What you need to do to transfer a title in Arizona

To transfer a vehicle title in Arizona, you submit Form 44-131 (process for Title) to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division, along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and payment. The process takes about 10 business days if you submit in person at an ADOT office, or up to three weeks by mail. You do not need a notary for most transfers, but you do need the signature of the person whose name is currently on the title.

The specific documents and fees depend on whether you are buying the vehicle from a private seller, a dealer, or inheriting it. Arizona also requires a smog check for vehicles model year 1975 and newer before you can register them, though the title transfer itself does not depend on passing inspection.

Key Takeaways

  • Form 44-131 is the document you submit to ADOT Motor Vehicle Division, along with the current title, bill of sale, and a check or money order for the title fee.
  • The current title owner must sign the back of the title or provide a separate power of attorney if they are not present at the ADOT office.
  • You can submit your transfer in person at any ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office, by mail to the Phoenix office, or through an authorized third-party service.
  • Arizona charges a flat title transfer fee that does not vary by vehicle value, and you pay registration fees separately when you register the vehicle.
  • A smog check is required before registration for most vehicles, but the title transfer itself does not depend on the inspection result.

Documents you need for a private-party transfer

Gather the original title (or a certified copy if the original is lost), a completed bill of sale, and Form 44-131 before you go to ADOT. The bill of sale does not have to be a specific form — Arizona accepts any written record that shows the seller's name, the buyer's name, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, and the date of sale. Many sellers and buyers use a straightforward template from ADOT's website or a blank one from an office supply store.

The person whose name appears on the title must sign the back of the title itself or sign a separate power of attorney (Form 44-282) if they cannot be present. If there are two names on the title and both are required to sign, both signatures must appear. If the title is lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate from ADOT before you transfer it, or you can explore for a new title and transfer in the same transaction by checking the appropriate box on Form 44-131.

Bring a photo ID and proof of Arizona residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). If you are buying from an out-of-state seller, the out-of-state title counts as proof of ownership, and you do not need additional documentation from that state.

Dealer transfers and rebuilt titles

If you buy from a licensed Arizona dealer, the dealer usually handles the title transfer on your behalf as part of the sale. You sign the paperwork at the dealership, and the dealer submits Form 44-131 to ADOT within 10 days. You still need to register the vehicle separately and pay registration fees, but the title transfer itself is the dealer's responsibility. Confirm with the dealer whether they charge a fee for this service.

If the vehicle has a rebuilt title (meaning it was previously declared a total loss by an insurance company and has been repaired), Arizona requires an inspection by an ADOT-authorized inspector before you can transfer the title. Schedule the inspection through an authorized inspection station, get the inspection report, and submit it along with your other documents. The inspection costs vary by station but typically run $50 to $150.

Where to submit your transfer and how long it takes

You can submit your transfer in person at any ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office throughout Arizona. The office will process your paperwork on the spot if everything is complete, and you will receive your new title in the mail within 10 business days. Walk-in service is available at all locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day.

If you mail your documents to ADOT, send them to the Phoenix Motor Vehicle Division office. Include a check or money order for the title transfer fee (made payable to ADOT), and expect processing to take up to three weeks from the date ADOT receives your envelope. Include a return address so ADOT can mail your new title to you. Do not send cash through the mail.

You can also use a third-party service such as an authorized title company or a local DMV service center to submit your transfer on your behalf. These services charge a fee (typically $50 to $150 on top of the state fee) but handle the paperwork and submission for you. This option is useful if you cannot visit an ADOT office during business hours.

Title transfer fees and registration costs

Arizona charges a flat title transfer fee that does not depend on the vehicle's value or age. As of 2024, the fee is $12 for a standard title transfer. If you need a duplicate title at the same time, add $4. If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a lender holds a security interest), the fee is the same, but you must list the lienholder's name and address on Form 44-131.

The title transfer fee is separate from vehicle registration. Once your new title arrives, you must register the vehicle with ADOT to drive it legally. Registration fees in Arizona depend on the vehicle's weight and age, and they range from about $50 to $200 per year for most passenger vehicles. You also pay a smog check fee (around $20) if the vehicle requires inspection.

What happens if the title has a lien

If the vehicle is financed and the lender's name appears on the title, you cannot transfer the title to your name until the loan is paid off and the lien is released. When you pay off the loan, the lender sends a lien release document to you or directly to ADOT. Once ADOT receives the release, the lender's name is removed from the title.

If you are buying a financed vehicle from a private seller, the seller must pay off the loan before the sale closes, or the transaction must happen at the lender's office so the lender can release the lien and transfer the title in one step. Never accept a title with a lien on it unless you are the one financing the vehicle and the lender is listed as the lienholder.

Transferring a title after inheritance or gift

If you inherit a vehicle, you need a copy of the death certificate and the original title to transfer it to your name. Submit these documents along with Form 44-131 to ADOT. If the title lists multiple heirs, all heirs must sign the back of the title or provide a power of attorney, or you must provide a court order showing who owns the vehicle.

If someone gives you a vehicle as a gift, the process is the same as a private-party transfer: you need the original title signed by the giver, a bill of sale (which can state "gift" as the sale price), and Form 44-131. Arizona does not charge sales tax on gifts, but you still pay the title transfer fee and registration fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the vehicle while my title transfer is being processed?

No. You cannot legally drive the vehicle until you have registered it with ADOT and received your registration plate and proof of registration. The title transfer and registration are separate steps. Once your new title arrives, you must complete registration before the vehicle is street-legal.

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

ADOT will reject the transfer if the name on the title does not match the name on the seller's ID. The seller must first correct their name on the title by submitting a name-change form to ADOT, or provide a legal document (such as a marriage certificate or court order) showing the name change. This adds time to the process, so ask the seller to verify their name matches the title before you schedule your ADOT visit.

Do I need the smog check before I transfer the title?

No. The smog check is required before you register the vehicle, not before you transfer the title. You can transfer the title first, then schedule the smog inspection, and then complete registration. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until registration is complete, so plan to do both within a few days of each other.

What if I lose the title after I buy the vehicle but before I transfer it?

Contact ADOT and request a duplicate title using Form 44-131 with the "Duplicate Title" box checked. You will need the current owner's signature or a power of attorney. Once you receive the duplicate, you can proceed with the transfer as normal. This adds about two weeks to the process.

Can someone else sign the title on my behalf if I cannot be present?

Yes, if you provide a power of attorney (Form 44-282) signed by you and notarized. The person holding the power of attorney can then sign the title and submit the transfer documents to ADOT. Make sure the power of attorney specifically authorizes the person to transfer the vehicle title.