How Do I Sell My Car in Arizona Without a Title?
Need cash now and want to sell your car, but you don’t have the title for it? If so, you may be in luck as there are some workarounds for proving ownership and selling your vehicle to a junk car buying company.

To sell you car without a title in Phoenix, Mesa, or Tucson, call us now to first find out how much your car is worth and to learn about alternative ways to prove ownership.

How to Sell a Car Without a Title in Arizona

It is important to note that selling a car without a title may deter buyers, therefore it is wise to get a duplicate title if possible. Selling a car without a title is risky to the buyer and to avoid legal issues, it’s wise to learn about Arizona’s vehicle sales laws.

Arizona, like the rest of the US, requires a title to legally transfer motor vehicle ownership. Without the title, selling a car is difficult, but not impossible. The following steps may help you sell an Arizona car without a title:

#1 Request a Duplicate Title

Request a duplicate title from the Motor Vehicle Division of the Arizona Department of Transportation if your vehicle’s title is lost or misplaced. This is your only choice if you lost your car title. (MVD). Fill up the Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236) and send it to the MVD with applicable fees. Expect to show ID as well.

#2 Show the Bill of Sale

You could supply the buyer a notarized bill of sale as an alternative to the purchase of a duplicate title in the event that the purchase of a duplicate title can be proved to be impracticable. This paperwork should include the vehicle’s make, model, year, VIN, purchase price, and buyer and seller names and signatures. However, it is of the foremost significance to bear in mind that a bill of sale does not function as an untainted replacement for a title but can hasten the buyer’s hunt for a bonded title. Remember this.

#3 Well With a Bonded Title

Consider Bonded Titles: If the original title is missing, the buyer can get a bonded title. In cases of ambiguous car ownership, bonded titles are issued. The buyer must apply to the MVD with a surety bond equal to or more than the vehicle’s worth.

#4 Ensure the Buyer is Informed

Keep buyers informed if you can’t find the vehicle title.. You must be honest with prospective buyers about the lack of a title and clearly explain how to get a bonded title. You must also clearly explain how to claim a bonded title. This strategy can streamline a transaction and lessen the risk of legal issues later on.

Arizona Vehicle Sales Rules

Buyers and sellers must understand Arizona’s vehicle sales laws to avoid legal difficulties and ensure a smooth transaction.

Arizona regulates car sales. These regulations protect buyers and sellers, promote transparency, and regulate the market. Arizona’s auto sales laws to familiarize yourself with:

Transferring a Title

Arizona vehicle sales hinge on title transfer. The seller must sign over the title and submit an odometer reading on the title or an Odometer Disclosure Statement on the Bill of Sale (Form 48-2004).

The buyer must next submit the signed title and a Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236) to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to transfer ownership.

Click here to learn about eTitle Transfer from ADOT.

Sales Tax

Vehicle sales in Arizona are taxed. The vendor collects sales tax from the customer, which varies by county and city. The MVD requires the Title and Registration Application and sales tax.

Bill of Sale

Although not required by Arizona law, a Bill of Sale is suggested for both buyers and sellers as a written record of the transaction. The Bill of Sale should include the vehicle’s make, model, year, VIN, purchase price, and buyer and seller names and signatures.

Emissions Testing

Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties require emissions testing before selling vehicles. In an emissions control area, the vendor must give the buyer a valid emissions test certificate. The sale should have followed a 90-day test.

Notice of Sale

Sellers must notify the MVD of vehicle sales within 10 days. The MVD accepts online or mailed Vehicle Sold Notices (Form 46-8502). This notification shields the seller from automobile liability following the transaction.

License Plates

In Arizona, license plates stay with the car unless the seller has personalized plates or wants them for another vehicle. If the vendor wants registration fee credit, they must remove the plates and file a Plate Credit Application (Form 48-3302) to the MVD.

Selling a Titleless Vehicle in the Valley of the Sun & Tucson Metro

State rules govern automobile sales, not city laws. The cities mentioned above are all in Arizona, meaning all cities have the same laws governing the sell of cars, trucks, pickups, SUVs, and vans. Below we provide city-specific examples to help address various scenarios regarding the sell of a vehicle in Arizona without a title.

