Private-party transfer in Arkansas: closing the sale without surprises
Steps for buyer and seller, documents, payment and state-specific plate conditions.
A private sale calls for checking the title, payment, plate and applicable state procedures. This guide is written for both sides of the table, with Arkansas's rules.
The place and the moment
Ask the titling office (At any DFA State Revenue Office, or online through MyDMV. Before you go, list the car with your county assessor and be current on personal property tax: DFA requires it to register) in advance about accepted signatures, documents, appointments and payments. Where available, coordinate the handover with that office and verify payment with the issuing bank before releasing the car or documents.
Step by step
| # | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm the title is in your name and lien-free. If there is a loan, get the bank's release before listing. | Ask for the VIN and check title, recalls and history before seeing the car. |
| 2 | Allow an independent inspection. Agree in writing how and when it will take place. | Pre-purchase inspection with your own mechanic. |
| 3 | Agree the total price in writing on a bill of sale: VIN, year, make, model, price, date, names, signatures. Two copies. | Same. The bill of sale is your proof of price for the tax. |
| 4 | On the title: your signature, the buyer's name and address, price, date and the applicable odometer disclosure, including exemptions and any required mileage-discrepancy indicators. Written odometer statement (federal law, 49 CFR 580); Arkansas includes it on form 10-313. | Check that the VIN on the title is the car's and that the person signing is the titled owner. |
| 5 | Receive payment: cashier's check verified at the issuing bank, confirmed transfer, or cash inside the bank. | Pay only when the signed title is in your hand. |
| 6 | Confirm how to handle the plate. The reviewed information does not establish a general rule for this case; ask the agency before handing over the car. | Before driving, confirm with the agency which registration, plate or permit applies to your situation. |
| 7 | Listed seller-process document: Notice of Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle (optional; in person or by mail to DFA Office of Motor Vehicle). Follow the timing and conditions in the state process below; keep your copy. | Confirm the required documents, fees, taxes and deadline with the agency, including the event that starts the deadline. Bring the applicable insurance or financial-responsibility documents. |
| 8 | Ask your insurer when to cancel or transfer coverage, and first confirm the registration and plate conditions. | Confirm the coverage or proof of financial responsibility required for your transaction and before driving. |
The plate in Arkansas
Confirm with DFA how to handle the plate before handing over the vehicle; do not assume the buyer may use the seller’s plate. The buyer gets a temporary tag at a Revenue Office within the first 10 days after purchase (bring the bill of sale and your license) and has 60 days to register. The seller should send the transfer notice to DFA.
What each one must bring
Seller
- Title (or printout of the electronic one)
- Photo ID
- Lien release, if any
- Notice of Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle (optional; in person or by mail to DFA Office of Motor Vehicle)
- A screwdriver for the plate
Buyer
- State forms (10-381, 10-313, Notice of Transfer of Ownership)
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- Payment for fees and tax
- If out of state: whatever VIN verification the state requires
Three special situations
- Lost title. The seller requests a duplicate before selling. Don't accept "I'll send it later."
- Two owners on the title. If the names are joined by "and," both sign. With "or," one is usually enough.
- The seller is an heir or holds a power of attorney. Extra documentation is needed (estate papers or POA). Confirm at the office before paying.
Keep the records; check the official process
Sources
- DFA — FAQs for DSMV (60 days, penalties, temporary tags)
- DFA — Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule (MyDMV)
- Arkansas Act 41 of 2023 — amends Ark. Code § 27-14-903 and § 27-14-723 (30 to 60 days)
- DFA — Notice on late registration penalty, Ark. Code Ann. § 27-14-1004(a)
- DFA — Do You Have What You Need? (register a newly purchased vehicle)
- DFA — Replacement Titles
- DFA — Recent Changes in the Law (title assignment)
- DFA — Motor Vehicle Forms
- Arkansas Insurance Department — Automobile Insurance brochure
- DFA — Sales Tax Credit for Sale of a Used Vehicle (Act 1232 of 1997 as amended by Act 277 of 2021; 60 days / 45 days)
- DFA — Sales and Use Tax FAQs (local single-transaction cap kept for motor vehicles licensed for highway use)
- DFA — Safety Responsibility (prints $25,000 / $50,000 / $75,000, conflicting with the Insurance Department brochure)
- Ark. Code Ann. § 27-14-911 — Notice of Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle (optional; in person or by mail to DFA Office of Motor Vehicle)
- Official reference — dfa.arkansas.gov
- 49 CFR Part 580 — Federal odometer disclosure requirements
This guide informs; it is not legal or financial advice, nor an offer, quote or appraisal. Every figure carries its source and date; check it is still current before you decide.