Arizona Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Selling or buying a vehicle in Arizona involves a few more steps than in some neighboring states. The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) requires a notarized seller's signature on the title, emissions testing in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, and a 15-day window to complete the transfer — one of the tighter deadlines in the country.
Arizona's tax structure adds another layer of complexity. The state charges a 5.6% Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) on vehicle sales, and local jurisdictions pile on additional rates that can push the total above 10% in some cities. On top of that, Arizona levies an annual Vehicle License Tax (VLT) based on the vehicle's assessed value, which replaces the personal property tax used in other states. Your bill of sale establishes the purchase price used to calculate TPT, so accuracy matters.
If you live in Maricopa County (which includes Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Tempe) or Pima County (Tucson and surrounding areas), the buyer will also need a valid emissions test before registering the vehicle. Our Arizona-specific template accounts for all of these requirements and produces a document accepted at every MVD office and authorized third-party provider in the state.
5.6%
State sales tax
15 Days
Transfer deadline
Yes
Notarization required
PHX/TUC
Emissions test areas
Arizona MVD Requirements
Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division handles title transfers through its own offices and a network of authorized third-party providers. Here's what you need to gather before your appointment.
Important: Arizona's 15-Day Deadline
Arizona requires the buyer to transfer the title within 15 days of the purchase date — one of the shortest windows in the U.S. The date on your bill of sale starts this clock. Missing the deadline can result in late fees, and driving an unregistered vehicle carries additional penalties.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Notarized Title Signature: The seller must sign the title in front of a notary public. Arizona requires notarization of the seller's signature on the title assignment
- Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale with buyer/seller details, vehicle description, VIN, purchase price, and signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement — document the mileage on the title or a separate federal odometer statement
- Emissions Report: In Maricopa or Pima County, a valid emissions test report (seller typically provides for the current registration period)
- Lien Release: If there was ever a lien on the vehicle, provide documentation showing it has been released
What the Buyer Must Bring to the MVD
- Notarized Title: With the seller's notarized signature and all transfer fields completed
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties
- Valid Photo ID: Arizona driver's license, state ID, or other accepted identification
- Proof of Insurance: Arizona minimum liability coverage ($25,000/$50,000/$15,000)
- Emissions Test: Valid emissions certificate if registering in Maricopa or Pima County
- Payment: Title fee ($4), registration fee ($8 base + VLT), and sales tax (5.6% state + local)
How to Fill Out an Arizona Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these six steps to complete your Arizona bill of sale correctly. Pay special attention to the notarization requirement — it trips up a lot of first-time sellers.
Enter Seller Information
Provide the seller's full legal name as shown on the Arizona title, current mailing address, and phone number. If the title lists co-owners joined by "and," both must sign the title and have their signatures notarized. If joined by "or," either owner can sell independently.
Enter Buyer Information
Record the buyer's full legal name and Arizona address. The buyer's location determines the local TPT rate and whether emissions testing is required. A buyer in Scottsdale pays different local taxes than one in Flagstaff, and only Maricopa and Pima County residents need emissions clearance.
Describe the Vehicle
Enter the year, make, model, body type, and color. Record the complete 17-character VIN from the dashboard plate or driver's door jamb. Cross-reference the VIN against the title to make sure they match — the MVD will reject the transfer if there's any discrepancy. You can verify the VIN for free using the NHTSA VIN Decoder.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the current mileage and indicate whether the reading is accurate, has exceeded mechanical limits, or does not reflect actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA rules. Vehicles 20 model years old or older and those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs are exempt from odometer disclosure.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and written form. This figure determines the Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) the buyer will owe — at 5.6% state plus local rates, the tax on a $15,000 vehicle in Phoenix would be about $1,290. For gift transfers, write "$0 — Gift" and note that the MVD may still assess tax on fair market value for non-family gifts.
Sign, Notarize, and Date
Both parties sign the bill of sale. Separately, the seller must sign the title in front of a notary public — this is required by Arizona law. Plan to meet at a location with notary services, or visit one together. Print two copies of the bill of sale and keep one each. The buyer has 15 days to bring everything to the MVD.
Arizona Title Transfer Process
After completing and notarizing the paperwork, the buyer must visit an MVD office or authorized third-party provider to finalize the title transfer. Arizona offers several convenient options including AAA offices and ServiceArizona locations.
Complete the Sale and Get Notarized
Sign the bill of sale, have the seller notarize the title, exchange payment and keys
Get Emissions Tested (if applicable)
Required in Maricopa and Pima counties — visit an authorized emissions testing station
Obtain Insurance
Secure Arizona minimum liability insurance ($25,000/$50,000/$15,000) before registration
Visit an MVD Office or Third-Party Provider
Bring notarized title, bill of sale, emissions report, ID, and proof of insurance
Pay Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($4), registration ($8 base + VLT), and Transaction Privilege Tax (5.6% state + local)
Arizona Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
Arizona's combined tax rate can surprise buyers. The 5.6% state TPT is just the starting point — local rates push the total to 8-10% in most Phoenix and Tucson areas. Here's a breakdown of the costs to expect.
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Transaction Privilege Tax | 5.6% of sale price |
| County / City Tax | 1.4-4.4% additional (varies by location) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $4 |
| Registration Fee | $8 base + Vehicle License Tax (VLT) |
| Vehicle License Tax (VLT) | ~$2.80 per $100 of assessed value (annual) |
| Emissions Test | ~$16.75 (Maricopa/Pima counties only) |
| License Plate | $5 standard plate (or transfer existing) |
| Duplicate Title | $4 |
Sample Arizona Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Arizona-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your final document will include every field the MVD requires for a private party transfer.
STATE OF ARIZONA
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Arizona Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Arizona Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Arizona Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Common questions about Arizona vehicle transfers, from notarization and emissions to the Vehicle License Tax and MVD procedures.
Official Arizona Resources
These official state and federal links will help you navigate Arizona's vehicle transfer process, find MVD offices, and check emissions requirements.
AZ MVD Now — Arizona Motor Vehicle Division
Title transfers, registration, appointments, and forms
ServiceArizona — Online Services
Registration renewals, title status, and online transactions
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
IRS — Vehicle Sale Tax Reporting
Federal tax implications of selling a vehicle
Other Arizona Bill of Sale Templates
Buying or selling something other than a car in Arizona? We have templates tailored to the Grand Canyon State for every type of property.
Arizona Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Arizona Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Arizona Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Arizona Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Arizona General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Arizona ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Arizona Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Arizona Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Arizona Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your MVD-compliant document in minutes. Accepted at every Arizona MVD office and third-party provider.
No account required. Free to create and preview.