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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 most banks, shipping stores, check-cashing locations, and authorized third-party MVD providers throughout the county. Once you have the signed and notarized title, take it to an MVD office or an authorized provider to complete the transfer and register the vehicle in your name.
While not legally mandatory for the Arizona MVD to process a title transfer, a Bill of Sale is highly recommended. It serves as your official receipt and protects both you and the seller from future disputes about the sale price, date, or vehicle condition. It should include the VIN, vehicle details, sale price, date, and signatures of both parties.
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 "casual" sales between private individuals who are not licensed dealers.
Always prioritize safety by meeting in a public, well-lit area during the day. Excellent options in Pima County include:
1. Safe Exchange Zones: Many local police departments (including Tucson PD and Marana PD) offer designated "Safe Exchange Zones" specifically for private transactions.
2. Public Lots: Busy shopping centers like Tucson Mall, Park Place, or large grocery store lots in Green Valley or Oro Valley.
3. Government Buildings: Parking lots of MVD offices or public libraries.
Before paying, carefully inspect the title document. Ensure the seller’s name on the title matches their government-issued ID. Critically, verify that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the title perfectly matches the VIN on the car’s dashboard and driver-side door jamb.
A lien means a lender still has a financial claim on the vehicle. You can check for liens for free on the AZ MVD Now website using the car's VIN. If a lien exists, the seller must provide you with a lien release document from the lender before you can get a clear title.