Just Sold My Car in Arkansas — What’s Next? (2026)
Need Arkansas bill of sale documentation?
If you haven’t generated a Arkansas-compliant bill of sale yet, do it now — your proof-of-sale window closes the moment the buyer leaves.
Start My Arkansas Car Bill of Sale →Arkansas car sale facts
| Titling agency | Arkansas DMV ↗ |
| Title transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Release of liability | File with Arkansas DMV within 5 days |
| Buyer’s sales / use tax | 6.5% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Title fee (buyer pays) | $10 |
| Car identifier | VIN |
Your Arkansas car post-sale checklist
- 1
Keep your signed Arkansas bill of sale
This is your proof that you sold the car on the sale date. If the buyer gets a ticket, is in an accident, or fails to transfer the title within 30 days from the sale date, the Arkansas bill of sale shields you from liability. Keep both your copy and a scan for at least 5 years.
- 2
File a release of liability with Arkansas DMV
Most Arkansas sellers file this online through Arkansas DMV within 5 days of the sale. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents become the buyer's responsibility, not yours. Arkansas requires the buyer to title the car within 30 days — your release filing protects you if the buyer misses that deadline.
- 3
Cancel or transfer your auto insurance
Contact your insurer the same day you hand over the keys. Arkansas does not require you to maintain insurance on a vehicle you no longer own, but you must not cancel before the sale is complete. If you are replacing the car with another, transfer the policy instead — many insurers offer a short grace period to bind coverage on the new vehicle.
- 4
Remove your license plates
In Arkansas, plates go with the seller — not with the car. Remove the plate(s) before the buyer drives or rides away. You can return them to Arkansas DMV or transfer them to your next vehicle.
- 5
Verify the 30-day title transfer window
Arkansas requires the buyer to retitle the car at Arkansas DMV within 30 days of the sale date. If you have not received confirmation that the title has been transferred by day 35, contact Arkansas DMV with your bill of sale and release-of-liability filing number to confirm the change of ownership.
- 6
Confirm your Arkansas tax obligations (seller's side)
Arkansas charges 6.5% sales/use tax on private-party car sales — the buyer pays this at Arkansas DMV when titling. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. Sellers generally do not owe Arkansas sales tax, but if the car sold for more than your original purchase price you may owe federal capital gains tax. Consult a tax advisor.
- 7
Watch for liens or loan payoff confirmation
If you had a loan on the car, confirm the lender received the buyer's payoff and has released the lien on the Arkansas title before you deliver the title. Arkansas uses TC 96-182 as the lien release form — your lender will file this with Arkansas DMV to clear the title record.
Arkansas lien release procedure
- Obtain Form TC 96-182 from the Arkansas DFA Motor Vehicle Division or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs TC 96-182 releasing the lien.
- Submit TC 96-182 with the existing title and title application at your local revenue office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean title.
Frequently Asked Questions — Arkansas
How long do I have to file a release of liability in Arkansas?▾
Arkansas sellers should file a release of liability with Arkansas DMV within 5 days of the sale. Most Arkansas sellers can file this online directly through Arkansas DMV. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents fall on the buyer.
What is the Arkansas title transfer deadline for a car?▾
Arkansas requires the buyer to title the car within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Do I owe Arkansas sales tax on the car I just sold?▾
Arkansas charges 6.5% sales/use tax on private-party car sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The buyer typically pays this at Arkansas DMV when titling — sellers generally owe no Arkansas sales tax on the proceeds. You may owe federal capital gains if you sold for more than the original purchase price.
Does Arkansas require a notary on the car bill of sale?▾
No. Arkansas does not require notarization for a private car bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' full names, addresses, signatures, and the date is sufficient for Arkansas DMV.
How does the buyer register the car in Arkansas?▾
The buyer brings the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Arkansas DMV, pays the title fee (~$10) plus 6.5% sales/use tax, and receives a new Arkansas title in their name. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
What if the buyer hasn't transferred the title yet?▾
In most states this is the buyer's responsibility, not yours. Filing a release of liability with your state DMV is the seller-side protection — it removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, accidents, or tolls fall on the buyer regardless of when the title is actually transferred.
Do I need to keep the bill of sale after the sale is complete?▾
Yes — keep your signed bill of sale for at least 5 years. If a parking ticket, toll, or accident occurs after the sale but before the buyer transfers the title, the bill of sale is your proof that the car was sold on the sale date. Store a scan and the original.
Used BillOfSaleNow for your sale?
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Source: Arkansas DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07