How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in Arkansas
Arkansas has a 10–30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
10–30 days wait required. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder
Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder must be notified and given time to respond
Failure to notify a lienholder properly can void the entire abandoned vehicle title process.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title Application
Process varies by state. Typically initiated by a towing company, storage facility, or property owner.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Must follow state-specific notice and wait period requirements
- All liens must be resolved before a clean title can issue
- Storage or towing facility typically must be licensed
Arkansas-Specific Note
Arkansas-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
Arkansas Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Arkansas, the title transfer fee is $10 and registration costs $17 - $30 depending on vehicle weight. Vehicle sales are subject to 6.5% state sales tax plus local taxes. Arkansas does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Arkansas does not require emission testing for private-party vehicle sales.
- Bill of sale must include sale price for tax assessment
- Title transfer required within 30 days
- Safety inspection required for out-of-state vehicles
Arkansas sales tax on vehicle purchases
Arkansas has a 6.5% state sales tax rate. 6.5% state plus local taxes up to 5.125%. Private-party vehicle sales in Arkansas are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $10.
Arkansas bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 741 bill of sale documents for Arkansas transactions, with 20 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More Arkansas Vehicle Guides
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- Auto Auction Buyer Guide in Arkansas
- Buy Here Pay Here in Arkansas
- Car Buy-Back Program in Arkansas
- Car Buyer Remorse in Arkansas
- Car Lease Buyout in Arkansas
Each guide is written specifically for Arkansas laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires a 10–30 days wait period. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in Arkansas?
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder. Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in Arkansas?
DMV fees + towing and storage charges. Costs vary widely by state and accumulate with each day in storage.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in Arkansas?
45–90 days. Process includes wait periods, notice periods, and DMV processing time.
Does Arkansas require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. Some states require a surety bond if the title history is unclear or the vehicle has a prior out-of-state registration.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant Arkansas bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.