Title Transfer Arkansas

As long as you have a certificate of title and a few other key documents, you can complete a title transfer in Arkansas online.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
background
If you’re transferring ownership of a vehicle in
Arkansas
, you’ll need to complete a title transfer. You can do this at your local DMV or through the online portal for a fee of just $10.
Buying or selling a vehicle is more than just handing over the keys. To make the sale official, you must transfer the title to the new owner. This usually involves some basic paperwork, a visit to the DMV or OMV (Office of Motor Vehicles), and a small fee.

What is a title transfer?

A car title is what dictates ownership of the vehicle. So when you transfer the title of a car, you’re transferring its ownership
Transferring a title consists of two steps—one for the seller and one for the buyer:
  • The seller must release ownership of the car by signing the title
  • The buyer must take the signed title to the OMV, where the state will issue a new title and
    vehicle registration
Every state has a slightly different process. Some states require additional paperwork to complete the title transfer process, such as a
bill of sale
or transfer of ownership form.
You may also need to provide basic vehicle information like the sales price and current
odometer reading
.

Who does the title transfer?

The responsibility for the title transfer depends on whether you’re
buying
(or
selling
) a vehicle privately or from a dealership. 
If it’s a
private purchase
, it’s up to the buyer and seller to complete the title transfer process. When you buy a car from a dealer, they handle all the paperwork and send the vehicle title from the state OMV by mail.

Reasons for a title transfer

There are a variety of reasons why you might need to complete a title transfer for a vehicle. The most common include a change of residency or buying or selling a car
Here are some other reasons for a title change:
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Car title transfer in Arkansas

In Arkansas, the vehicle buyer can complete a title transfer
online
or in-person at a local OMV branch. It must be done within 30 days of the change of ownership or you will be charged a penalty fee.
Here’s what you need to do:
  • Get the vehicle title from the seller and sign and date it as the “buyer”
  • Be sure that the seller has also signed, dated, and filled in the odometer sections (if required) and bill of sale area on the title
  • Get any lien documents from the seller, like:
  • Completed Official Release of Lien or Permission to Issue a Replacement Title (
    Form 10-315
    )
  • Signed lien contract
  • Completed Bill of Sale/Odometer Disclosure Statement (
    Form 10-313
    ) if the vehicle title is from out of state or the control number is less than 3003001
  • Complete
    Form 10-381
    , the Vehicle Registration Application Form (this serves as the title application in Arkansas)
  • Payment for the transfer titles’ fees
  • You may also need personal and vehicular information like your DL number,
    license plate
    number,
    VIN
    , and
    make and model 
    From there, follow the instructions from
    MyDMV Arkansas
    . The title transfer fee is $10.
    Once you’ve submitted all required documentation, the OMV will issue a new title within a minimum of three weeks.
    Key Takeaway: The MyDMV Arkansas portal will walk you through the title transfer process from start to finish—and there’s no lineup!

    Registering a car in Arkansas

    After a title transfer, you’ll need to
    register the vehicle
    . Registration is proof that you can legally drive on the streets and is done annually. Before you can register, you must have an Arkansas title and
    proof of auto insurance
    that meets the
    state minimum coverage
    requirements.
     In Arkansas, the cost to register your vehicle depends on its weight. For instance, it’s only $17 per year for cars 3,000 lbs or less, but $30 for cars over 4,500 lbs. In addition, you’ll need to pay the following:
    Fee
    Amount
    Notes
    Validation decal
    $2.50
    Required for all automobiles every two or three years
    Postage (if registering by mail)
    $0.39
    Other fees may apply based on the type of vehicle, license plate type, county of residence, or driving record

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    FAQs

    A title transfer is more challenging if the vehicle is still financed. You’ll need to call your lender and ask how to sell a car that has a loan and how the transaction should be handled.
    The title will have a line that says “seller’s signature.” If two people are on the title, then both will need to sign on the same line. There is a separate line for the buyer’s signature.
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