What You Need to Transfer a Car Title in Arkansas in 2025
Whether you just bought a car or received one from a friend or family member, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) needs to know that the car is officially yours. Skip this step and you could end up with fines, tickets, or complications when it’s time to sell, register, or insure your vehicle.
But don’t stress! This guide will show you exactly how to breeze through the title transfer process, no long lines, no rejections, just a smooth and hassle-free experience.
This guide will help you navigate the title transfer process smoothly and quickly with no long lines, no rejections, no surprises.
Key Takeaways
Complete the transfer in one visit or online.
Avoid sales tax on family gifts with the proper paperwork.
Drive legally the same day with a $10 temporary tag.
Get your plates shipped to your door in 10-14 days.
Spot common mistakes to avoid delays.
What is a Vehicle Title, and Why Do I Need One in Arkansas?
A vehicle title is an official document that proves your legal ownership of the vehicle. This title is required to register the vehicle, get license plates, sell it, and process insurance claims. The title includes key information such as:
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Make and model
Odometer reading
Damage brands (e.g., salvage, flood)
In Arkansas, if the title is not in your name, you won’t be able to do any of the following:
Register the vehicle: Without a title in your name, you cannot legally register the car in Arkansas.
Obtain license plates: Plates are issued only after the title is transferred to your name.
Sell the vehicle: If you need to sell the vehicle in the future, you won’t be able to do so without a valid title.
File an insurance claim: Insurance companies require a clean title before approving any claims.
Making sure your title is in your name is crucial to avoid legal issues down the line. If mismatches show up during checks, don’t miss our must-read tips on resolving car title VIN mismatch nightmares to safeguard your progress.
What Documents Do I Need for Title Transfer in Arkansas?
When transferring a car title in Arkansas, you must ensure you have all the necessary paperwork. Missing even one document could lead to a delay or rejection of your application. Here’s what you need to get started:
Original Arkansas Certificate of Title: This is the document you’ll be transferring, signed by the seller.
Bill of Sale: A handwritten bill of sale is legal in Arkansas and serves as proof of the sale price and transaction.
Proof of Insurance: The insurance policy must be in the buyer’s name and valid at the time of the transfer.
Valid Arkansas Driver’s License or State ID: This proves the buyer’s identity.
Property Tax Receipt: This receipt can be printed from the county assessor’s website, showing that the property tax on the vehicle has been paid.
Official Release of Lien (Form 10-315): If the vehicle had a loan, this form must be completed by the lienholder.
Gift Affidavit (Form 1913): If the car is a gift, the seller must complete this form, and no sales tax is required.
Form MVR-1 Title Application: This is the blue form that you need to fill out for the title transfer.
Double-check that all signatures are correct, and that forms are fully completed. Missing or incorrect information is one of the most common reasons transfers are delayed. Stay ahead by learning how to sidestep devastating car title troubles and spot sneaky hidden liens on your car title that could sabotage everything.
What Happens if You Miss the 30-Day Title Transfer Deadline?
In Arkansas, you have exactly 30 calendar days from the date you take possession of the vehicle to transfer the title. If you miss this deadline, you will face a $150 penalty on day 31, and the penalty increases to $250 after day 60.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
Tickets and fines: If the DFA system hasn’t been updated with the new owner’s information, tickets, toll violations, and fines will continue to be sent to the old owner. This means that, even if you’ve already sold the vehicle, you might still be responsible for any fines associated with the vehicle until the title transfer is recorded.
Insurance issues: If you’re the new owner and an accident occurs, the insurance company may not honor the claim because the title is still registered to the previous owner.
Impoundment and towing: If the title hasn’t been transferred, the new owner could face immediate impoundment and towing of the vehicle.
It’s important to transfer the title within 30 days to avoid all these complications. For a full list of official requirements, visit the Arkansas DFA's vehicle registration page.
Can You Transfer a Title Online in Arkansas?
Yes! Arkansas allows 87% of standard in-state transfers to be completed online through the MyDMV portal. This convenient service allows you to complete most title transfers from the comfort of your home. Here's how:
Visit MyDMV.arkansas.gov.
Create an account or log in using your driver's license number and the last four digits of your SSN.
Select “Vehicle Services”, then click “Apply for Title/Registration”.
Upload the required documents: Signed title, bill of sale, proof of insurance.
Pay the $10 transfer fee and a $4 credit card fee.
Once processed, you’ll receive a temporary tag instantly, and your permanent plates will be mailed to you within 10-14 days.
By completing the transfer online, you can avoid the hassle of visiting the DFA office.
How Do I Transfer a Title That Has a Lien?
If the car has an active lien (a loan that has not been paid off), you need to clear the lien before the title can be transferred. There are three ways to do this:
Option 1 – Lienholder Signs the Title: If the lien is paid off, the lienholder will sign the title and release their claim.