Phoenix

In Phoenix, a private owner selling their car must ensure they provide the buyer with a properly signed title and a completed Arizona Bill of Sale. Selling a titleless car in Phoenix is illegal and can lead to fines and penalties under Arizona state law.

In Phoenix, when a buyer acquires a vehicle without a title, they might encounter obstacles in registering the car, securing insurance, and demonstrating ownership, which could make it nearly impossible to drive the vehicle legally.

Mesa

Mesa residents selling their vehicle privately must provide a notarized title and a filled-out Arizona Bill of Sale to complete the transaction. Attempting to sell a car without a title in Mesa is a violation of Arizona state law and may result in legal consequences.

For a buyer in Mesa, procuring a car without a title could present hurdles in transferring the vehicle’s registration, acquiring the required insurance coverage, and asserting legal ownership.

Chandler

In Chandler, private car sellers are required to transfer the car’s title to the new owner and complete an Arizona Bill of Sale. Selling a car without a title in Chandler is against Arizona state regulations and can lead to legal issues.

In Chandler, a buyer may face issues like the inability to lawfully register the vehicle, obtain appropriate insurance, and establish legitimate ownership when purchasing a car without a title.

Glendale

In Glendale, when a private car owner decides to sell their vehicle, they must transfer the title to the buyer and provide an Arizona Bill of Sale. Selling a car without a title in Glendale is prohibited under Arizona state law and may result in legal complications.

Glendale buyers who obtain a vehicle without a title might find it challenging to register the car, get insurance coverage, and confirm legal ownership, thus complicating the legal use of the vehicle.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale residents who wish to privately sell their cars need to have a notarized title transfer and complete an Arizona Bill of Sale. Trying to sell a car in Scottsdale without a title is a violation of Arizona state law, which can lead to potential legal issues.

Acquiring a vehicle without a title in Scottsdale can lead to complications for the buyer, such as difficulties with registration, insurance, and substantiating ownership of the car.

Gilbert

When selling a car privately in Gilbert, the owner must provide the buyer with a properly signed title and a filled-out Arizona Bill of Sale. Selling a car without a title in Gilbert is illegal under Arizona state law, and the seller may face legal consequences.

A buyer in Gilbert who obtains a car without a title may face problems when trying to register the vehicle, secure insurance coverage, and establish legal ownership.

Tempe

In Tempe, private car sellers are required to transfer the title to the buyer and complete an Arizona Bill of Sale to make the transaction legal. Attempting to sell a car without a title in Tempe is a violation of Arizona state regulations and can lead to legal problems.

In Tempe, purchasing a car without a title can lead to difficulties for the buyer, such as being unable to legally register the vehicle, obtain the necessary insurance, and prove rightful ownership.

Peoria

Private car sellers in Peoria must ensure they provide the buyer with a properly signed title and a completed Arizona Bill of Sale. Selling a titleless car in Peoria is against Arizona state law, and the seller may face penalties and fines.

Buyers in Peoria who acquire a vehicle without a title may struggle to register the car, obtain insurance coverage, and establish legal ownership, making it challenging to use the vehicle legally.

Surprise

In Surprise, residents who want to sell their cars privately need to transfer the title to the buyer and provide a completed Arizona Bill of Sale. Trying to sell a car without a title in Surprise is illegal under Arizona state law and can result in legal issues.

In Surprise, purchasing a vehicle without a title can result in complications for the buyer, including issues with registration, insurance, and proving ownership of the car.

Avondale

When selling a car privately in Avondale, the owner must provide the buyer with a properly signed title and a filled-out Arizona Bill of Sale. Selling a titleless car in Avondale is a violation of Arizona state law and may lead to legal consequences.

A buyer in Avondale who obtains a car without a title may face problems when trying to register the vehicle, secure insurance coverage, and establish legal ownership.

Tucson

Tucson residents who want to sell their cars privately need to transfer the title to the buyer and provide a completed Arizona Bill of Sale. Attempting to sell a car without a title in Tucson is against Arizona state law, and the seller may face legal problems.

