How To Transfer a Car Title in Arkansas

How to Transfer Car Title in Arkansas

Purchasing or vending a vehicle involves more than a simple exchange of keys. The car title must be handed over to the new owner to legalize the transaction, which typically necessitates filling out essential documents, going to the DMV or OMV (Office of Motor Vehicles), and paying a minor fee.

Following the regulations of all other states in the United States, Arkansas mandates a vehicle title to establish vehicle ownership (subject to specific limits and vehicle types).

The state demands that both the buyer and seller undertake several specific procedures to guarantee the proper transfer of the title during the sale process.

This article covers all you need to know about how to transfer a car title in Arkansas.

Documents Needed To Facilitate a Car Title Transfer in Arkansas

The same regulations are applicable if you present your documentation in person at the AR OMV or transfer the vehicle's title online.

To transfer a car's title to a new owner, you must furnish the following documents:

  • A completed Arkansas title with the seller's and buyer's names typed, endorsed, and dated in all requisite fields.
  • The Vehicle Identification Number.
  • The Bill of Sale.
  • Proof of a valid AR auto insurance policy.
  • An odometer Statement.
  • A valid driver's license of the buyer and seller.
  • Payment of the applicable title transfer, registration fees, and taxes.

Most Arkansas residents can complete the mandatory formalities and receive their vehicle's updated title, registration, and plates by mail within a few weeks.

How To Transfer Car Title in Arkansas When You're the Buyer

Below are the steps for transferring a car title in Arkansas.

1. Obtain a duly signed title from the seller

Ensure that you append your signature beneath the buyer section and date it.

2. Obtain a lien release from the seller if any liens cover the vehicle

This should include a signed lien agreement and the Official Release of the Lien or Permission to Issue a Replacement Title.

3. Obtain a bill of sale and odometer disclosure statement from the seller

Note that Arkansas requires these only if the control number is below 3003001 or the vehicle hails from out-of-state (you are purchasing a car registered outside of Arkansas).

4. Complete the Vehicle Registration Application

Visit the OMV office and pay the transfer fee of $10, in addition to the state and local taxes and registration charges (which vary based on the vehicle type and the county).

How To Transfer Car Title in Arkansas When You're the Seller

Append your signature under the seller heading on the current title. Be sure to date it and fill out all required fields.

Fill out and sign the Official Release of Lien form. If there are any lien-related documents, these must be presented to the buyer.

If the car is less than a decade old, complete an odometer disclosure statement and hand it over to the buyer. (Note that this is only mandatory if the control digits on the title are less than 3003001).

Execute a bill of sale (once again, this is required only if the control number satisfies the criteria).

Complete the Notice of Transfer of Ownership. This form can be submitted in person to the Revenue Department or sent via mail to the address listed below:

Dept of Finance and Administration Office of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 1272 Records Unit, Room 1100 Little Rock, AR 72203.

How To Transfer Car Ownership Without a Title in Arkansas

To effectuate the transfer of vehicle ownership in Arkansas without a title, it is necessary to visit the local Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration office and furnish the following:

  1. Vehicle Registration Application (Form 10-381): This form must be completed with the last title owner's signature or multiple owners listed.
  2. Permission to Issue a Replacement Title (Form 10-315): The lien holder must file this form if there is a lien on the vehicle.
  3. Payment of the $10 fee for a duplicate Arkansas vehicle title.

Additional documents that may be required include:

  • Valid driver's license or ID card.
  • License plate number.
  • Vehicle's VIN, make, model, and year.
  • Proof of ownership through vehicle registration.
  • Detailed lien information and power of attorney.

While some of these items may not be obligatory, it is advisable to have them readily available in case further processing is necessary at an Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), especially for rectifying vehicle-related documentation.

For in-person replacement of the vehicle title, the following steps must be followed:

  1. Locate the nearest Arkansas OMV facility.
  2. Provide valid identification as proof.
  3. Present evidence of vehicle ownership.
  4. Submit the required form.
  5. Pay the applicable application fee.

