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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 in Somerton or at authorized third-party MVD providers in the area. Once you have the signed and notarized title, take it to a local MVD office (often in nearby San Luis or Yuma) or an authorized 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 parties in case of a dispute regarding the vehicle's condition or sale terms. 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 registration fees and the annual Vehicle License Tax (VLT) when you title the car in your name.
In Arizona, license plates belong to the seller, not the vehicle. When buying a car privately, the seller must remove their plates before handing over the car. You cannot legally drive the vehicle with the seller’s registration once it has been sold — the registration becomes invalid when ownership transfers.
To legally drive the car to the Arizona MVD (Motor Vehicle Division) or for inspection/registration purposes, you can obtain a Restricted Use 3-Day Permit or another temporary permit from the MVD or an authorized third-party office.
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.