Private sale — What You Need to Know
A transaction between two private individuals without dealer involvement. Both parties negotiate directly and the seller transfers the title after payment.
Seller guidance
You are responsible for disclosing known defects, providing an accurate odometer statement, and delivering a clean title. Once the bill of sale is signed and funds received, remove the vehicle from your insurance and notify your DMV of the transfer.
Buyer guidance
Run a title search or VIN history report (NMVTIS, CARFAX) before handing over funds. Confirm the seller is the titled owner and the title is free of liens. Take possession of the signed title on the day of sale.
Legal note (Arizona-specific)
AZ buyers pay a one-time vehicle license tax (VLT) plus a small use tax on private party sales. Title must be transferred within 15 days. The seller should complete an AZ title assignment with the buyer's name and odometer reading.
Private sale checklist
- Verify the seller name matches the title exactly
- Confirm no open liens via your state DMV or NMVTIS
- Complete federal odometer disclosure (vehicles <10 years old)
- Sign and date the bill of sale with both parties present
- Transfer title and notify DMV within your state deadline
- Complete AZ title assignment section with odometer reading
- Buyer pays use tax and VLT at MVD within 15 days
- Transfer title at AZ MVD or authorized third-party office
Trailer Safety & Recall Information
Data sourced from NHTSA safety ratings and recall databases
Average Safety Rating
0 / 5
Avg. Price Range
$1,500–$15,000
Odometer Disclosure
Not required
Safety checkpoints for trailer buyers
- Inspect hitch coupler and safety chains for wear and proper rating
- Check all lighting connections — trailer lights are the #1 reason for roadside stops
- Verify axle alignment and tire wear patterns
- Test electric or surge brakes if equipped
- Confirm breakaway switch and battery function on braked trailers
- Verify VIN/serial plate is intact and matches title
- Check D-ring tie-down ratings and weld integrity
- Inspect ramp gate hinges and locking pins for safe operation
Common recall categories
TiresElectrical (lighting)Axle/SuspensionCouplingBrakes
On average, each trailer model has approximately 1.5 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls before completing a sale.
Arizona Tax & Fee Summary
Dealer sales: 5.6% + county. Private sales: flat $20 VLT instead
Private party sales pay a flat $20 vehicle license transfer fee instead of sales tax
Visit the official Arizona DMV website
Bartonville Private sale trailer generator — when to file
Arizona requires title transfer within 15 days of the sale date on the bill of sale. For private sale transactions specifically, file at Arizona DMV – Bartonville (Visit https://azdot.gov/mvd to find the nearest Bartonville office) during normal hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (verify hours with local office). Miss the 15-day window and Arizona typically charges a late-transfer penalty plus accrued use tax, and the seller can remain on the title for civil liability until the buyer completes retitling. Bring the signed title, the completed Bartonville bill of sale, your government-issued ID, and payment for the $4.00 title transfer fee plus 5.6% sales tax on the purchase price.
Generator reminder. Whether you keep your generator as a generator-produced document, both buyer and seller should leave the signing with an identical executed copy. The buyer needs the original to present at Arizona DMV – Bartonville; the seller keeps a duplicate to prove the date of transfer if a future liability question arises before the title fully retitles.