Arizona Private Car Sale Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for a private vehicle sale in Arizona. Requirements can vary by vehicle type, lien status, and situation, so always confirm with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) before completing the transaction.
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Quick answer
To sell a car in Arizona, sign the title over to the buyer (no notarization required for a standard sale) and complete the odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old. In Arizona, your license plates stay with you, not the vehicle — remove them and either transfer them to another car or surrender them. Arizona also lets you file a Sold Notice with the MVD to release liability. The buyer then has 15 days to apply for a new title. Verify current requirements with the Arizona MVD.
Key facts
- State
- Arizona
- Agency
- Arizona Motor Vehicle Division
- Process
- Sell a Car
- Notary required
- No
- Bill of sale
- Conditional
- Odometer disclosure
- Yes
- Last verified
- 2026-07-06
- Official source
- Arizona Motor Vehicle Division ↗
Key facts from official sources
Arizona does not require notarization for a standard private-party title assignment (only for a Power of Attorney).
Arizona MVD — Selling a Vehicle ↗In Arizona, license plates stay with the owner — the seller removes the plates before delivering the vehicle.
Arizona MVD — Selling a Vehicle ↗Quick reference
Notary required?
✗NoBill of sale?
◆ConditionalOdometer disclosure?
✓YesSeller Checklist
Items the seller typically needs to prepare or provide.
Required Forms
Special requirements
Notarization is not required for a standard private-party title assignment; it is only required when a Power of Attorney is used.
A bill of sale is not always required when the signed title is available, but a Title Transfer Bill of Sale (Form 38-1306) is used when the title is unavailable or when using eTitle Transfer. Keep a copy for your records.
Required by federal law for vehicles under 10 years old.
Step-by-step process
- 1Verify the title is clear of liens before selling.
- 2Sign the title over to the buyer in the designated section.
- 3Complete the odometer disclosure on the title.
- 4Provide the buyer with the signed title and any other required documents.
- 5Notify the state motor vehicle agency of the sale if required.
- 6Remove your license plates if required by your state.
- 7Cancel your insurance or transfer it to your new vehicle.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Leaving your plates on the car — Arizona plates belong to you, not the vehicle; remove them before handing it over.
- ✗Not filing a Sold Notice with the Arizona MVD to release your liability after the sale.
- ✗Skipping the odometer disclosure for a vehicle under 10 years old.
- ✗Assuming the title must be notarized — Arizona does not require it for a standard sale.
Official links
Source verification
This page covers 3 researched claims about Arizona sell a 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
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car privately?
Requirements vary by state. In Arizona, check with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) for the current requirement. A bill of sale is always recommended as a record of the transaction.
What happens if the buyer doesn't transfer the title?
You could remain liable for tickets, tolls, and accidents. File a release of liability or notice of sale with your state agency as soon as the sale is complete.
Can I sell a car with a lien?
Yes, but the lien must be satisfied at or before closing. The lienholder must release the lien before a clean title can be issued to the buyer.
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-06 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice