How To Transfer Ownership of a Car In AZ- (A Complete Guide)

While it might be thrilling to buy or sell a car in Arizona, a significant amount of paperwork and regulatory requirements may be needed. Signing off the car title is crucial since it verifies the documents’ signatures and establishes the vehicle’s legal owner. Nevertheless, transferring a car title in Arizona could seem like a big ordeal if you’ve never done it before.

Hence, we decided to compile this comprehensive resource for transferring a car’s ownership title in Arizona. This article will explain how to notarize a car title in AZ and guarantee a legal and effortless transfer of ownership, whether you’re a first-time buyer, seller, or need a refresher.

Do You Need To Notarize A Car Title In Arizona?

No, an Arizona car title transfer no longer requires to be notarized. The previous owner is just required to sign the seller area on the back of title when selling a car in Arizona. This is done to ensure that the signatures on the title are genuine and to avoid fraud.

How To Sign Off A Car Title In Az? (Step-By-Step Process)

The procedure for signing off a title in Arizona is as follows:

1. Have A Title Signing Session With The Buyer: The reverse of the title must be signed by both you (the seller) and the purchaser. Be careful to sign in the correct area.
2. Stop By Your Local GG&D Office: Stop by any of our convenient 7 locations to have title transferred under your name. If an emissions test is required please bring that in prior to your visit. You may also obtain a permit if needed.
3. Bring Identification: You, as the seller (optional), and the buyer, must both provide a government-issued photo ID.
4. Make The Payment: The cost of title and registration varies from vehicle to vehicle. Before the registration process starts you will be informed of payment total. We accept all major credit card providers and cash.
5. Receive Temporary Registration: Once the process is finalized the buyer will receive a temporary registration and temporary license plate. Within 10-15 business days the new plate and registration will arrive in the mail.

That’s all! Selling a in Arizona is simple, but you’ll need to bring some identification and official paperwork with you.

Can I Sell A Car In Arizona Without A Title?

It depends. If the car is currently titled in Arizona and doesn’t have a lien on record you may transfer ownership without a title. You will however be required to fill out a Transfer Bill of Sale form. This form will be required to be filled out, in addition to having the seller’s signature witnessed by an MVD Agent or public notary. 

If a title is not available it is recommended for both seller and buyer to visit our office in order to confirm everything is in order and help you fill out the Transfer Bill of Sale form along with providing notary services.

Now, when you can’t transfer ownership without a title. 

• If the vehicle is titled in a different state. A title must be present if the vehicle is titled in any other state besides Arizona. The current out of state title must be surrendered in order to obtain a new Arizona title.
• If the vehicle has a lien holder on record. Arizona is a title holding state, meaning that lien holders hold the title to the vehicle until loan is paid off. If the lien has been paid off, and you are awaiting title we can fill out the Transfer Bill of Sale form to transfer ownership.

Multiple Owners Listed on Title

You have bought a vehicle and notice multiple owners are listed on the title. How do you know if you have all the necessary signatures? See below to view the different legal statuses Arizona uses and its signature requires:

• OR Ownership is joint tenancy, with an expressed intent that either of the owners has full authority to transfer ownership. When selling a vehicle, the signature of either party will be accepted. Both signatures are not required.
• AND Ownership is tenancy in common. When selling a vehicle, the signatures of both parties are required.

• AND/OR Ownership is joint tenancy with right of survivorship. When selling a vehicle, the signature of both parties are required. In the event of death of either party, the surviving party’s signature will be the only one required. Please note a death certificate of the deceased owner will also need to be provided.

Final Words

Be sure you have all the required paperwork, signatures and identification before finalizing your car purchase or sell. At GG&D we help you with all the requirements and make sure you hit the road with your new wheels in a breeze.

Please don’t hesitate to ask any further questions you may have.