How to Sell a Car Privately in Arizona

Sources checked October 9, 2026 · Every rule below links to the official page it came from

Selling your car yourself in Arizona comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.

Transferring the title

• Without eTitle, the seller signs the back of the paper title and gives it to the buyer, or uses the Title Transfer Bill of Sale (form 38-1306) for Arizona-titled vehicles. azdot.gov
• The buyer must apply for a title within 15 days of purchase, with a possible penalty if late. azdot.gov
• The buyer submits a signed Title and Registration Application (form 96-0236) at an MVD or authorized third-party office. azdot.gov
• Eligible private sales can instead be done online through eTitle Transfer in AZ MVD Now, where the seller releases ownership and the buyer completes title and registration. azdot.gov
• eTitle requires an Arizona-titled passenger vehicle with no liens, no more than two owners, and both parties holding AZ MVD Now accounts. azdot.gov

Bill of sale

• Arizona offers a Title Transfer Bill of Sale (form 38-1306) that can be used in place of a signed title for Arizona-titled vehicles. azdot.gov
• The form records sale date, price, odometer, brands and liens, and is signed by seller and buyer. apps.azdot.gov

Odometer disclosure

• State law requires the seller to give the buyer an odometer disclosure on the form the director prescribes. azleg.gov
• The requirement does not apply to model year 2010 or older vehicles that are 10 years old, or to model year 2011 and newer vehicles that are 20 years old. azleg.gov
• Vehicles of 16,000 lbs GVWR or more and non-self-propelled vehicles are also exempt. azleg.gov
• The bill of sale 38-1306 includes the odometer statement, and eTitle has the seller enter the reading. apps.azdot.gov

License plates

• The seller keeps the plates when the vehicle is sold and should remove them before the buyer takes the car. azdot.gov
• State law lets the owner move the plates to another vehicle or claim a credit for unused registration, with a $12 processing fee deducted. azleg.gov
• A buyer who finds a plate left on a used vehicle can surrender it or submit a Plate Release form (48-3302). azdot.gov
• The seller's registration is not valid after the sale, so the buyer needs a temporary permit to drive. azdot.gov

Inspections and emissions

• Emissions tests are required in the Phoenix and Tucson areas, including for vehicles commuting into them. azdot.gov
• Vehicles five model years old or newer, model year 1966 or older, and electric vehicles are generally exempt. azdot.gov

Telling the state you sold the car

• The seller should submit a free Sold Notice to MVD online at AZ MVD Now or by mail with form 46-8502. azdot.gov
• File it as soon as the car is sold. Some ADOT guidance refers to a 10-day window, so do not wait. azdot.gov
• eTitle Transfer files the Sold Notice automatically. azdot.gov

Taxes and fees the buyer pays

• Arizona's Department of Revenue says casual sales between private parties are not subject to vehicle use tax. azdor.gov
• The buyer pays title and registration costs at MVD, which can include vehicle license tax, registration and air quality fees. azdot.gov
• The buyer should bring a bill of sale or other proof that the seller was a private party. azdor.gov

Loans and liens

• A buyer cannot get the title until the lien is paid off or the lienholder gives written permission. azdot.gov
• Sellers should have the lender release the lien and confirm it on AZ MVD Now before meeting buyers. azdot.gov
• Arizona uses electronic lien and title, so no paper title is printed while a lien exists. azdot.gov
• eTitle Transfer cannot be used on a vehicle with a lien. azdot.gov

Easy-to-miss rules in this state

• The bill of sale form says sequential bills of sale will not be accepted. apps.azdot.gov
• With co-owners, the title's legal status of AND or OR decides whether one or both owners must sign. apps.azdot.gov
• For a private sale, the buyer needs a Restricted Use 3-Day Permit or other permit to drive until registered. azdot.gov
• MVD offers VIN inspections, with Level I matching the VIN to ownership papers at no fee at MVD. azdot.gov
• A seller can request a registration credit after the Sold Notice, and waiting reduces the amount. azdot.gov

Official Arizona resources

• ADOT MVD selling a vehicle
• Sold Notice
• eTitle Transfer
• Vehicle title
• Title Transfer Bill of Sale 38-1306
• Buying a vehicle
• Vehicle liens
• Emissions testing

Next steps

Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.

More state guides

• Selling a car in Arkansas
• Selling a car in California
• Selling a car in Colorado
• Selling a car in Connecticut
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