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

To transfer a vehicle title in Arizona, you submit an process for Title and Registration (Form 44-132) to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), along with the current title, proof of ownership, and a bill of sale. The process takes about 10 business days if you submit everything correctly by mail, or you can complete it in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office for faster processing. You will also need to pay the title transfer fee, which is based on the vehicle's value and varies depending on whether you are transferring from another state or within Arizona.

The exact steps and documents depend on your situation: whether you are buying from a private seller, inheriting a vehicle, transferring from out of state, or dealing with a lien. Each path has different requirements, and missing a document means your process gets rejected and you start over.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit Form 44-132 (process for Title and Registration) to ADOT along with the current title, a bill of sale, and proof of identity to transfer a title in Arizona.
  • The title transfer fee depends on the vehicle's assessed value and ranges differently for in-state and out-of-state transfers, so check the current fee schedule on ADOT's website.
  • If the vehicle has a lien, the lienholder must sign the title or provide a lien release document before you can complete the transfer.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days by mail or same-day in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, but only if all documents are complete and correct.
  • Arizona requires an odometer reading on the title for vehicles under 10 years old, and the seller must provide this information on the bill of sale.

Transferring a title from a private seller in Arizona

When you buy a car from a private seller in Arizona, the seller must sign the back of the title and provide you with the original document. You then take that signed title, along with a bill of sale (which can be as straightforward as a written agreement showing the sale price, vehicle details, and both signatures), to an ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office or submit it by mail. You will also need to provide your Arizona driver's license or ID card as proof of identity.

The bill of sale is critical because ADOT uses it to calculate the title transfer fee based on the sale price you report. If the seller does not provide one, you can create one yourself, but both you and the seller must sign it. Keep a copy for your records—you may need it later if there is a dispute about the sale.

If the vehicle is financed and the seller still owes money to a lender, the title will show a lienholder name. The lender must release the lien before the title can be transferred to you. Ask the seller to contact their lender and request a lien release letter, which the lender will send directly to you or to ADOT. Without this release, your process will be rejected.

Out-of-state title transfers and registration

If you are moving to Arizona with a vehicle titled in another state, you must transfer that title to Arizona within 10 days of establishing residency. Bring the out-of-state title, your bill of sale or proof of purchase, your Arizona driver's license or ID, and proof of Arizona residency (such as a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). The fee for an out-of-state transfer is calculated differently than an in-state transfer and is based on the vehicle's value according to ADOT's assessment.

Some states do not issue paper titles—they keep titles electronic. If your previous state uses electronic titling, contact that state's motor vehicle agency and request they send the title information to Arizona ADOT. Provide them with your new Arizona address and ADOT's mailing address so the transfer happens directly between the agencies. This can take longer than a standard transfer, sometimes 4 to 6 weeks.

You cannot legally drive the vehicle in Arizona on an out-of-state title after the 10-day window closes, even if your transfer process is pending. If you need to drive it before the new title arrives, you can request a temporary registration permit from ADOT, which is valid for 30 days.

Inherited vehicles and title transfers

If you inherit a vehicle in Arizona, the process depends on whether the estate goes through probate. If it does, the probate court will issue an order transferring the vehicle to you, and you submit that court order along with Form 44-132 to ADOT. If the estate does not go through probate (which happens in smaller estates), you may be able to use an affidavit process instead, but this varies by county and the vehicle's value.

Contact the probate court in the county where the person died to find out which process applies to your situation. You will need the deceased person's title, a death certificate, and proof that you are the legal heir. Some counties have specific forms for small estate transfers that avoid probate entirely, which is faster and cheaper than going through the full probate process.

Documents you need and where to submit them

The documents required for any Arizona title transfer are: the original title signed by the current owner, Form 44-132 completed and signed by you, a bill of sale with the sale price and both signatures, your Arizona driver's license or ID, and payment for the title transfer fee. If the vehicle has a lien, you also need the lien release letter from the lender. For out-of-state transfers, add proof of Arizona residency.

You can submit these documents in person at any Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office, by mail to the ADOT office in Phoenix, or through an authorized third-party service (such as a title company or some auto dealers). In-person submission is fastest—you can often get your new title the same day if everything is correct. By mail, allow 10 business days plus mailing time. Third-party services charge a fee but handle the paperwork for you.

The title transfer fee varies based on the vehicle's value. Check the current fee schedule on ADOT's website before you submit, because the fee changes and depends on whether it is an in-state or out-of-state transfer. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card, depending on how you submit (in person accepts all three; mail typically requires check or money order).

What happens if your process is rejected

ADOT will reject your process if any required document is missing, unsigned, or incorrect. Common reasons include a title that is not signed by the current owner, a bill of sale that does not match the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the title, or a missing lien release when the vehicle is financed. When this happens, ADOT sends a notice explaining what is wrong, and you have to resubmit with the corrected documents.

This rejection and resubmission process adds 2 to 3 weeks to your timeline. To avoid it, double-check that the seller's signature is on the title, that the VIN on the bill of sale matches the title exactly, and that any lienholder has provided a release letter. If you are unsure about any document, call the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division before you submit—they can tell you whether what you have is acceptable.

Registering your vehicle after the title transfer

Once your title transfer is complete, you still need to register the vehicle in Arizona. Registration is separate from the title and covers the cost of license plates and the annual registration sticker. You can do this at the same time you transfer the title by submitting Form 44-132 (which serves as both the title process and registration process) along with proof of insurance and payment for both the title transfer fee and the registration fee.

Arizona registration fees depend on the vehicle's weight and age. You will receive your new license plates and registration documents by mail within 2 to 3 weeks. Until then, you can request a temporary registration permit, which allows you to drive legally while you wait for the permanent plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the seller is not available to sign it?

No. The current owner must sign the back of the title in front of a notary public or an ADOT employee. If the seller cannot appear in person, they can have the title notarized and mail it to you, or you can meet them at an ADOT office where an employee can witness the signature. Without a valid signature, ADOT will reject your process.

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

By mail, allow 10 business days for processing plus mailing time (usually 1 to 2 weeks total). In person at an ADOT office, you may receive your title the same day or within a few days. If your process is rejected for missing documents, add another 10 business days after you resubmit the corrected version.

What if the vehicle has two owners on the title?

Both owners must sign the title. If they are not together, each can have their signature notarized separately, and you can submit both signed copies. ADOT will not process the transfer unless both signatures are present and valid.

Do I need an inspection before I transfer the title?

No. Arizona does not require a safety or emissions inspection to transfer a title. However, you will need to pass an emissions test to register the vehicle if it is in a county that requires it (primarily Maricopa County). This is separate from the title transfer process.

What if I lose the title before I can transfer it?

Contact ADOT and request a duplicate title using Form 44-132. You will need to provide proof of ownership (such as a bill of sale or registration) and pay a duplicate title fee. Once you receive the duplicate, you can proceed with the transfer as normal.