Selling a vehicle in Arizona is fairly efficient compared to many states, but sellers still make costly mistakes, especially with plates, emissions rules, and liability after the sale. Arizona’s laws are seller- friendly if you follow them correctly. If you don’t, you can remain responsible for a vehicle you no longer own.
This guide explains exactly how to sell a car in Arizona, whether it’s running or not, newer or older, paid off or still financed.
What Arizona Requires Before You Sell
Arizona requires a valid certificate of title for most vehicles. Before selling, confirm:
- Your name matches the title exactly
- Any lien listed on the title has been released
- All owners listed on the title are available to sign
- The VIN on the vehicle matches the title
- Arizona officially stopped requiring notarization of vehicle titles in fall 2022 as part of its move to electronic title transfers. Notarization is no longer a legal requirement for signing the seller’s portion of an Arizona vehicle title, even if the title still has a notary block printed on it. However, titles may still be notarized if a buyer wants that extra assurance or if the vehicle is going out of state, because some other states may not yet recognize the change.
Title and Paperwork Rules in Arizona
Title Signing
When selling a vehicle in Arizona:
- The seller signs the title exactly as printed
- No notarization is required, except on older titles, be sure to check
- All sellers listed on the title must sign
- The buyer completes their section after purchase
Cross-outs, altered information, or incomplete fields can delay the buyer’s registration and create post- sale headaches for the seller.
Odometer Disclosure
Odometer disclosure is required for vehicles that are not exempt due to age. Mileage must be reported accurately. Incorrect or missing mileage disclosures can result in fines and legal liability.
Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is not required in Arizona but is strongly recommended. It provides proof of when ownership transferred and helps protect sellers from future disputes.
A bill of sale should include:
- Buyer and seller names
- Vehicle year, make, model, and VIN
- Sale price and date
- Signatures from both parties
Emissions Testing in Arizona (Critical for Sellers)
Arizona has emissions testing requirements in specific counties, primarily in metropolitan areas. Important points:
- Emissions testing is required in certain counties, including major metro regions
- Responsibility for emissions compliance often falls on the seller
- Some vehicles are exempt based on age or type
Selling a vehicle that requires emissions without addressing this can delay the sale or reduce the vehicle’s value.
License Plates, Registration, and Liability
Arizona handles plates differently than many states.
- License plates generally stay with the vehicle, not the seller
- Buyers usually drive away using the existing plate until registration is completed
- Sellers should remove personal items and toll devices but leave the plate in place
Notice of Sale
Arizona sellers should file a Notice of Sale promptly after selling. This step is critical—it officially notifies the state that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle.
Failing to file this notice can result in:
- Parking tickets mailed to you
- Toll violations
- Liability issues if the vehicle is involved in an incident
Taxes and Fees
- Buyers are responsible for registration and taxes
- Sellers are not responsible for taxes after the sale
- Accurately reporting the sale date and price protects both parties
Keep copies of all documents for your records.
Special Situations Arizona Sellers Should Know
- Selling with a lien: The lien must be paid off and released before ownership can transfer.
- Two names on the title: All listed owners must sign unless the title clearly states “OR.”
- Lost title: Replacing the title before selling prevents delays and increases buyer confidence.
- Non-running vehicles: Arizona allows the sale of non-running vehicles, but condition and title status must be disclosed honestly.
Getting Paid Safely
Private vehicle sales come with payment risks. Fake cashier’s checks, delayed wires, and third-party shipping stories are common. Never release the title or vehicle until payment is verified and cleared. Many Arizona sellers decide that certainty and speed are more valuable than navigating private-sale risks.
A Simple Option for Arizona Sellers
If emissions rules, paperwork, plates, or unreliable buyers feel like more work than they’re worth, there’s a simpler option. CarBuyerUSA buys vehicles nationwide, including Arizona. Running or not, clean or damaged, titled or problem vehicles, we buy anything with a VIN.
We guide sellers through the process, and remove the uncertainty that comes with private sales. If you want to sell your car in Arizona without stress or surprises, CarBuyerUSA.com is built for exactly that.
