Selling a car privately in Arizona
Arizona is a notary state: the seller's signature on the title must be notarized, so do not sign the title until you are in front of a notary (many banks and MVD-authorized third-party offices have one). Plan the handoff around that; meeting the buyer at a bank that offers notary service solves payment verification and notarization in one stop.
After the sale, file the free Sold Notice through AZ MVD Now within 10 days; it ends your liability for the vehicle. Arizona plates stay with the seller; remove them and claim a plate credit or transfer through your MVD account. One genuine Arizona advantage worth telling buyers: Arizona does not charge state sales/use tax on private-party vehicle sales.
The checklist
- 1
Sign the title before a notary (Arizona)
Arizona requires the seller's signature on the title to be notarized. Do not sign until you are in front of the notary.
- 2
File a Sold Notice with AZ MVD
File the free Sold Notice online within 10 days to protect yourself from liability after the sale.
- 3
Remove your license plates
Arizona plates stay with the seller. Remove them and apply for a plate credit or transfer via AZ MVD Now.
- 4
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.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
- 7
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.
- 8
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.
- 9
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.
- 10
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.
- 11
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.
- 12
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
Generate your Arizona sale packet
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Start your free beta packetArizona private sale FAQ
Does an Arizona car title need to be notarized?
Yes. Arizona requires the seller's title signature to be notarized. Sign only in front of a notary; a pre-signed title can be rejected.
Does the buyer pay sales tax on a private-party sale in Arizona?
No. Arizona does not impose state sales/use tax on casual private-party vehicle sales between individuals. (Out-of-state buyers may owe tax in their home state when they register there.)
What is the Arizona Sold Notice and when do I file it?
A free online filing through AZ MVD Now that records the sale date and protects you from liability for what happens with the vehicle afterward. File it within 10 days of the sale.
Do I keep my plates when I sell a car in Arizona?
Yes. plates stay with the seller in Arizona. Remove them and apply for a plate credit or transfer them to another vehicle via AZ MVD Now.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 11, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.