Selling a car privately in Arkansas
Arkansas gives buyers a long runway: 60 calendar days to title and register at a state revenue office, where they pay sales tax on the purchase price. The seller's side is the title assignment plus a bill of sale signed by both parties showing year, make, VIN, and price; older Arkansas titles and out-of-state titles may also need the state's separate odometer disclosure statement.
Arkansas provides a Notice of Transfer of Ownership form that tells the state you sold the vehicle; filing it is a cheap way to put the sale date on record while the buyer takes their time registering. Arkansas plates belong to the seller: remove them and keep them for transfer or credit.
The checklist
- 1
Assign the title to the buyer (Arkansas)
Complete the assignment on the Arkansas title with buyer, date, price, and odometer reading. Use the separate odometer statement form if your title predates the built-in disclosure.
- 2
Complete a bill of sale signed by both parties
Arkansas expects a bill of sale with year, make, VIN, and price, signed by buyer and seller. The DFA publishes a standard form.
- 3
File the Notice of Transfer of Ownership
Send the DFA's notice form after the sale so the state records the transfer date while the buyer's 60-day registration window runs.
- 4
Remove your license plates
Arkansas plates stay with the seller. Remove them at handoff and ask the revenue office about transfer or credit.
- 5
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 6
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 7
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 8
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 9
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 10
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 11
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 12
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 13
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
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Start your free beta packetArkansas private sale FAQ
Does an Arkansas car title need to be notarized?
No. Arkansas does not require notarization for a private-party title assignment. Complete the assignment legibly and make sure both parties sign the bill of sale.
What paperwork does the buyer need in Arkansas?
The assigned title, a bill of sale signed by both parties showing year, make, VIN, and price, and an odometer disclosure. Some older Arkansas titles need the separate odometer statement form rather than the one on the title.
How long does the buyer have to register in Arkansas?
60 calendar days from the date of transfer. They title, register, and pay sales tax at a state revenue office.
How do I protect myself after selling in Arkansas?
File Arkansas's Notice of Transfer of Ownership form with the DFA, keep your signed bill of sale, and remove your plates. Together those record when the vehicle stopped being yours.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.