How to transfer a vehicle title in Arizona
To transfer a vehicle title in Arizona, you submit the signed title document to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division, along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and payment. The process differs slightly depending on whether you're buying from a private seller, a dealership, or inheriting a vehicle. Most transfers take two to three weeks once ADOT receives your paperwork, though you can drive the vehicle when ready if you have a bill of sale and proof of insurance.
Arizona requires the title to be signed by the current owner before you submit anything. If you're buying the vehicle, the seller signs the back of the title in your presence or has it notarized if they're not available. You then complete your section and mail or deliver everything to ADOT in person or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- The seller must sign the back of the Arizona title document, and you must sign as the new owner before submitting to ADOT.
- You need the original title, a completed bill of sale, proof of insurance, and payment (title transfer fee varies by vehicle value) to complete the transfer.
- ADOT processes title transfers by mail or in person at any Motor Vehicle Division office; processing takes two to three weeks by mail.
- If the title is lost or the seller cannot sign, you can request a duplicate title or use a power of attorney, but both add time to the process.
- You can drive the vehicle with a bill of sale and proof of insurance while waiting for the new title to arrive in the mail.
What documents you need to bring or mail
The original Arizona title signed by the current owner is the foundation of any transfer. If the title is lost, the seller can request a duplicate from ADOT before you take ownership, or you can request one after purchase if the seller cannot locate it. The duplicate takes about two weeks to arrive.
A bill of sale is required and must show the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both buyer and seller. Arizona does not have a mandatory bill of sale form, so you can write one yourself or use a template, but it must include those four elements. Some dealerships provide their own bill of sale; private sellers do not.
Proof of insurance is required before ADOT will issue a new title in your name. Your insurance company can provide a declarations page or binder showing your name, the VIN, and the policy effective date. The insurance must be active on the date you submit the transfer paperwork.
The title transfer fee depends on the vehicle's value. Arizona charges a percentage of the sale price up to a maximum fee. Contact ADOT or check their website for the current fee schedule, as it changes annually. Payment is made by check, money order, or credit card depending on whether you submit by mail or in person.
Transferring a title bought from a private seller
When you buy from a private seller, ask them to sign the back of the title in front of you. The signature must be in blue or black ink and match the name printed on the front of the title. If the seller's name on the title does not match their identification, do not proceed—the title may be fraudulent or the seller may not own the vehicle.
Once signed, you complete the buyer section on the back of the title with your name, address, and signature. Write the sale price and date on the bill of sale. Collect the seller's phone number and address in case ADOT needs to verify the sale.
Mail the signed title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and payment to the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office that serves your county, or deliver them in person. ADOT will send the new title to your address within two to three weeks. You do not need to wait for the new title to arrive before driving the vehicle if you have the bill of sale and proof of insurance.
Transferring a title from a dealership
Dealerships handle most of the title transfer paperwork for you. When you purchase a vehicle, the dealership provides you with a bill of sale and instructions for what to do next. Some dealerships submit the paperwork to ADOT on your behalf; others require you to submit it yourself.
Ask the dealership whether they will submit the transfer or whether you are responsible. If you are responsible, the dealership will give you the signed title, bill of sale, and a list of what to include. Follow the same process as a private sale: submit the signed title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and payment to ADOT.
If the dealership is submitting on your behalf, confirm that they have your correct mailing address before you leave the lot. The new title will be sent to that address. Dealerships typically complete this within one to two weeks because they submit in bulk.
Transferring a title if the owner has passed away
If you are inheriting a vehicle, the title transfer process depends on whether there is a will and whether the estate is going through probate. If the deceased owner's will names you as the beneficiary, you will need a certified copy of the death certificate and either the will or a probate court order showing that you own the vehicle.
Contact the probate court in the county where the owner died to find out what documents you need. Some estates do not require full probate if the vehicle's value is below a certain threshold; Arizona allows small succession procedures for vehicles under certain conditions. The probate court or a probate attorney can tell you whether your situation qualifies.
Once you have the required court documents, submit them to ADOT along with the title, proof of insurance, and payment. The process takes longer than a standard transfer because ADOT must verify the court order, so allow four to six weeks.
What to do if the title is signed incorrectly or the seller is unavailable
If the seller signed the title but made a mistake—misspelled their name, signed in pencil, or signed the wrong line—contact ADOT before submitting. Some errors can be corrected by the seller with a new signature; others require a duplicate title. Do not cross out or white-out the signature yourself.
If the seller is unavailable to sign the title, they can sign it in front of a notary public and mail it to you. The notary will witness the signature and stamp the title. This is common when the seller has moved out of state or cannot meet in person. The notarized signature is legally equivalent to an in-person signature.
If the seller refuses to sign or cannot be located, you cannot complete the transfer. You have no legal claim to the vehicle without the owner's signature. If you have already paid for the vehicle, this is a civil matter between you and the seller; contact a lawyer or local law enforcement.
Where to submit your paperwork
ADOT Motor Vehicle Division has offices in every county. You can submit your paperwork by mail to the office that serves your county, or visit in person during business hours. The mailing address and office locations are on the ADOT website.
If you submit by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope so ADOT can return your new title. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date ADOT receives your paperwork. If you submit in person, you can ask about the status of your transfer when ready.
Some ADOT offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee, though this is not available at all locations. Call ahead to ask whether your local office offers this service and what the fee is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive the vehicle before the new title arrives?
Yes. You can drive with the bill of sale and proof of insurance while ADOT processes your transfer. Keep both documents in the vehicle. If you are stopped by police, show them the bill of sale and explain that the title transfer is pending. Most officers will not cite you if the paperwork is in order.
What if the seller's name on the title does not match their driver's license?
Do not complete the purchase. The title may be fraudulent, or the seller may not legally own the vehicle. Ask the seller to explain the discrepancy and request documentation showing they own it. If they cannot provide proof, walk away from the deal.
How much does an Arizona title transfer cost?
The fee is based on the vehicle's sale price and changes annually. Contact ADOT or check their website for the current fee schedule. The fee is typically between $20 and $100 depending on the purchase price. Duplicate titles and expedited processing have separate fees.
What happens if I lose the title after I buy the vehicle?
Contact ADOT and request a duplicate title. You will need proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or previous title, and payment for the duplicate fee. The duplicate arrives by mail in about two weeks. You do not need to transfer the title again if you already own the vehicle.
Can someone else submit the title transfer paperwork for me?
Yes, if you give them a signed power of attorney. The person submitting must have a notarized power of attorney document signed by you. ADOT will accept the transfer with the power of attorney in place of your signature. This is useful if you live out of state or cannot visit an ADOT office in person.