You must transfer your Arkansas vehicle title within 30 days of sale to secure legal ownership and dodge penalties, as you’re liable until it’s done. Gather the signed title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, valid ID, and lien release if applicable. Complete it online via MyDMV or at a revenue office, but watch for common pitfalls like missing signatures that delay everything.
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Key Takeaways
- Transfer titles within 30 days to avoid seller liability and penalties starting at $150 on day 31.
- Required documents include the signed title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and property tax receipt.
- Online transfer via MyDMV is the preferred method; upload documents, pay the $10 fee, and receive temporary tags instantly.
- Lien releases are essential—obtain Form 10-315 from lienholders before transfer if the vehicle has outstanding loans.
- Notarized bill of sale is not required but recommended for legal protection in private vehicle sales.
What Is an Arkansas Vehicle Title?
An Arkansas vehicle title serves as your legal proof of ownership and is vital for registering your vehicle, obtaining license plates, and selling it.
Your title contains critical information including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, model, year, and odometer reading. Understanding title importance helps you navigate vehicle transactions smoothly.
Without a valid title in your name, you can’t legally register the vehicle, obtain plates, sell it, or file insurance claims.
If you’ve financed your vehicle, the lender typically holds the title until you’ve paid off the loan completely.
Resolving any VIN discrepancies before transferring ownership prevents legal complications and guarantees a seamless transaction process.
Why Transfer Your Title Fast?
Transfer your Arkansas vehicle title within 30 days to avoid seller liability for tickets, tolls, or fines after the sale.
You’ll also dodge a $150 penalty on day 31 that jumps to $250 after day 60.
Act fast to prevent insurance denials, impoundment risks, and registration delays.
Avoid Seller Liability
You avoid liability for future tickets, tolls, or fines by transferring your vehicle’s title within 30 days of sale.
Until the title officially transfers, you remain legally responsible for the vehicle, creating serious liability issues. If the new owner receives traffic citations or toll violations, those notices go to you as the registered owner.
Missing the deadline triggers a $150 penalty on day 31, increasing to $250 after 60 days. Your seller obligations don’t end at the sale—they conclude only when the title transfers.
Prompt transfer safeguards you from unexpected fines and guarantees the buyer’s insurance claims won’t be denied due to ownership discrepancies.
Prevent Penalty Fines
Failing to transfer your vehicle’s title within 30 calendar days of acquisition triggers a $150 penalty on day 31, which rises to $250 after 60 days.
You’ll guarantee penalty avoidance by completing the title transfer promptly, as the basic fee is just $10 but late fees inflate costs significantly.
Delays leave the seller liable for tickets and fines sent to them until DFA updates records.
You’ll also sidestep insurance claim denials post-accident and risks of impoundment or towing.
Incomplete paperwork causes further delays and fees, so act fast to prevent these complications.
Your 30-Day Title Transfer Deadline
You have 30 calendar days from taking possession of your vehicle to complete the title transfer in Arkansas.
Miss this deadline, and you’ll face a $150 penalty on day 31, which rises to $250 after day 60.
Act fast to dodge these fees and the previous owner’s ongoing liability for tickets and fines.
30-Day Transfer Deadline
- Miss the deadline by day 31, and you’ll face a $150 penalty, rising to $250 after day 60.
- The previous owner stays liable for tickets, tolls, or fines until you transfer.
- Insurers may deny claims if the title remains in their name.
- Delays risk vehicle impoundment and towing.
150 Penalty Day 31
| Day | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 31 | $150 |
| 60 | $250 |
Complete the transfer promptly to avoid these costs and complications.
250 Penalty After 60
- You’ll owe the $250 fee immediately on day 61, compounding your costs.
- The previous owner stays liable for tickets, tolls, and fines until transfer.[facts]
- Insurance claims may get denied, leaving you exposed.
- Your vehicle risks impoundment, adding towing and storage fees.[facts]
Required Documents for Transfer
To transfer a vehicle title in Arkansas, you’ll need to gather several documents before visiting the Office of Motor Vehicle or completing the process online.