The Arkansas title replacement request is processed on-site, but it may take until the following day to receive the replacement title.

Ensuring accuracy in your license information is crucial to avoid mistakenly sending forms to an incorrect address. The duplicate Arkansas title should arrive by mail within 2 to 3 weeks.

How To Transfer Car Title in Arkansas When the Owner Is Late

When seeking to retain possession of a vehicle after the demise of the original owner or sell it to a third party, it is essential to transfer the vehicle's title.

As a surviving spouse, beneficiary, or joint owner, you have the legal backing to transfer the vehicle title to another party following the owner's death.

The procedure for transferring a vehicle title depends on whether the vehicle was owned jointly or if the title was in the decedent's name.

If the vehicle's title was only in the decedent's name, it is crucial to determine whether the estate is undergoing probate.

Probate transpires when the estate of a deceased individual is legally administered to one or more individuals.

Probate procedures come into play when no beneficiaries or living spouses are listed in the will. A probate court then determines the next steps concerning the deceased's assets.

How To Register a Car in Arkansas

After successfully transferring the vehicle's title, the registration process is mandatory to operate the vehicle on public roads legally. This procedure is required annually.

Before registration, you must possess an Arkansas title for your vehicle and valid auto insurance that meets the state's minimum coverage requirements.

In Arkansas, the cost of registering your vehicle is contingent on its weight. For example, vehicles weighing 3,000 lbs or less attract a fee of only $17 annually, while those weighing over 4,500 lbs are $30.

You will also be required to pay additional charges, such as the validation decal fee, which costs $2.50 and is mandatory for all automobiles once every two or three years, and postage fees (if registering by mail), which cost $0.39.

Other fees may apply based on the vehicle type, license plate category, county of residence, or driving record.

How To Transfer Car Title in Arkansas If You Have an Out-of-State Title

When transitioning your residency from one state to another, you must transfer the vehicle's title to your new state of domicile.

However, relocating a vehicle's title to another state, like Arkansas, may entail additional procedures.

These may include undergoing a vehicle identification number (VIN) verification and procuring liability auto insurance tailored explicitly for Arkansas.

To consummate the transfer of the certificate of title when transitioning to another state, you must adhere to the following steps:

  1. Perform an emissions test for your vehicle, if applicable.
  2. Visit the nearest Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location in Arkansas.
  3. Complete the requisite application forms as per the transfer process.
  4. Submit the relevant out-of-state documents, including the vehicle title and registration.
  5. Provide substantiation of a valid Arkansas auto insurance policy, VIN verification, and the recorded odometer reading.
  6. Fulfill the applicable car title transfer fees and any related expenses.

It is worth ascertaining if Arkansas offers the convenience of applying for the vehicle title and registration in a single transaction, as some states provide this option to their residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for transferring a car title in Arkansas?

To transfer a car title in Arkansas, you will need a properly assigned title, a Bill of Sale or an Odometer Disclosure Statement, and payment for all applicable fees and taxes. You must also provide a VIN verification if the car was titled in another state.

What is the cost of transferring a car title in Arkansas?

The cost of transferring a car title in Arkansas varies depending on the vehicle's weight and other factors.

Can I transfer a car title online in Arkansas?

You cannot transfer a car title online in Arkansas.

What if I lost my car title in Arkansas?

If you lost your car title in Arkansas, you can apply for a duplicate title at your local OMV.

Do I need to have insurance to transfer a car title to Arkansas?

You do not need insurance to transfer a car title in Arkansas. However, you must provide insurance proof before registering the vehicle.

How long does it take to transfer a car title in Arkansas?

The time it takes to transfer a car title in Arkansas can vary depending on the circumstances.

The process can generally take a few weeks, depending on how quickly you provide the necessary documents and how busy the OMV is.