Since a vehicle title serves as proof of vehicle ownership, car owners must apply for an Arkansas car title within 30 calendar days of purchasing a new or used vehicle. Failure to apply for a car title before the deadline often results in penalties and additional titling fees. To submit an AR auto title application, motorists must download a form online or obtain an application in person.

During the process of applying for a new or used car title, car owners may simplify the car-buying process by applying for a vehicle registration certificate at the same time. To learn more about how to get car titles and how titles relate to registration documents, review the sections below.

Where to Apply for a Car Title in Arkansas

When getting car title documentation, motorists must visit an Office of Motor Vehicle (OMV) under the state Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). Drivers cannot complete the car title process anywhere else in the state, and vehicle owners cannot submit applications by mail or online.

When applying to receive a title for car ownership, however, drivers may register their vehicles simultaneously. To do so, motorists must obtain an Arkansas car title application and complete the form before submitting it to the OMV. Vehicle owners use the same DMV car title application regardless of whether buyers purchase the vehicle new or used, or from a dealer or private seller.

The Arkansas Auto Title Application

To get car title documentation, motorists must complete a Vehicle Registration Application (Form 10-381). The OMV uses the same application for processing car titles and registration throughout the state.

Drivers may download the form online if they wish to complete the form prior to visiting an OMV office, or they may obtain the application in person. When completing the form to obtain an Arkansas certificate of title (also known as a pink slip), applicants must provide the following information:

• The vehicle’s license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN).
• The year, make, model, body type, color, fuel type and gross weight of the vehicle.
• The vehicle’s previous auto title number (if applicable).
• The vehicle’s odometer reading.
• Owner information, including the owner’s name and address.
• The names of any lienholders (if applicable)

After completing the application for obtaining a vehicle title in AR, all vehicle owners must sign the application before visiting an OMV office to submit the form in person.

Documents You Must Provide When Applying for a New Car Title in Arkansas

Since many drivers apply for a DMV car title and registration document simultaneously, car owners may submit all supporting documentation at one time. When applying for an Arkansas car title or registration, motorists must provide the OMV with the following information:

• The previous vehicle title or the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
• A bill of sale or invoice reflecting the purchase price of the vehicle.
• An odometer statement if the vehicle is under 10 years of age.
• A separate odometer disclosure statement (Form 10-313) to title an out-of-state vehicle, or if the control number on the back of the current auto title is less than 3003001.
• A copy of the lien contract (if applicable).
• Proof from the county assessor displaying the vehicle’s assessment status.
• Proof of liability auto insurance.
• The vehicle’s current registration certificate, if drivers wish to transfer their previous license plates to the new vehicle.

If the vehicle contains an out-of-state car title and is branded as salvage or prior salvage vehicle, motorists must conduct a VIN inspection as part of the titling and registration process. Additionally, drivers must provide payment for all AR certificate of title and registration fees when completing the titling process at an OMV office.

What is an Arkansas car registration?

Like a title certificate, you must apply for a car registration in AR within 30 days of purchasing a new or used vehicle. However, motor vehicle registration documents serve a different purpose than titles do. Your new car registration certificate shows that your vehicle meets the OMV vehicle registration prerequisites and is safe to drive.

Furthermore, you need to get car registration documentation in order to legally drive a vehicle on state roads. However, you cannot complete the auto registration process unless you first obtain liability auto insurance.

What is the difference between a car title and a vehicle registration in Arkansas?

The main difference between an Arkansas car registration document and a title is that a title is a legal document that establishes proof of vehicle ownership, while a car registration certificate allows you to legally operate your vehicle on state roadways. Since the state requires you to complete both the vehicle registration and titling process after purchasing a new vehicle, you may complete the two transactions simultaneously using the Vehicle Registration Application (Form 10-381). However, titles and DMV car registration documents serve two different purposes and require you to pay a separate set of fees.

You must renew motor vehicle registration during your vehicle’s annual renewal period, while titles do not need to be renewed. You only need to apply for a title when you purchase or acquire a new or used vehicle.

Car Title Costs in Arkansas

The Arkansas car title costs vary depending on the procedure you are applying for. For instance, a replacement title costs $10.

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