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If the seller cannot find the title, they must apply for a duplicate title from the Arizona MVD before they can legally sell the vehicle to you. Do not exchange money for a car without receiving a properly signed and notarized title.
To legally transfer ownership, the seller must sign the back of the Arizona Certificate of Title. A critical requirement in Arizona is that this signature must be notarized to be valid. You can find notary services at the many banks along Ray Road or Chandler Boulevard, or at shipping stores in local shopping centers. Once signed and notarized, take the title (and emissions cert) to an MVD office or authorized third-party provider to complete the transfer.
While Arizona law does not strictly require a Bill of Sale for the MVD to process a title transfer, creating one is highly recommended. A Bill of Sale acts as your official receipt and protects both you and the seller from any future disputes regarding the sale price, date, or vehicle condition. It should include:
1. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
2. The vehicle's make, model, and year
3. The final sale price and the date of the transaction
4. The printed names and signatures of both the buyer and seller
Generally, no. Private party vehicle sales in Arizona are typically exempt from the Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT), which is the state's equivalent of sales tax. This exemption applies to transactions between private individuals and offers significant savings compared to buying from a dealership. You will, however, be responsible for paying registration fees and the annual Vehicle License Tax (VLT) when you title the car in your name.
The license plate stays with the seller. In Arizona, plates are registered to the individual, not the vehicle. The seller must remove their plate before you take possession of the car.
1. Driving Legally: To drive the vehicle home or to an MVD office, you must get a "Restricted Use 3-Day Permit." This temporary permit can be purchased and printed online through the AZ MVD Now website or obtained at a local authorized third-party provider.
Absolutely. A trusted mechanic should inspect any vehicle before you buy. Ahwatukee gets intense heat reflected off the mountains. A mechanic must check the cooling system, radiator, A/C, and battery health. Additionally, check for suspension wear, as many local cars are used for daily commutes into downtown Phoenix.
Before you finalize the purchase, take these critical steps:
1. Check the VIN: Make sure the VIN on the car's dashboard or door jamb matches the VIN on the title document exactly.
2. Lien Check: Use the free lien check service on the AZ MVD Now website. This will confirm if a bank or lender still has a financial claim on the car. If a lien exists, the seller must provide you with a lien release document.
3. Vehicle History Report: Consider getting a report from KarKiosk. This can uncover important information about past accidents, flood damage, or title issues like a salvage brand.