When you buy or sell a car in Arizona, there’s paperwork involved. If you’re buying a car, you must be prepared to register the car and purchase insurance for it. You must also be prepared to transfer the title.

A vehicle’s title is proof of ownership of the vehicle, and it, along with the vehicle and keys, is transferred along with ownership. Here are some frequently asked questions about your Arizona certificate of title.

Have a car, but no title? You might be able to get an Arizona Bonded Title.

Arizona Certificate of Title: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the main reasons for transfer of an Arizona certificate of title?

A: Typical transfer scenarios for an Arizona certificate of title include:

• the purchase or sale of a vehicle
• paying off a vehicle loan
• the inheritance of a vehicle
• the transfer of a vehicle from one family member to another
• receiving a vehicle as a gift
• changing or removing a name from a title

Q: How do I obtain an Arizona certificate of title?

A: When you buy a new car from a car dealer, the car dealer can handle the paperwork. 

When you buy a car from an individual (or inherit or are given a vehicle), the seller should sign off and notarize his or her Arizona certificate of title for the vehicle. You bring this title to any Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office along with a completed Title and Registration Application and a $4 title transfer fee.

Q: How long do I have to apply for an Arizona certificate of title?

A: After buying a vehicle, you’re required to apply for an Arizona certificate of title within 15 days of the purchase. 

Q: Do I need an Arizona certificate of title for out-of-state vehicles?

A: If you move to Arizona from another state, you must register your vehicle(s) as soon as you become an Arizona resident.

In addition to the application, you will need:

• Emission compliance form (in the Phoenix and Tucson areas)
• Your out-of-state title (or out-of-state registration if the title is held by a lienholder)
• Your out-of-state license plates
• A lien clearance if applicable
• Payment for title and registration fees

Q: How much does it cost to obtain an Arizona certificate of title?

A: The cost varies depending on the type of vehicle. You’ll pay a $4 title fee, an $8 registration fee, a $1.50 air-quality research fee, and your vehicle license tax (VLT). The VLT is assessed similarly to the personal property tax charged by other states. For commercial vehicles, there will be a weight fee and commercial registration fee as well.

Q: What if nobody can find the title to the vehicle?

A: When you need to register and insure a car that was legally purchased and for which the title has become lost, (or if it was never provided), you will need to purchase a title bond.

Also sometimes called a defective title bond, this bond satisfies the requirements of the state of Arizona for showing ownership so that you can complete registration and insurance processes. 

Q: How do I obtain an Arizona title bond?

A: Check out this blog post on how to get an Arizona Certificate of Title.

Q: How much will an Arizona bonded title cost?

A: The amount of the bond you’re required to obtain is 1.5 times the vehicle’s determined value. The amount you pay is a percentage of the bond value. 

Getting a surety bond can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.

Surety Solutions, A Gallagher Company does not issue Certificate of Lost Title Bonds

Before you purchase your title bond – learn important payment info