof the lien is released.

Transferring a title if the seller is not available

If the seller cannot go to the Motor Vehicle office with you, they can sign the title and other documents ahead of time and mail them to you, or you can pick them up. The seller's signature on the title is what matters — it does not have to be done in front of an official. However, some situations require the seller to appear in person or sign documents in front of a notary public.

If the title is in the name of a deceased person's estate, or if the seller is signing on behalf of a business or organization, you may need a notarized signature or a power of attorney document. A notary public can witness and certify a signature for a small fee (usually $5 to $15). You can find notaries at banks, UPS stores, and some law offices. If you are unsure whether you need a notary, call your county Motor Vehicle Division office and describe your situation — they can tell you what is required.

How to register the vehicle after the title transfer

Title transfer and vehicle registration are two separate processes. Once your new title arrives, you can register the vehicle. To register, you need the new title, proof of insurance, and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement). You also need to pay the registration fee, which depends on the vehicle's age and weight.

You can register at the same Motor Vehicle Division office where you transferred the title, or at any other county office. Registration can also be done online through the Arizona Department of Transportation website if you have a valid Arizona driver's license. Online registration is faster and costs the same as in-person registration. You will receive registration plates and a registration card by mail within two weeks.

What to do if the title is lost or damaged

If the seller no longer has the title, they must request a duplicate from their county Motor Vehicle Division office before you can transfer it. The seller fills out Form 130-U (the same form used for transfer) and submits it with their ID and a $5 to $10 fee. The duplicate title arrives by mail in about two weeks. Once the seller has the duplicate, they can sign it and send it to you for the transfer process.

If the title is damaged but readable — for example, water-damaged or torn — you can still use it for transfer as long as the VIN and owner information are clear. If the damage makes the title unreadable, the seller needs to get a duplicate. Do not try to tape or repair a title yourself; the Motor Vehicle office will not accept it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new title after I submit the paperwork?

If you submit documents in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, you will receive your new title within two weeks. If you mail your documents, allow four to six weeks for processing and delivery. You can call your county office to check the status of your transfer after one week.

Can I drive the vehicle before the title transfer is complete?

You can drive it if you have a temporary registration permit, which the Motor Vehicle office can issue on the same day you submit your transfer paperwork. You cannot legally drive without registration, even if your transfer is in progress. Ask for a temporary permit when you submit your documents.

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

Minor differences like a middle initial or a nickname may be acceptable, but significant differences (like a completely different name) require explanation. Bring both the title and the ID to the Motor Vehicle office and ask the staff whether the names match well enough. If there is a legal name change, you may need a court document or marriage certificate to explain the difference.

Do I need an inspection before transferring the title?

Arizona does not require a vehicle inspection for title transfer. However, you will need an inspection if the vehicle is being registered for the first time in Arizona or if it is being registered after being out of state for more than one year. The inspection checks that the VIN on the vehicle matches the VIN on the title.

What if I bought the vehicle from a dealership instead of a private seller?

Dealerships handle the title transfer for you as part of the sale. They will give you the paperwork you need to sign and submit to the Motor Vehicle office, or they may submit it themselves on your behalf. Ask the dealership whether they are handling the transfer or whether you need to do it. Either way, you are responsible for making sure the transfer is completed within 30 days of purchase.