What you need to do to transfer a car 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 by mail or same-day if you go in person to an ADOT office. You must complete the transfer within 10 days of purchase — waiting longer can result in a penalty.

The person selling the car signs the back of the current title or a separate document if the title is already in your name. You then submit everything together. ADOT issues a new title with your name on it, which is the legal proof that you own the vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Form 44-131 is the official document you submit to ADOT to register ownership; you cannot use a bill of sale alone.
  • The seller must sign the title or a separate assignment document, and you must have a bill of sale showing the purchase price and date.
  • You can submit by mail to ADOT Motor Vehicle Division or visit an office in person; in-person processing is same-day, mail takes about 10 business days.
  • Arizona charges a title transfer fee based on the vehicle's value, and you must pay it when you submit the form.
  • The 10-day important date is firm — submitting after that window triggers a late-transfer penalty on top of the regular fee.

Documents the seller must provide or sign

The current title must be signed by the registered owner on the back, in the section marked for assignment or transfer. If the title is damaged, lost, or already in your name (for example, if you are buying from a dealer who already holds it), the process changes slightly — ADOT has a separate procedure for each situation.

You also need a bill of sale, which is a written record of the sale. Arizona does not have a mandatory state form for this, but it must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both buyer and seller. Many dealerships provide their own bill of sale; if you are buying from a private seller, you can write one yourself or use a template from ADOT's website. The bill of sale is your proof that the transaction happened and at what price.

If the title has two owners listed and only one is signing, you may need written consent from the other owner, or ADOT may require both signatures. Check with your local ADOT office if the title shows multiple names.

How to calculate and pay the transfer fee

Arizona charges a title transfer fee based on the vehicle's value. The fee schedule is set by ADOT and changes yearly. As of recent years, the fee ranges from about $12 for vehicles valued under $1,500 to higher amounts for more expensive vehicles, but you should confirm the current rate on the ADOT website or by calling your local office, because these amounts do change.

You pay the fee when you submit Form 44-131. If you are mailing the form, include a check or money order payable to ADOT. If you go in person, you can pay by cash, check, or card, depending on the office. Do not send cash by mail.

If you miss the 10-day important date, ADOT adds a late-transfer penalty on top of the regular fee. The penalty amount varies, so submitting on time saves you money.

Submitting by mail versus in-person

Mailing your documents to ADOT Motor Vehicle Division takes about 10 business days from the date they receive your envelope. You send Form 44-131, the signed title, the bill of sale, and your payment to the address listed on the form. Keep a copy of everything for your records. ADOT will mail the new title to the address you list on the form.

Going in person to an ADOT office is faster. You can walk in with all documents and payment, and you will receive your new title the same day. ADOT has multiple offices across Arizona — you can find the one nearest you on their website. Some offices accept appointments, which can reduce wait time.

If you are buying from a dealer, many dealers will handle the title transfer for you as part of the sale, though they may charge a processing fee. Ask before you sign the purchase agreement whether the dealer is handling the transfer or whether you are responsible for it.

What happens if the title is lost or damaged

If the seller no longer has the title, you cannot complete a standard transfer. Instead, the seller must request a duplicate title from ADOT first using Form 44-132 (process for Duplicate Title). This adds time to your purchase, so ask the seller to handle this before you finalize the sale.

If the title is damaged but readable, you can usually still use it for transfer. If it is so damaged that ADOT cannot read the VIN or ownership information, the seller will need to get a duplicate.

If you are buying a vehicle with a lien on it (meaning the seller still owes money to a bank or lender), the lien holder must sign off on the title transfer. The seller's lender will handle this, but you need to know about it before you buy, because the lender must release the lien before the title can be transferred to you.

Transferring a title when you inherit a vehicle

If you inherit a vehicle, the transfer process is different. You will need the deceased owner's title, a death certificate, and proof that you are the legal heir (usually a will or court document). ADOT has a separate procedure for inherited vehicles, and you should contact your local office or check their website for the specific form and requirements.

The timeline for inherited vehicles can be longer because you may need to go through probate or provide court documents. Start the process as soon as you have the required paperwork, because you cannot legally drive the vehicle on Arizona roads without a title in your name.

What to do if ADOT rejects your submission

ADOT may reject your submission if the title is not signed, the bill of sale is missing information, the fee is incorrect, or the form is incomplete. If this happens, ADOT will send you a notice explaining what is wrong. You then correct the problem and resubmit.

The 10-day important date still applies from your original purchase date, not from the date ADOT rejects your first submission. If you miss the important date while fixing errors, you will owe the late-transfer penalty. To avoid this, submit your documents as soon as possible after purchase, and double-check everything before you mail or hand it in.

If you are unsure whether your documents are complete, call your local ADOT office before you submit. Staff can tell you what is missing and save you a rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the car before the title is transferred to my name?

No. You need a temporary registration or a bill of sale to drive legally while the title transfer is being processed. If you buy from a dealer, they usually issue a temporary registration document. If you buy from a private seller, ask ADOT whether you need a temporary registration or whether the bill of sale is enough for the short drive to the ADOT office or your home.

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

ADOT will likely reject the transfer. The seller must first correct their name on the title by requesting a corrected title from ADOT. This requires proof of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.). Have the seller handle this before you complete the purchase.

Do I need to transfer the title if I buy a car from a family member?

Yes. Even if you are buying from a relative, Arizona law requires a title transfer. You still need Form 44-131, a signed title, a bill of sale (even if the price is zero or a gift), and the fee. The process is the same as any other purchase.

What if I buy a vehicle out of state and want to register it in Arizona?

You must transfer the title to Arizona. Bring the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, and proof of Arizona residency to ADOT. The out-of-state title will be surrendered, and ADOT will issue an Arizona title. Some states' titles are not accepted in Arizona, so contact ADOT first to confirm your state's title is valid.

How long is the new title valid?

An Arizona vehicle title does not expire. It remains valid as long as you own the vehicle. If the title is lost or damaged after ADOT issues it, you can request a duplicate using Form 44-132.