Car owners must apply for a car title transfer in Arkansas in situations where the possession of a motor vehicle is passed from one legal owner to another. It is important to note that you will be required to submit several documents and pay certain fees through a revenue branch of the state Office of Motor Vehicle (OMV).

When completing title transfers for cars in AR, you may also be required to obtain a new car registration, since the state OMV uses the same application form for both purposes. Review the title transfer requirements below and find out how to complete the forms by reading the following sections.

What is a car title transfer in Arkansas?

To understand the importance of the Arkansas auto title transfer process and when to complete it, you must first review the basics of the title transfer requirements and familiarize yourself with what is a certificate of title.

A vehicle title is an official document issued by the state OMV for purposes of establishing the identity of the legal owner of a certain vehicle.

The AR car title transfer is a mandatory procedure that is completed when the original owner passes possession of the vehicle to a new legal entity for purposes of ownership reassignment. Completing the transfer of car title is an important step since it protects both the buyer and the seller of the motor vehicle.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Arkansas?

The Arkansas vehicle title transfer must be completed when the ownership of a given vehicle is transferred from one owner to another, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the transfer of ownership. The most common reason to initiate the title transfer for cars is passing ownership of a vehicle after a private sale.

Completing the car title transfer in AR is a mandatory step in different situations as well. For example, you must apply for a title transfer if you have received your vehicle as a gift, a donation or after the death of the original owner. To get more information on when to complete the title transfer process in Arkansas, contact the state OMV.

Note: You cannot complete a title transfer online in Arizona, as this process must be completed in person.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Arkansas

To successfully complete the transfer of vehicle title in Arkansas, car owners will be required to submit several documents and furnish certain types of information as part of the requirements.

Note that the documentation requirements to finalize the title transfers for cars may vary depending on the nature of the transfer of ownership. For example, the standard AR auto title transfer initiated after a private sale will require the following paperwork:

• A completed Vehicle Registration Application
• The signed-over title containing the names and signatures of the buyer and the seller and information about the vehicle and the vehicle sale
• A separate Bill of Sale/Odometer Disclosure Statement, if the title does not have a separate section to include this information
• An Official Release of Lien, if applicable
• A valid identification document, such as a drivers license or state ID, if required

You may also need to have a vehicle bill of sale with you.

If the AR transfer of car title is taking place under different circumstances, such as after donating, gifting or inheriting a vehicle, vehicle owners may be required to submit additional documentation.

For instance, to title inherited vehicles you may also be required to submit the Affidavit of Inheritance of a Motor Vehicles and the Request for Title or Watercraft Registration With Beneficiary.

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Arkansas

The steps for how to fill out a transfer of title in Arkansas involves the vehicle owners submitting the necessary documents in person through a nearby OMV location.

Note that when completing the auto title transfer, you will be required to arrange payment for certain fees as well, since the state OMV must manufacture new vehicle documents.

Moreover, you will be able to complete the title transfer and car registration procedures simultaneously with the same 10-381 application form, mentioned above. The state OMV will process your AR transfer of car title request, as soon as it verifies the submitted paperwork and fee payment.

Ensure that you have obtained all necessary documents that apply to your current circumstances prior to making your office visit in order to avoid any delays or a rejected application.

Note: Electronic title transfers are not an available option in Arkansas. This process must be done in person.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Arkansas

Before applying for a new title for a car in Arkansas, you are advised to review the differences between getting a new title and transferring an existing title from one owner to another. In general, getting a new car title is a procedure that is completed when a vehicle has not been previously titled in the name of another legal entity.

Therefore, you will effectively apply for a new title once you purchase your motor vehicle from a state dealership or transfer your out-of-state car into AR. Note that, if you buy a new vehicle from a dealership, the dealer may submit the title application on your behalf.

Unlike the procedure to order new car title certificates, you will have to complete additional steps when transferring an existing title. Under such circumstances, the vehicle seller and/or transferor will first have to reassign the original title to you. Then, you can proceed with the standard titling process and submit the properly-reassigned title as proof of ownership.

Car Title Transfer Fees in Arkansas

During the Arkansas car title transfer process, vehicle owners will be required to arrange payment for the applicable fees. However, since vehicle owners have to complete the title transfer for cars and register their vehicles at the same time, they will be required to pay the standard titling and registration fees.

Therefore, in addition to the standard $10 fee for a new title, motorists will also have to pay the applicable registration fees, which vary depending on the type of vehicle they are registering and their county of residence. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the AR vehicle title transfer procedure, additional fees may also apply.

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