Arkansas Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | Arkansas DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.5% · Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | TC 96-182 |
Arkansas title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (TC 96-182) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Arkansas requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — Arkansas requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with Arkansas DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at Arkansas DMV — within 30 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Arkansas DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 6.5% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Arkansas DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Arkansas DMV the same day as the sale.
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.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Arkansas estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Arkansas DMV.
Need a Arkansas bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Arkansas DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Arkansas Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Arkansas
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Arkansas?▾
Arkansas requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Arkansas title transfer cost?▾
Arkansas charges 6.5% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Arkansas?▾
Yes — Arkansas requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Arkansas DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Arkansas?▾
In Arkansas, the lender must complete TC 96-182 confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Arkansas DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Arkansas?▾
Arkansas inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Arkansas DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Arkansas DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07