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To legally transfer ownership, the seller must sign the back of the vehicle title. In Arizona, the seller's signature must be notarized. You can find notary services at most banks in Surprise or at authorized third-party MVD offices. Once the title is signed and notarized, you must take it to an MVD office or an authorized third-party provider to complete the transfer and get the vehicle titled in your name.
Yes. Surprise is located within the Maricopa County vehicle emissions control area (Area A).
1. The Rule: Most vehicles that are more than five years old require a passing emissions test to be registered.
2. What to do: Ask the seller for the current Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR). If the test is current and valid, you can use it for registration. If it has expired, you will need to take the vehicle to an emissions testing station—there are several locations in the West Valley—before you can finalize your registration.
While Arizona law does not legally require a Bill of Sale for the MVD title transfer, creating one is highly recommended for your personal records and protection. A Bill of Sale acts as a receipt and proof of ownership transfer. It should include:
1. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
2. The make, model, and year of the car
3. The date of sale and the purchase price
4. Full names and signatures of the buyer and seller
In most cases, no. Private party vehicle sales in Arizona are typically exempt from the Transaction Privilege Tax (sales tax). This is a significant advantage over buying from a dealership. However, be aware that you will still owe registration fees and the Vehicle License Tax (VLT) when you register the car at the MVD. The VLT is calculated based on the vehicle's value, not the price you paid the seller.
The license plate stays with the seller. Arizona plates are assigned to the individual owner, not the vehicle itself. The seller must remove their plate before you drive the car away.
1. Legal Driving: To drive the vehicle home or to a mechanic legally, you must obtain a "Restricted Use 3-Day Permit." You can buy this permit online through AZ MVD Now or at an MVD office.
When meeting a private seller, prioritize safety. The Surprise Police Department recommends meeting in public, well-lit areas with video surveillance. Many people choose to meet at the Surprise Police Department or busy shopping center parking lots during daylight hours. It is also smart to bring a friend or family member with you and to complete the financial transaction at your bank.
Before you hand over cash or a cashier's check:
1. Check the VIN: Compare the VIN on the dashboard or door jamb to the VIN listed on the title.
2. Lien Check: Use the free lien check service on the AZ MVD Now website to ensure no bank or lender has a claim on the vehicle. If there is a lien, the seller must provide a lien release document.
3. Vehicle History: Consider buying a report from a service like KarKiosk to look for past accidents, flood damage, or odometer rollbacks.
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