How to Sell a Car in Arizona? (State Guide)

Documents you’ll need:

1. Vehicle title – Must be in your name and clear of liens
2. Valid Arizona driver’s license – Names must match the title exactly
3. Lien release documentation – If you still owe money on the car

If your title is missing:

You’ll need to get a replacement first. Download Form 96-0236 and submit it to your MVD office with your ID and $4.00. Processing takes up to six weeks by mail; faster online via AZ MVD Now. Request it early if you plan to sell soon.

Can’t get a replacement? There’s one exception:

Under A.R.S. § 28-2098, you can sell without a title if three things are true: vehicle must be at least 12 model years old, sale price $1,200 or less, sold to a registered scrap metal dealer or licensed automotive recycler.

You’ll also need a valid reason for not having the title: you never titled it in your name, you lost the paper title, or you returned it to the state.

If your car qualifies, head to Sell Car Advisor’s comparison tool, enter your details, and on step 4 mark “I don’t have a title.” You’ll get instant offers from buyers with a network of licensed scrap metal dealers and automotive recyclers.

At pickup, you sign a sworn statement saying you own the car. The buyer handles the paperwork, pays you on the spot, and tows the car away.

Watch the full breakdown: Can You Sell a Car Without a Title in Arizona?

If you still owe money on the car:

Your lender needs to release the lien before you can transfer the title. They can sign the title directly or provide an official lien release letter on letterhead. If you owe more than the car is worth, you’ll need to pay the difference.

Learn more: How to Sell a Financed Car?

Name matching requirement:

Check your title carefully. The name on your driver’s license must match the name on the title exactly. If you got married or changed your name, bring documentation showing the name change.

Electronic titles:

Arizona issues electronic titles by default. Full e-transfer is available via AZ MVD Now if both parties have registered accounts. Vehicles with liens cannot use eTitle Transfer.

The back of the Arizona title has an assignment section where you complete the sale. Use blue or black ink only, and write legibly. Do not use white-out or cross-outs.

Fill in the following:

• Buyer’s full legal name and address
• Date of sale
• Sale price
• Your signature in the seller section
• Odometer reading (federal rule: required for vehicles less than 20 model years old, or less than 10 model years old if model year 2010 or older)

Multiple owners on the title:

If the title says “AND,” every listed owner must sign. If it says “OR” or “AND/OR,” either owner can sign alone. Check the exact wording on your title before you begin.

After signing:

Give the signed title to the buyer. They have 15 days from purchase date to take it to an Arizona MVD or authorized Third Party location and complete the transfer in their name.

Made a mistake on the title? Don’t try to fix it yourself. Get a duplicate title using Form 96-0236 and start with a clean one.