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Although you are exempt from sales tax, you will generally be responsible for paying registration fees and the annual Vehicle License Tax (VLT) when you title the car in your name at the MVD. Note: If you are an enrolled tribal member living on the reservation, there may be specific exemptions or different procedures regarding the VLT; inquire directly at the MVD in Chinle for eligibility.
In Arizona, the license plate stays with the seller. Plates are registered to an individual, not the vehicle. The seller is required by law to remove their plate before you take possession of the car. Do not drive the car with the seller's plates on it.
To drive your newly purchased car home or to the MVD in Chinle, you must get a "Restricted Use 3-Day Permit." This temporary permit can be easily purchased and printed online through the AZ MVD Now website. This is essential for legally driving on Indian Route 12 or Route 64.
To legally transfer ownership, the seller must sign the back of the title. In Arizona, this signature must be notarized to be valid. In Tsaile, notary services may be available at Diné College, local administrative offices, or you may need to travel to a nearby town like Chinle. Once you have the signed and notarized title, you must take it to an MVD office or an authorized third-party provider to complete the transfer and register the vehicle in your name.
Always prioritize safety by meeting in a public, well-lit area during the day. Given the rural nature of Tsaile, the best options include:
1. The parking lot area near the main entrance of Diné College.
2. The Tsaile Health Center parking lot.
3. The busy junction area near the local trading post or gas station.
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.