What You Need to Do to Transfer a Title in Arizona

To transfer a vehicle title in Arizona, you submit Form 130-U (process for Title) to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and payment. The process takes about 10 business days by mail or same-day if you go in person to an ADOT office. You do not need to register the vehicle at the same time — title and registration are separate transactions in Arizona, though most people do both together.

The specific documents you need depend on whether you are buying a used vehicle from a private seller, trading in at a dealership, or inheriting a vehicle. A dealership will often handle the title transfer for you as part of the sale, but if you are buying privately or the dealer does not offer this service, you will file the paperwork yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Form 130-U is the official Arizona title transfer form, and you can get it from any ADOT office or read it from the ADOT website before you go.
  • You must have the signed title from the previous owner, a bill of sale showing the purchase price, and your proof of identity and residency to complete the transfer.
  • Processing takes 10 business days by mail or the same day if you submit in person at an ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office.
  • Title transfer and vehicle registration are separate — you can transfer the title without registering, though most people do both at once.
  • If you buy from a private seller, you are responsible for filing the paperwork; if you buy from a dealership, ask whether they will file it for you.

Documents You Need to Bring or Submit

The signed title from the previous owner is the foundation of any transfer. The seller must sign the back of the title in front of you or a notary — a title signed but not notarized is acceptable in Arizona as long as both parties sign. If the title is lost or damaged, the previous owner can request a duplicate from ADOT before the sale closes, or you can request one after you own the vehicle, though this adds time.

A bill of sale is required and must show the purchase price, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the date of sale, and the signatures of both buyer and seller. Arizona does not have a mandatory bill of sale form — you can write one yourself on plain paper or use a template — but the document must be signed by both parties. Keep a copy for your records.

You will also need proof of identity (a valid driver's license, passport, or military ID) and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are transferring the title by mail, send copies; if you are going in person, bring the originals.

If the vehicle has a lien (the bank or lender still owns it), the lienholder must sign the title as well. Some lienholders will mail the signed title directly to you; others require you to pick it up. Ask your lender before the sale closes so you know what to expect.

How to Fill Out Form 130-U

Form 130-U has sections for the vehicle information (VIN, make, model, year), the previous owner's information, your information as the new owner, and the odometer reading. Fill in every field that applies to your situation. If a field does not explore — for example, if there is no lienholder — leave it blank rather than writing "N/A".

Section 4 of the form asks whether the title is being transferred due to a sale, gift, inheritance, or court order. Select the box that matches your situation. If you are buying the vehicle, mark "Sale." The form also asks for the purchase price; enter the amount shown on your bill of sale.

Sign and date the form in the spaces provided. Both the buyer and seller must sign — the seller's signature certifies they are releasing ownership, and your signature certifies you are accepting it. If you are mailing the form, both signatures can be on the same copy; they do not need to be notarized unless the title itself requires notarization (which is rare in Arizona).

Where to Submit Your Paperwork

You can submit your title transfer by mail to the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division, or you can go in person to any ADOT office. The mailing address is on Form 130-U itself. Include the completed form, the signed title, the bill of sale, proof of identity and residency, and the transfer fee (currently $5 for a title transfer, though this can change).

If you submit by mail, send everything in one envelope and keep a copy of everything you send. Processing takes about 10 business days from the date ADOT receives your packet. You will receive a new title in the mail once the transfer is complete.

If you go in person, bring all original documents and be prepared to wait. Most ADOT offices can process a title transfer the same day you submit it, and you will leave with a temporary title (valid for 30 days) and a receipt. The permanent title arrives by mail within 10 business days.

Title Transfer Fees and Payment

The title transfer fee in Arizona is $5. You can pay by cash, check, or card if you are submitting in person. If you are mailing your paperwork, include a check or money order made out to "Arizona Department of Transportation." Do not send cash through the mail.

This fee covers only the title transfer. If you are also registering the vehicle at the same time, registration has a separate fee based on the vehicle's weight and age. Many people combine both transactions to save a trip, but you can transfer the title without registering if you need to.

What Happens If the Seller Does Not Sign the Title

If the previous owner refuses to sign the title or cannot be located, you cannot complete the transfer through the standard process. Arizona allows you to request a bonded title in this situation, which is a temporary title issued by ADOT while you prove ownership through other means (such as a bill of sale, proof of payment, or a court judgment).

To get a bonded title, you must post a surety bond equal to 1.5 times the vehicle's estimated value. The bond protects the previous owner in case they later claim the vehicle was stolen or sold without their knowledge. Once you hold the bonded title for three years without a claim, you can exchange it for a regular title. This process is slower and more expensive than a standard transfer, so it should only be used when the seller genuinely cannot sign.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not leave the purchase price blank on the bill of sale or Form 130-U. ADOT uses this information to calculate taxes and fees, and a missing price can delay processing. If you are buying the vehicle as a gift, write "gift" or "$0" and be prepared to explain this if ADOT contacts you.

Do not forget to have the seller sign the title before you leave the dealership or the seller's home. Once you own the vehicle, the previous owner cannot sign it, and you will have to track them down later or pursue a bonded title. Check the signature on the spot and make sure it matches the name printed on the title.

Do not assume the dealership will file the title transfer for you. Some dealerships include this service; others do not. Ask in writing before you buy, and if they do not offer it, plan to file the paperwork yourself within 10 days of purchase. Arizona does not have a grace period — the title transfer is legally required when ready after the sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a title if the vehicle has an outstanding loan?

Yes, but the lender (lienholder) must sign the title and release their lien. Contact your lender and ask them to sign the title and send it to you, or ask whether you need to pick it up in person. Once you have the signed title, proceed with the transfer as normal. The lender's signature does not delay the process if you have it before you submit to ADOT.

How long does it take to get the new title after I submit the paperwork?

If you submit by mail, allow 10 business days from the date ADOT receives your packet. If you submit in person at an ADOT office, you will receive a temporary title the same day and the permanent title by mail within 10 business days. The temporary title is valid for 30 days and can be used to register the vehicle or prove ownership.

Do I have to register the vehicle at the same time I transfer the title?

No. Title and registration are separate in Arizona. You can transfer the title without registering, though most people do both together to save a trip. If you only transfer the title, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until you also register it and get a license plate.

What if I bought the vehicle out of state and need to transfer it to Arizona?

You will need the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, and proof of residency in Arizona. Submit these to ADOT along with Form 130-U. If the out-of-state title is in a different format or requires notarization, ADOT will let you know if additional steps are needed. Contact your local ADOT office before you submit to confirm what documents they need.

Can I transfer a title online in Arizona?

No. Arizona does not offer online title transfers. You must submit in person at an ADOT office or by mail. In-person submission is faster if you need the title the same day.