Option 2 – Lien Release Letter: If the lienholder hasn’t signed the title, you’ll need a letter from the bank confirming that the lien has been released.
Option 3 – Form 10-315: If the lienholder doesn’t sign the title, you can use Form 10-315 to release the lien.
Once the lien is cleared, the title transfer process can proceed without issues.
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Title in Arkansas?
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the fees associated with transferring a car title in Arkansas:
If you're transferring a vehicle as a gift to an immediate family member, the sales tax is zero.
Can I Transfer a Car Title if I’ve Lost the Original?
If you’ve lost the original title, the seller must request a duplicate title through the Form MVR-4 process. This costs $21.50 and takes about 10-14 days for the duplicate title to arrive. Once the seller gets the duplicate, the transfer can proceed as normal. If recovery gets tricky, snatch our proven steps for recovering a lost motorcycle title that apply to cars too.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Arkansas Title Transfer
Incomplete Documentation: Missing forms or signatures will delay your application.
Not Notarizing: Some documents may require notarization.
Missing the 30-Day Deadline: Late transfers incur penalties, so be sure to act within the 30-day window.
Why You Should Choose Street Legal Hookup for Arkansas Title Transfers?
Transferring a car title in Arkansas can be a hassle, but Street Legal Hookup makes it simple and stress-free. Whether you're dealing with an out-of-state title, a lien, or any other complex title issue, our 100% online service makes the process fast and easy, saving you both time and money.
100% Online Service: Complete your title transfer from the comfort of your home with no need for DMV visits.
Fast Processing: Receive your temporary tags within 24 hours and permanent plates are shipped to you in 10 to 14 days so you’re not left waiting.
Expert Assistance: Our experienced team can handle complex situations like liens, out-of-state titles, and specialty vehicle registrations with ease.
Flat Fee Pricing: Enjoy clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. What you see is what you pay.
Tax Savings: Bypass sales tax, emissions tests, and inspections through our Montana LLC setup, saving you thousands compared to high-tax states.
Permanent Plates: For eligible vehicles, we provide permanent plates that don’t require annual renewals, saving you time and effort in the future.
Let Street Legal Hookup Handle Your Arkansas Title Transfer
Skip the DMV and enjoy a quick, transparent, and affordable title transfer process. We will take care of everything while you focus on what matters most getting your vehicle on the road and keeping it there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Title Transfers
Does Arkansas require a notary to transfer a car title?
No, Arkansas does not require notarization to transfer a car title. The state eliminated the notary requirement in 2011, making the process easier for both buyers and sellers.
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Arkansas?
The base transfer fee in Arkansas is $10. There may be additional fees for services like duplicate titles ($28.50), late penalties (starting at $150 after day 31), and temporary tags ($10 for 10 days). For vehicles that are gifted, there is no sales tax, but the $10 transfer fee still applies.
How long do I have to transfer a car title after buying it in Arkansas?
You have 30 calendar days from the date you take possession of the vehicle to transfer the title. After day 31, a $150 late fee is automatically applied, and the fee increases to $250 after day 60. It's crucial to meet the deadline to avoid these penalties.
Is a Bill of Sale required to transfer a title in Arkansas?
A Bill of Sale is required only for out-of-state titles or for pre-2010 Arkansas titles. For most in-state transactions, a handwritten bill of sale is perfectly acceptable.
How do I gift a car to a family member in Arkansas?
To gift a car to a family member, complete Form 1913 (Gift Affidavit), check the "gift" box, and attach it to the title. No sales tax is required for vehicles gifted to immediate family members, such as spouses, parents, children, siblings, or grandparents. You only need to pay the $10 transfer fee.
Can I transfer a car title if it still has a lien (loan) on it?
Yes, you can transfer the title if there’s still a lien, but you’ll need to clear the lien first. There are three options:
Lienholder signs the title: If the lien is paid off, the lienholder will sign the title and release their claim.
Lien Release Letter: If the lienholder didn’t sign the title, you must provide a letter from the bank or financial institution confirming that the lien has been released.
Form 10-315: This official form, completed by the lienholder, will release the lien.
Once the lien is cleared, you can proceed with the title transfer.
Conclusion
Transferring a car title in Arkansas is simple when you have the right documents and follow the correct steps. By using Street Legal Hookup, you can save time, avoid the hassle of visiting the DMV, and ensure a smooth, stress-free title transfer. Whether you’re dealing with liens, out-of-state titles, or gift transfers, we’ve got you covered!
If your situation involves a classic or modified car, see our must-read strategies for registering highly modified cars out of state that open up options. For state-specific guides, check our detailed walkthroughs on the car title transfer process in Texas, car title transfer process in Ohio, car title transfer process in California, and car title transfer process in North Carolina.
