6 Tips For A Smooth Arizona Car Title Transfer

Planning to buy or sell a vehicle in Arizona? Transferring the car title is a crucial step. Whether you’re purchasing, selling, or gifting a vehicle, knowing how to properly complete an Arizona car title transfer ensures you avoid delays and legal problems.

In this guide from Southwest Title Loans, we will explain how to transfer a car title in Arizona, covering the requirements and providing some helpful tips. We will also explain how a title transfer can help you gain full ownership of your car to use its title for a title loan in Arizona.

What Is A Car Title Transfer?

A car title transfer is required every time a vehicle changes hands through sale, trade, inheritance, or gift. It legally updates the vehicle's ownership with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division. Essentially, it ensures that the legal owner of the vehicle is listed on the car title, allowing them to use it for purposes such as a title loan.

Here are some of the situations where you will need to get a title transfer:

• Buying or selling a used car
• Receiving a vehicle as a gift or through inheritance
• You’ve fully paid off your vehicle and need a lien-release added to the title
• Moving an out-of-state vehicle to Arizona

6 Tips For Getting An Arizona Car Title Transfer

Thankfully, the process for getting a title transfer in Arizona should go smoothly for most car owners. However, there are still some mistakes that can delay the process that you should avoid. Below, we will outline some tips you can use to ensure you don’t mess up any step of the process.

Here are six tips for a smooth Arizona car title transfer process:

1. Get A Vehicle History Report

Before purchasing a used vehicle and obtaining a title transfer, verify that the vehicle is safe by running a vehicle history report. You can use the vehicle’s identification number (VIN) to get a comprehensive report on the car.

A vehicle history report will tell you:

• Ownership history
• Accident and damage records
• Title status (salvage or rebuilt)
• Odometer readings
• Service and maintenance records
• Recall information
• Theft records

2. Sign The Title Correctly

Once you decide to buy a car, the initial step in transferring a car title is to sign it. Both the buyer and seller need to sign the document in the designated “seller” and “transfer of ownership” sections and have it notarized for out-of-state transfers. If the vehicle has multiple owners, all owners listed must sign.

This may seem obvious, but make sure you write your name properly in the correct position. Slight issues with spelling and placement can have a lasting impact, so double-check to ensure you signed the title correctly.

If the car has a lien, make sure the lienholder signs a release form and has it notarized. The seller should also remove the license plates and submit a notice of sale within 10 days, as indicated on the back of the registration card.

3. Find Arizona State Requirements

Title transfer rules differ by state; something you may need to do in Florida may not be the case in Arizona. If you’re from another state or haven’t completed this process before, it’s important to study the Arizona DMV title transfer requirements and ensure you meet all of them before beginning the process.

The following is what you will need to complete an Arizona vehicle title transfer:

• A completed and signed Title and Registration Application
• A signed vehicle title
• A lien-release, if needed
• All applicable fees

Arizona differs from other states because it does not require notarization for in-state transfers. The state also allows electronic titles, and buyers have 15 days after purchasing their vehicle to apply for a title transfer.

4. Visit A Local DMV Office

The easiest way to complete all of these steps is to do it in person at an Arizona DMV office near you. They have friendly representatives who can help you handle each step and avoid mistakes in filling out forms to avoid future delays.

Some mistakes can be easy to make when you haven’t done something before. Having a friendly representative ensure you haven’t made a mistake can make the process go more smoothly.

5. Complete The Title And Registration Form

You must complete the Title and Registration Form to get a title transfer in Arizona. Please be aware that the buyer is responsible for transferring the title into his or her name and paying any and all associated taxes and fees when registering the vehicle. You have 15 days after your purchase to begin the process by filling out this form.

Here is some of the information you will need to provide on this form:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Vehicle year, make, model, etc.
• License plate number
• Vehicle list price
• Owner’s name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email address
• Etc.

6. Pay Associated Fees

Along with filling out this form, you will need to pay the fees for your Arizona vehicle title transfer. Thankfully, the fee for transferring a title is very low, at just $4. You may have to pay a registration fee for a new car, which is $8.

You may also need to get a smog/emissions test. Vehicles that were manufactured after 1981 require this test every two years, while older cars need an annual test. It costs $1.50 to get this test.

Once you have submitted the form and paid the fees, the title transfer process is complete. You will likely receive your new title via mail within 15-30 days for out-of-state transfers. In-state transfers can take five to seven business days.

Using A Lien-Free Vehicle Title To Get A Title Loan

If you got a title transfer with a lien-release, you own your car outright without owing any more money. That means you can use your lien-free title for a title loan if you have costs you cannot afford.

Title loans allow you to borrow up to $15,000 based on your vehicle’s value. As long as you own your car, truck, or van outright, you can borrow money to pay for overdue rent, medical bills, home repairs, and other emergency costs. You will just need to have your driver’s license, a lien-free vehicle title in your name, and your vehicle for an inspection.

Here is the approval process for title loans in Arizona:

• Fill out our online inquiry form with your basic details
• Receive a phone call from us to discuss title loan terms
• Gather your required items and head to the nearest Arizona store location
• Get your requirements verified and your vehicle inspected
• Sign the loan agreement to finish the process
• Receive your title loan funds later that day or by the next business day

This whole process can be completed on the same day. After applying online, you can visit us in person and get approved in 30 minutes. Apply online for title loans with Southwest Title Loans to get same-day cash.

Borrow Title Loans In Arizona – Receive Up To $15,000 Today!

Once your title is transferred into your name, you’ll have full ownership. If you ever need quick access to cash, a lien-free Arizona car title also qualifies you for a title loan. Learn more about how Southwest Title Loans can help.

Ready to get fast financial relief through title loans? Fill out our online title loan form and get approved in person in less than 30 minutes. Get the financial aid you need from Southwest Title Loans today!

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.