The seller provides the original signed Arkansas Certificate of Title and a Bill of Sale indicating the sale price. You supply proof of insurance valid and in your name, plus valid Arkansas Driver’s Licenses or State IDs for both buyer and seller.
> The seller provides the original signed Arkansas Certificate of Title and a Bill of Sale indicating the sale price. You supply proof of insurance valid and in your name, plus valid Arkansas Driver’s Licenses or State IDs for both buyer and seller.
Include a Property Tax Receipt proving taxes paid. If there’s a lien, get a Lien Release Letter from the lienholder.
These required documentation tips guarantee smooth title transfer process.
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Guide
With your documents ready, follow these steps to transfer your Arkansas vehicle title within 30 days to avoid penalties like a $150 fee on day 31 or $250 after day 60. Confirm signatures match exactly; avoid correction fluid.
- Choose online via MyDMV.arkansas.gov (87% of transfers): Log in with your driver’s license and SSN last four, select Vehicle Services > Apply for Title/Registration, upload signed title, bill of sale, insurance proof, pay $10 fee plus $4 card charge for instant temp tag.
- Or visit revenue office (Mon-Fri, 8AM-5PM) with valid AR license, property tax receipt.
- Pay sales tax, registration.
Debunk title myths and common misconceptions: In-person isn’t mandatory; online works fast.[99 words]
Transfer Online via MyDMV
To transfer your Arkansas vehicle title online via MyDMV, visit MyDMV.arkansas.gov, create an account or log in with your driver’s license and last four SSN digits.
Then select Vehicle Services and Apply for Title/Registration. You’ll upload the signed title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and pay the $10 transfer fee plus $4 credit card fee; the system verifies your insurance and VIN eligibility.
If approved, expect your new title, registration, and plates mailed within 10-14 days, or visit a local DMV office if the application fails.
Steps for Online Transfer
- Create an account or log in using your driver’s license and last four SSN digits.
- Select “Vehicle Services,” then “Apply for Title/Registration.”
- Upload the seller-signed original Arkansas Certificate of Title and required documents.
- Pay the $10 transfer fee plus $4 credit card fee.
You’ll get a temporary tag instantly; the new title, registration, and plates arrive in 10-14 days.
If unrecognized, visit your local office.
Verification and Document Requirements
You need a completed Arkansas title and valid driver’s licenses for both buyer and seller to start document verification.
The MyDMV system checks your insurance and title eligibility via VIN before processing. Upload all required documents accurately to prevent delays.
You’ll get your new title, registration, and plates mailed within a couple of weeks if approved. If the application isn’t recognized online, you’re redirected to a local DMV office for in-person completion.
Double-check forms for signatures and details to guarantee smooth document verification and title eligibility.
In-Person DMV Title Transfer
- Complete within 30 days to avoid $150+ penalties starting day 31.
- Both parties attend to guarantee smooth processing.
- Keep Bill of Sale copies for records.
- Check local office via DFA site.
Full Fees Breakdown
| Fee Type | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Title Transfer | $10 | Base fee for ownership change |
| Duplicate Title | $28.50 | For lost or damaged originals |
| Temporary Tag | $10 | Valid 10 days |
| Late Penalty (31+ days) | $150 | After 30 days possession |
| Late Penalty (61+ days) | $250 | Escalates after 60 days |
Complete your title transfer within 30 days to avoid penalties.
Late Transfer Penalties
- Pay $150 penalty if late by day 31.
- Face $250 after 60 days.
- Avoid seller liability for violations.
- Prevent insurance and impoundment issues.
Handling Liens on Titles
Under Arkansas law, lienholders must execute a lien release within ten business days after receiving final payment and deliver it to the vehicle owner or their authorized representative.
When transferring a title with an existing lien, you need the lienholder to sign the title if paid off, or obtain a Lien Release Letter for the process to proceed.
If selling while under lien, get the lien release from the lienholder to give the buyer.
Provide a Bill of Sale for out-of-state or pre-2010 Arkansas titles.
Always check for hidden liens beforehand to prevent delays, rejections, or legal issues.
Gifting Vehicles in Arkansas
Follow these title requirements:
- Sign the title exactly as it appears; multiple owners sign based on listing.
- Include a Bill of Sale for out-of-state titles or pre-2010 Arkansas titles.
- Fill all info accurately to prevent issues.
- Submit to your local Office of Motor Vehicle for new ownership.
Fixing Lost or Damaged Titles
If you’ve lost your Arkansas vehicle title or it’s damaged, complete Form 10-381, provide proof of identity like your driver’s license, vehicle details such as the VIN, and pay the $10 fee.
Submit your application in person at a revenue office or by mail, and involve your lienholder with Form 10-315 if applicable.
You’ll receive your duplicate title in about three weeks, mailed to you or the lienholder.
Lost Title Replacement
- Valid Arkansas driver’s license or state ID for proof of identity.
- $28.50 fee, plus any local taxes.
- Vehicle details like VIN, make, model, and plate number.
- Lienholder’s Form 10-315 if applicable.
Expect processing in 2-3 weeks by mail.
Damaged Title Repair
To repair a damaged title in Arkansas, complete Application for Duplicate Title (Form 10-381) and submit it online, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office with your valid Arkansas driver’s license or state ID, a property tax receipt, and the damaged title itself.
You’ll pay $28.50 for this duplicate title process.
The title application requirements guarantee proof of identity and ownership, plus confirmation that vehicle property taxes are paid.
Include the damaged title to avoid processing delays.
Expect a few weeks for approval; track your application’s status on the Arkansas DMV website.
Bill of Sale Rules
Include these essentials:
- Your name and address, plus the seller’s.
- Vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Date of sale.
You don’t need notarization, simplifying the process. Find Bill of Sale examples or a Bill of Sale template online. Keep a copy to resolve disputes or verify the sale.[99 words]
Title vs. Registration Explained
| Feature | Title | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Proves ownership | Permits road use |
| Renewal | None (until sale) | Annual |
| Location | Secure storage | In vehicle |
| Lien Impact | Held by bank | Unaffected |
Top Seller Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t use white-out or alterations—any manipulation voids the title and requires a complete replacement.
- Complete all required documentation—missing signatures or forms delay your application significantly.
- Meet the 30-day deadline—missing it triggers a $150 penalty on day 31, escalating to $250 after day 60.
- Resolve existing liens—obtain lien release letters before finalizing the sale to prevent transfer delays.
Accuracy in paperwork guarantees smooth transactions and protects you from ongoing liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Transfer a Car Title in Arkansas?
You’ll transfer your car title by signing the certificate with the seller, submitting a bill of sale and proof of insurance to your local Arkansas OMV office, and paying the $10 transfer fee.
What Is the Best Way to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member?
You just gifted your car to your sibling like you did last family reunion—now transfer the title best by completing the original Arkansas Certificate of Title, Form 1913 Gift Affidavit for gifted vehicles, a Bill of Sale noting family agreements, and IDs. Pay $10 fee within 30 days.
What Are the Requirements for Transfer of Ownership?
You transfer vehicle ownership with ownership documents like the signed Arkansas title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, IDs, and property tax receipt. Pay title fees of $10 online or at DFA within 30 days.
How Long Does a Title Transfer Take in Arkansas?
You’ll complete your title transfer in Arkansas instantly online or in-person for temp tags, but expect title transfer duration of 10-14 days for mailed plates or up to 3 weeks for documents in the title transfer process.
Conclusion
You’re steering through Arkansas’s title transfer requirements, and timing matters significantly. Missing the 30-day deadline costs you $150 on day 31, escalating to $250 after day 60. That’s a substantial jump—roughly 67% increase—that compounds your administrative burden. Completing your transfer promptly protects you from ticket liability, insurance complications, and potential vehicle impoundment. Don’t let procrastination create cascading legal and financial consequences when the process takes minimal effort.
