How to Transfer Ownership of a Car in Arkansas

Like all other states in the country, Arkansas requires a vehicle title certificate (with certain restrictions, age, and type of vehicle). The state requires both the buyer and the seller to complete a few specific steps in the sale process to ensure that ownership can be transferred correctly. Failure to follow these steps may result in delays or a complete breakdown of the process.

Buyer Steps

• Get a signed title from the seller. Be sure to sign your name in the buyer's section and date it.
• Get a lien release from the seller if there is a lien on the car. These must include a signed hold agreement as well as a formal hold release or authorization to issue a replacement title.
• Obtain a bill of sale and an odometer disclosure statement from the seller. Note that this is only required in the state of Arkansas if the tracking number is less than 3003001 or if the vehicle is out of state (you are purchasing a vehicle registered outside of Arkansas).
• Fill out an application for vehicle registration.
• Visit an OMV office and pay the $10 transfer fee plus state and local taxes and registration fees (all of which vary depending on the vehicle in question as well as the county).

Common Mistakes

• Failure to complete the application for registration.
• No release from the seller's deposit.

Steps for sellers

• Sign the current title under the title of the seller. Don't forget to enter the date and fill in all required fields.
• Complete and sign the Official Release of Bond or Substitution of Title Authorization Form. If there are any documents relating to deposits, they must be handed over to the buyer.
• If the car is less than 10 years old, complete the Odometer Disclosure Application and give it to the buyer. (Note that this is only necessary if the control number on the back of the header is less than 3003001).
• Fill out the bill of sale (again, this is only necessary if the control number meets the requirements).
• Complete the Vehicle Transfer Notice. This form can be delivered to the Department of Revenue in person or mailed to the address below:

Department of Finance and Administration, Department of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 1272, Records Division, Room 1100, Little Rock, AR 72203.

Common Mistakes

• Failure to complete and submit a Notice of Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle.
• Without signing the title and without filling in all the required fields.

Gift and inheritance

The steps to transfer ownership of a donated or inherited vehicle are the same as above, with a few exceptions.

• For legacy vehicles, an Affidavit of Vehicle Inheritance must be completed and filed.
• Legacy vehicles will require proof of the death of the previous owner.

For more information on how to transfer ownership of a car in Arkansas, visit the state OMV website.