How to Sell a Car in Arizona (Private Party)

Required Documents

• Arizona Certificate of Title — signed by the seller on the assignment section with odometer reading
• Form 48-2004 (Arizona Title and Registration Application) — completed by the buyer at AZ MVD or an Authorized Third Party
• Bill of sale — recommended to document the sale price and date
• Valid government-issued ID for both parties
• Emissions compliance — vehicles in Maricopa and Pima counties may require a passing emissions test

Title Transfer Process

• Seller signs the assignment of title on the back of the Arizona title, including odometer reading
• No notarization is required for an Arizona private party vehicle sale
• Buyer submits the signed title and Form 48-2004 to any AZ MVD office or Authorized Third Party (ATP) within 15 days
• Arizona allows title transfers through Authorized Third Party offices (e.g., AAA, ServiceArizona ATPs) — no DMV visit required

Taxes and Fees

• Private party sales tax in Arizona is a flat $20 — not a percentage of the sale price (ARS § 28-5801)
• Buyers pay vehicle license tax (VLT) at registration — calculated as a percentage of the manufacturer's base retail price, not the sale price
• $4 title fee plus applicable registration fees
• No county or city sales tax on private vehicle sales in Arizona

Timeline

• Buyer must transfer the title within 15 days of purchase
• Late transfers result in penalties from AZ MVD
• Processing at an ATP or AZ MVD office is typically same-day

Seller Tips

• Arizona license plates stay with the seller — remove them before handing over the vehicle
• Notify AZ MVD of the sale using the AZ Title Notification form at servicearizona.com
• Emissions testing in Maricopa and Pima counties is the buyer's responsibility for most private sales
• If the buyer is an out-of-state resident, advise them to transfer the title in their home state within 15 days

How to create a bill of sale

1. Sign the assignment of title on the back of the Arizona title, including the odometer reading and buyer's name.
2. Complete a bill of sale with both parties' names, VIN, sale price, and sale date.
3. Hand the signed title and bill of sale to the buyer.
4. Remove your Arizona license plates — they stay with you.
5. Submit an AZ Title Notification at servicearizona.com to release your liability.
6. Advise the buyer to submit Form 48-2004 and the signed title to an AZ MVD or ATP office within 15 days and pay the $20 private party tax.

Frequently asked questions