Arizona Used Car Buyer's Paperwork Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for buying a used vehicle from a private seller in Arizona. Confirm the latest requirements with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) before completing your transaction.
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Quick answer
Buying a used car in Arizona? Get the signed title from the seller (no notarization needed unless a Power of Attorney is used) and an odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old. You have 15 days to apply for the title with the Arizona MVD. Arizona charges a low $4 title fee, an annual Vehicle License Tax (VLT) based on the vehicle's value, and 5.6% state transaction privilege (sales) tax. If you live in the Phoenix (Maricopa) or Tucson (Pima) area, an emissions test is generally required before registration. Verify current requirements with the Arizona MVD.
Key facts
- State
- Arizona
- Agency
- Arizona Motor Vehicle Division
- Process
- Buy a Used Car
- Notary required
- No
- Bill of sale
- Conditional
- Odometer disclosure
- Yes
- Filing deadline
- 15 days
- Last verified
- 2026-05-13
- Official source
- Arizona Motor Vehicle Division ↗
Key facts from official sources
Arizona charges an annual Vehicle License Tax (VLT) based on an assessed value that decreases as the vehicle ages.
Arizona MVD — Vehicle Fees & Taxes ↗Notarization is not required for a standard Arizona private-party purchase.
Arizona MVD — Buying a Vehicle ↗Arizona requires the buyer to apply for a title within 15 days of purchase.
Arizona MVD — Buying a Vehicle ↗Quick reference
Notary required?
✗NoBill of sale?
◆ConditionalOdometer disclosure?
✓YesInspection required?
◆Conditional⏱ Important Deadlines
- 15-day deadline: Arizona requires the buyer to apply for a title within 15 days of purchase (A.R.S. § 28-2058). A penalty may be assessed for late applications.Official source ↗
Buyer Checklist
Items the buyer typically needs to prepare or provide.
Required Forms
Special requirements
Notarization is not required for a standard private-party title transfer; it is only required when someone signs via Power of Attorney.
A Title Transfer Bill of Sale (Form 38-1306) is required only when the original title is unavailable or when using the eTitle Transfer system; otherwise the signed title suffices.
Required by federal law for vehicles under 10 years old.
Emissions testing is required before registration for vehicles in Maricopa and Pima counties that are outside the new-car exemption window; this is a buyer responsibility at registration, not a seller pre-sale requirement.
Step-by-step process
- 1Run a vehicle history report (e.g., CARFAX or NMVTIS) before purchase.
- 2Verify the seller's name matches the name on the title.
- 3Ensure the title is free of liens or confirm the lien will be resolved.
- 4Have the seller sign the title over to you and complete odometer disclosure.
- 5Obtain a bill of sale from the seller.
- 6Submit the signed title, application, fees, and proof of insurance to your state DMV.
- 7Pay any applicable sales tax.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Not verifying that the seller is the titled owner.
- ✗Failing to check for outstanding liens before purchase.
- ✗Missing the deadline to register the vehicle after purchase.
- ✗Not getting a bill of sale.
Official links
Source verification
This page covers 4 researched claims about Arizona buy a used car:
Directly cited from official sources
Inferred — confirm with agency before acting
Researched from Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Requirements can change — always verify with the official agency before submitting documents.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to register after buying a used car?
Deadlines vary by state. In Arizona, confirm the registration deadline with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to avoid late fees.
What if the title has errors?
Do not accept a title with correction fluid or scratched-out information. Ask the seller to obtain a corrected title from the DMV before completing the sale.
Can I drive the car home before registering it?
Many states offer a short window or allow a temporary permit. Check your state agency for guidance.
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Last reviewed: 2026-05-13 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice