Arkansas Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Arkansas is one of a handful of states that requires notarization of both the bill of sale and the title assignment when transferring a vehicle between private parties. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) oversees motor vehicle titling and registration, and all transfers are processed at DFA revenue offices located throughout the state.
The financial side of buying a vehicle in Arkansas is worth understanding upfront. The state levies a 6.5% sales tax on vehicle purchases — already one of the higher state rates nationwide — and local county and city taxes can push the combined rate above 11% in some areas. For a $15,000 vehicle in a high-tax area, you could be looking at $1,650 or more in sales tax alone. The price on your bill of sale directly determines this amount, so accurate documentation is essential.
On the bright side, Arkansas has no emissions testing or vehicle inspection requirements, and the 30-day transfer window gives buyers a reasonable amount of time to gather documents and visit a revenue office. Just remember to get everything notarized before you show up — the DFA won't process the transfer without notarized signatures.
6.5%
State sales tax
30 Days
Transfer deadline
Yes
Notarization required
No
Emissions test
Arkansas DFA Requirements
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration processes vehicle title transfers at revenue offices across the state. Here's what you'll need to prepare.
Important: Notarization Is Mandatory in Arkansas
Arkansas requires notarization of both the bill of sale and the title assignment. Plan to have both documents signed in front of a notary public before visiting the DFA office. Showing up without notarized signatures means you'll be turned away and have to come back.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Notarized Title: The seller must sign the title and have the signature notarized. Fill in the buyer's name, sale date, price, and odometer reading
- Notarized Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale signed by both parties in front of a notary public
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal law requires the seller to disclose the current mileage and its accuracy
- Lien Release: Documentation showing any outstanding liens have been satisfied
What the Buyer Must Bring to the DFA Revenue Office
- Notarized Title: With the seller's notarized signature and all transfer fields filled in
- Notarized Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties with notary acknowledgment
- Valid Photo ID: Arkansas driver's license or state-issued identification
- Proof of Insurance: Arkansas minimum liability coverage ($25,000/$50,000/$25,000)
- Payment: Title fee ($10), registration ($17-$30), and sales tax (6.5% state + local)
How to Fill Out an Arkansas Vehicle Bill of Sale
Complete each section of the bill of sale carefully. Since Arkansas requires notarization, both parties should fill everything out before meeting with the notary — don't sign until the notary is present.
Enter Seller Information
Write the seller's full legal name as it appears on the Arkansas title, along with their current mailing address and phone number. If the title lists joint owners connected by "and," both must sign and both signatures must be notarized. Joint ownership with "or" allows either party to sell independently.
Enter Buyer Information
Provide the buyer's full legal name (exactly as it should appear on the new title) and their Arkansas address. The buyer's county of residence determines the local tax rate that will be added to the 6.5% state sales tax. A buyer in Pulaski County (Little Rock) faces different local rates than one in Washington County (Fayetteville).
Describe the Vehicle
Record the year, make, model, body style, and color. Carefully enter the full 17-character VIN from the dashboard plate or driver's side door jamb. The DFA will reject the transfer if the VIN on the bill of sale doesn't match the title. Double-check every digit — transposing even a single character creates problems.
Record the Odometer Reading
Write the current mileage and check whether it is accurate, exceeds the odometer's mechanical limit, or does not represent the vehicle's actual mileage. This disclosure is required by federal NHTSA regulations. Vehicles over 20 model years old and those exceeding 16,000 lbs GVWR are exempt.
State the Sale Price
Write the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. The DFA calculates the 6.5% state sales tax (plus local taxes) from this figure. Be accurate — understating the price is illegal and can result in penalties. For gift transfers within the immediate family, write "$0 — Gift" and bring documentation of the family relationship to claim the tax exemption.
Sign Before a Notary
Both parties must sign the bill of sale in the presence of a notary public. Do not sign before meeting with the notary — the notary needs to witness the signing. The notary will stamp and seal the document. Print two copies before notarizing, or have the notary certify both. Keep one copy each and bring yours to the DFA within 30 days.
Arkansas Title Transfer Process
Once all documents are signed and notarized, the buyer needs to visit any DFA revenue office in Arkansas to complete the transfer. You don't have to go to the office in your home county — any location will work.
Complete the Sale
Fill out the bill of sale, sign the title, and exchange payment and keys
Get Everything Notarized
Both the bill of sale and title assignment must be notarized — sign in front of the notary
Obtain Insurance
Secure Arkansas minimum liability insurance ($25,000/$50,000/$25,000) before visiting the DFA
Visit a DFA Revenue Office
Bring notarized title, notarized bill of sale, valid photo ID, and proof of insurance
Pay Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($10), registration ($17-$30), and sales tax (6.5% state + local rates)
Arkansas Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
Arkansas has one of the higher combined vehicle tax rates in the region. The 6.5% state rate is just the baseline — local taxes often add 2-4% more. Here's a full cost breakdown.
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 6.5% of sale price |
| County / City Tax | 0.5-4.5% additional (varies by location) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $10 |
| Registration Fee | $17 - $30 (based on vehicle weight) |
| License Plate | Included in registration (or personalized for extra fee) |
| Late Transfer Penalty | $10 (after 30 days) |
| Duplicate Title | $10 |
Sample Arkansas Vehicle Bill of Sale
Here's a preview of what your completed Arkansas vehicle bill of sale will look like. The final document includes a notary acknowledgment section that meets DFA requirements.
STATE OF ARKANSAS
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer — Notarization Required
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Arkansas Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Arkansas Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Arkansas Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about notarization, sales tax, and the DFA title transfer process in Arkansas.
Official Arkansas Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to find DFA office locations, download forms, and verify requirements before your visit.
Arkansas DFA — Motor Vehicle Division
Title transfers, registration, forms, and revenue office locations
Arkansas Titling & Registration
Detailed requirements, fees, and step-by-step guides
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 Arkansas Bill of Sale Templates
Need to transfer something other than a car in Arkansas? Browse our full collection of state-specific templates.
Arkansas Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Arkansas Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Arkansas Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Arkansas Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Arkansas General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Arkansas ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Arkansas Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Arkansas Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Arkansas Vehicle Bill of Sale
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