In Tucson, buying a car without a title could result in obstacles for the buyer, including the inability to lawfully register the vehicle, secure the needed insurance, and establish rightful ownership.

Oro Valley

In Oro Valley, private car sellers are required to provide the buyer with a properly signed title and a filled-out Arizona Bill of Sale. Selling a car without a title in Oro Valley is illegal under Arizona state law and may result in legal complications.

Oro Valley buyers who purchase a vehicle without a title may face difficulties registering the car, procuring insurance coverage, and verifying legal ownership, which can make it hard to use the vehicle legally.

Marana

When selling a car privately in Marana, the owner must transfer the title to the buyer and complete an Arizona Bill of Sale. Trying to sell a car without a title in Marana is a violation of Arizona state regulations and can lead to potential legal issues.

In Marana, buying a vehicle without a title can cause issues for the buyer, such as problems with registration, insurance, and establishing ownership of the car.

Sahuarita

Sahuarita residents who wish to sell their cars privately need to provide the buyer with a properly signed title and a completed Arizona Bill of Sale. Selling a titleless car in Sahuarita is prohibited under Arizona state law and may result in legal consequences.

When a buyer in Sahuarita acquires a car without a title, they might confront challenges in registering the vehicle, obtaining insurance coverage, and asserting legal ownership.

Vail

In Vail, private car sellers must transfer the title to the buyer and provide a filled-out Arizona Bill of Sale to complete the transaction legally. Attempting to sell a car without a title in Vail is against Arizona state law and can lead to legal problems.

In Vail, procuring a car without a title may lead to setbacks for the buyer, such as the inability to legally register the vehicle, secure the required insurance, and confirm rightful ownership.

How to Sell a Junk Vehicle With No Title

Selling a secondhand car to an Arizona junk car buyer without a title is difficult, but achievable. To sell your car to a junkyard without a title, take these steps:

First, check the junkyard’s criteria for buying vehicles without titles. Some junkyards accept vehicles without titles, while others need further paperwork or refuse the sale. Knowing the junkyard’s policies can help you decide if this is an option.

If the junkyard accepts your vehicle without a title, they may seek proof of ownership. A valid registration, bill of sale, or other proof of ownership is required. Personal identity can help prove ownership and avoid legal difficulties.

Get a lien release from the lienholder if the car has a lien. This paperwork proves you’ve paid off the vehicle’s debts and the lienholder has no claim on it. In the absence of a title, a lien release can prove your entitlement to sell the automobile.

Some cash for car buyers want a sworn statement that you own the vehicle and have the right to sell it as junk or salvage. Declare that the vehicle is not stolen and that you are selling it in good faith. This document protects the junkyard from title-related legal concerns.

Before selling your car to the junkyard, remove any valuable parts like tires, batteries, or radios that you can sell or use in another vehicle. Removing these components may lower the junkyard’s offer for your vehicle. If you remove parts, consider the financial gain against the vehicle’s value.

After you’ve finished all the paperwork and established an arrangement with the scrapyard, you’ll need to arrange for your vehicle’s transport. If you wish, you can arrange for independent towing, but many junkyards charge for towing. Consider that transportation costs may affect the sale’s value.

Selling an automobile without a title is dangerous and may lead to legal complications if the car’s ownership is in question. To make selling a car to a junkyard or other buyer easier and safer, get a duplicate title.

FAQs About Selling a Car With No Title in Arizona

There are a lot of questions relating to how to sell a titleless vehicle in Arizona and below we’ve answered several that we commonly receive? If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to our team directly.

How Do I Get a Replacement (Duplicate) Registration in Arizona?

AZ MVD Now makes replacing or duplicating vehicle registrations easy. You may immediately get your new registration online and print it at home. This technique is the fastest, most secure, and easiest way to renew your vehicle registration.

Specialty and personalized plates cost extra. These personalized plates make your car stand out on the road.

Activate or sign in to use all of AZ MVD Now’s services. Logging in lets you apply for a duplicate registration, renew your registration, update your personal information, and more. This user-friendly software simplifies vehicle management, making state compliance easier than ever.

