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To legally transfer ownership, the seller must sign the back of the title. In Arizona, the seller's signature must be notarized to be valid. You can find notary services at local banks in Pima or neighboring Safford. Once you have the signed and notarized title, take it to the MVD office in Safford or an authorized third-party provider to complete the transfer and register the vehicle in your name.
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 or vehicle condition. It should include:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The vehicle's make, model, and year
The final sale price and the date of the transaction
The printed names and signatures of both the buyer and seller
Yes. Pima is an agricultural community. Many trucks and SUVs here may have been used for farm work or towing. Inspect the bed of trucks for heavy wear and check the hitch and transmission for signs of towing stress. Also, check the undercarriage for caked mud or damage from driving in fields. Finally, rodent damage to wiring is common in rural areas, so check the engine bay for signs of nests or chewed wires.
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 the MVD office, you must get a "Restricted Use 3-Day Permit." This temporary permit can be purchased online through the AZ MVD Now website or at a local MVD office.
When meeting a stranger for a private sale, always prioritize safety. It is best to meet in high-traffic, public areas during daylight hours. Good options include the parking lot of Pima Town Hall, local businesses along U.S. Route 70, or busy shopping centers in nearby Safford. Avoid meeting in secluded residential areas or on remote roads. Bringing a friend or family member with you is always a smart precaution.
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.
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.