Arizona Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Form
An Arizona motor vehicle bill of sale form alerts the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), third parties, and other entities that a deal involving an automobile occurred. It names the buyer and seller, identifies the car, and officially seals the transfer of ownership. The person who made the purchase can then use the document like a receipt to prove they paid for it.
|
What is an Arizona Car Bill of Sale?
An Arizona car bill of sale indicates that two (2) individuals settled on a deal involving an automobile. It transcribes their conversation about the price of the car, its condition, and how the buyer plans to pay or trade it in exchange for ownership.
Residents can also use the form for a gifted vehicle (or a car sold for $0). The seller must provide the car’s current value, vehicle identification number (VIN), model year, make, and body style. Since the document requires notarization, each person must wait to sign until in the presence of a notary public.
The buyer and seller must disclose the following information: 1) date of the sale, 2) full name (first, middle, last, suffix), 3) driver’s license number, 4) date of birth, and 5) mailing address (street, city, state, zip).
How to Register a Car in Arizona (4 Steps)
Arizona drivers must have their car registered and insured through the MVD within fifteen (15) days of purchasing.
After the transfer occurs, the seller must submit the following to the state immediately:
- Bill of Sale – This form outlines the deal between the seller and buyer for the car.
- Odometer Disclosure – This federal form supplements the bill of sale and contains an accurate reading of the mileage when the sale occurs.
- Sold Notice (Form 26-8502) – This form removes the previous owner’s liability for the car. If the new owner gets ticketed, crashes it, uses it for illegal activities, or deserts it, law enforcement cannot penalize or blame the seller.
- License Plates – The seller must remove the plates from the sold vehicle, then bring them to the MVD to transfer them to a new car or discard them.
Step 1 – Obtain Arizona Car Insurance
All applicants must have an insurance plan for their vehicle before submitting the registration documents. Arizona requires car owners to have a plan that includes coverage for bodily injury ($25,000 for one person and $50,000 per accident) and property damage ($15,000 per incident).
Step 2 – Test Vehicle Emissions
Residents living or working in the greater Phoenix or Tucson area must have their vehicle’s emissions tested. Cars made in 1980 or earlier must have an annual check, whereas automobiles built in 1981 or later need a biannual examination.
Individuals who qualify must register their vehicle every one (1) or two (2) years. This timeline differs from dwellers outside city limits as their registration can extend up to five (5) years.
Step 3 – Submit Registration Forms
Applicants must make an appointment with the MVD through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) online system. On the day of registration, the applicant must have the required documents ready and the payment.
If the individual does not have the necessary information, they can obtain a temporary 90-day registration for $15. This form allows them to use the vehicle for up to three (3) months or until they can provide the state with proper documentation. Owners assigning a representative to take care of this matter must fill out an Arizona motor vehicle power of attorney (Form 48-1001) and provide a copy to the agent.
| Bring the Following: |
Step 4 – Renew
Registrars living and working outside Phoenix and Tucson must renew their car registration every five (5) years. Individuals who live or work within city limits must register more frequently due to the emissions requirement. They must renew each year if they own a car from 1980 or earlier, and biannually if their vehicle is from 1981 or later.
The MVD has changed from physical registration cards to online copies. Therefore, residents must mark their calendar, set a reminder, or check the portal regularly to ensure they do not miss the renewal date. The ADOT also sends a reminder mail notice around expiration.
If the vehicle does not require an emissions test, the owner can renew up to six (6) months before their registration ends. Owners of cars with a requirement can renew up to three (3) months it expires. The MVD charges penalties for late renewals.
Unlike first-time applications (which must occur in person), drivers can renew their registration remotely. The process can occur online, by phone (1-888-713-3031), through check-free pay, or at an authorized third-party location.