In conclusion, Arizona’s AZ MVD Now website makes replacing or duplicating vehicle registrations and other vehicle services easy and secure. Signing in and activating your account unlocks many tools that make vehicle registration and other tasks easier. Using the internet platform for your Arizona automobile needs saves time, effort, and potential issues.

How Do I Get a Duplicate Title and How Much Does it Cost?

The owner of record can apply for a duplicate Arizona automobile title if it is missing, damaged, or unreadable. When replacing, the owner’s name, legal status, lienholder, and vehicle details must remain the same. This technique changes only the owner’s or vehicle location address.

Activate your AZ MVD Now account or sign in if you already have one to apply for a duplicate title. You may easily get a duplicate title online. This $4 service is cheap for title replacement.

The AZ MVD Now website makes applying for a duplicate title secure and fast. By taking advantage of the online platform, you can avoid potential delays or issues associated with in-person transactions at an MVD office. After submitting your application and paying the money, you’ll receive your duplicate title quickly so you can continue managing your automobile demands.

In conclusion, the AZ MVD Now website makes obtaining a duplicate title in Arizona easy. It costs $4 and replaces lost, damaged, or unreadable titles quickly. You may easily handle your automobile title needs online.

What Are ADOT’s Rules for Selling a Vehicle?

When selling or transferring a vehicle in Arizona, the seller must undertake several crucial steps to ensure compliance with state regulations. These steps include completing a sold notice on AZ MVD Now, signing the back of the title, removing the license plate and contacting the MVD to transfer or destroy it, providing the title (along with any lien release) to the buyer, and requesting a registration credit within 30 days.

Additionally, a federally mandated odometer disclosure is required when signing over the title, with the vehicle’s age determining whether such disclosure is necessary. It is important to note that electronic title transfers offer a convenient and secure alternative for sellers.

The buyer must attend an MVD or Authorized Third Party office to transfer the title and register the car after selling or transferring a vehicle. The buyer must get a Restricted Use Three-Day Permit for private transactions or a Temporary Registration Plate for dealer sales to drive the vehicle. Following these principles can help sellers and buyers avoid legal complications and streamline transactions.

How Do Vehicle Liens Work in Arizona?

Before transferring the title of a car with a lien in Arizona, you must pay the lien or get lienholder authorization. Financial and other liens exist. Financial liens are usually printed on the title or maintained electronically for a set time. After repaying a paper title lien, the owner obtains a “lien release” from the lender, which can be used to get a new title or delivered to the buyer with the signed and notarized title.

Electronic liens and titles (ELT) allow MVD and authorized lienholders to transmit vehicle, lien, and title information without paper titles.

Other liens, which can be added or removed, do not appear on the title and have no term. Child support and court fines must be paid before the buyer may take title. Buyers of Arizona-titled vehicles should check online for liens and unpaid debts to avoid buying a car with a lien. Buyer and seller should transfer title at an MVD or Authorized Third Party office jointly.

Before paying for a liened automobile, check the title. Checking the record and paying afterwards may be risky since new liens can be added everyday. Consider closing the deal and transferring the title simultaneously to reduce this risk. Follow these suggestions to avoid legal issues and ensure a smooth vehicle purchase.

If I Sell a Vehicle and the License Plate is lost, Can I Still Get a Credit or Refund?

You may receive a credit or reimbursement if you sell your Arizona-registered vehicle and lose the license plate. The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) lets you apply the credit or obtain a refund if the plate is lost, stolen, or destroyed. This prevents unfair punishment owing to outside factors.

For $5, you can replace a missing plate at an MVD or Authorized Third Party office. Transfer the credit to another car after getting the replacement plate. Transferring credit may differ based on the conditions, thus it’s best to contact MVD representatives.

Report the lost, stolen, or damaged plate to the MVD and police immediately to avoid problems. Reporting promptly might prevent you from liability if the plate is misused or used illegally. Maintaining accurate car ownership and registration information is also crucial. By following these principles, you can streamline lost plate credits and refunds.