Title Document Overview
|
|
Make sure you adhere the Important Dealer Updates memo dated 7/30/2025, regarding Dealer License Number on forms and 'homemade' title and registration forms. |
|
|
Title documents and most supporting documentation is required to be scanned into MAX. View the Document Management topic for more information on required T&R documents to scan. |
Arizona Titles
An Arizona Certificate of Title (title) is the ownership document of a vehicle that is titled in Arizona. The title is valid for the life of the vehicle, provided the vehicle ownership remains the same.
When the owner of a vehicle, titled in Arizona, decides to sell their vehicle to an individual, company, or dealership, the current Arizona paper title or Title Transfer (Bill of Sale), form #38-1306 must be properly signed. View the Forms Required for T & R topic > Title Transfer (Bill of Sale) section for more information on the bill of sale.
Once a title is properly signed, the title will represent acceptable proof of ownership and will be surrendered to the buyer. The properly signed Arizona title will then be used to transfer ownership to the new buyer.
When a vehicle is sold on an 'open title' (the first purchaser of a vehicle, as shown on the sold notice filed with Division (if applicable), sells the vehicle to another person without first obtaining title) the Division will allow the owner in possession of the signed title to be entered on the title as the purchaser.
Current Arizona Title (December 2023 - Present)
The front of the Arizona title has not changed from the Description of Front of Arizona Title (April 2020 - September 2022) version.
- Odometer Reading
- The odometer reading must be written in this field, if applicable
- When the owner sells the vehicle to a dealership, a completed Secure Odometer Disclosure may take the place of the odometer information being recorded on the back of the title
- When the owner sells the vehicle to another person (not a dealership), a completed Power of Attorney with Secure Odometer Disclosure, form #48-7104 may take the place of the odometer information being recorded on the back of the title
- If the kilometers box is marked on the back of the title do NOT convert, select Kilometers during data entry
- Reading Types; view the Odometer Guidelines topic > Reading Types section for more information
- Seller signature(s); Seller name(s)
- The seller(s) signature(s) must match the name(s) on the front of the title
- The seller may sign less of their name (leave out their middle name or an initial), but not more (adding a middle name, or a full name instead of an initial)
- If more is signed, a One and the Same Certificate, form #38-4306 must be completed and submitted
- If applicable, the person signing on behalf of the company or dealership is not required to write their title within the company or dealership. For additional information, see Company or Dealership: Completing the Buyer or Seller Section on Title.
- The seller may sign less of their name (leave out their middle name or an initial), but not more (adding a middle name, or a full name instead of an initial)
- The seller(s) signature(s) must match the name(s) on the front of the title
|
|
Seller's printed name is not required on the back of the title if the Division can verify the signature. |
- Dealer Number
- The dealer number is required if the seller is a licensed vehicle dealer
- Sale Date
- The sale date determines when the new buyer is responsible for registration fees, if applicable, and if late title transfer penalty fees are due
- Once the date is written in this field, the sale date cannot be changed or altered
- Buyer Signature(s)/ Name(s)
- The buyer names(s) written in this field must take title (or additional documentation is required), unless it is a dealership
- As long as the name(s) written in this field remain on the title, and no lien is being recorded, additional names can be recorded during data entry
- If applicable, the person signing on behalf of the company or dealership is not required to write their title within the company or dealership. For additional information, see Company or Dealership: Completing the Buyer or Seller Section on Title.
- New Lienholder Driver License or EIN; New Lienholder Name and Street Address; Lien Date
- When there is no lien to be recorded, the 'New Lienholder' field may be left blank or the word 'NONE' may be written in this field
- When there is a lien, the lienholder name, address, and lien date is required
|
|
Seller's address is not required on the back of the title but there maybe times when the Division will require proof of address, see Bill of Sales with Out-of-State Titles/Vehicles section for additional information. Buyer's address is not required on the back of the title if the buyer's full address is on a signed Title Summary or signed T&R Application, form #96-0236. |
|
|
The paper Arizona title may be assigned to a different dealership until all reassignment fields are completed. Once the last assignment field is completed, a title must be created in the dealership's name. Once a private sale takes place, regardless of the location of the assignment on the title, title must be established in the purchaser's name. |
|
|
Private parties cannot reassign the title to a new owner. |
Previous Arizona TItles
Front
The front of the Arizona title has not changed from the Description of Front of Arizona Title (April 2020 - September 2022) version.
Back
- Odometer Reading
- The odometer reading must be written in this field, if applicable
- When the owner sells the vehicle to a dealership, a completed Secure Odometer Disclosure may take the place of the odometer information being recorded on the back of the title
- When the owner sells the vehicle to another person (not a dealership), a completed Power of Attorney with Secure Odometer Disclosure, form #48-7104 may take the place of the odometer information being recorded on the back of the title
- If the kilometers box is marked on the back of the title do NOT convert, select Kilometers during data entry
- Reading Types; view the Odometer Guidelines topic > Reading Types section for more information
- Seller signature(s); Seller name(s)
- The seller(s) signature(s) must match the name(s) on the front of the title
- The seller may sign less of their name (leave out their middle name or an initial), but not more (adding a middle name, or a full name instead of an initial)
- If more is signed, a One and the Same Certificate, form #38-4306 must be completed and submitted
- If applicable, the person signing on behalf of the company or dealership is not required to write their title within the company or dealership. For additional information, seeCompany or Dealership: Completing the Buyer or Seller Section on Title
- The seller may sign less of their name (leave out their middle name or an initial), but not more (adding a middle name, or a full name instead of an initial)
- The seller(s) signature(s) must match the name(s) on the front of the title
|
|
Seller's printed name is not required on the back of the title if the Division can verify the signature. |
- Sale Date
- The sale date determines when the new buyer is responsible for registration fees, if applicable, and if late title transfer penalty fees are due
- Once the date is written in this field, the sale date cannot be changed or altered
- Buyer Signature(s)/ Name(s)
- The buyer names(s) written in this field must take title (or additional documentation is required), unless it is a dealership
- As long as the name(s) written in this field remain on the title, and no lien is being recorded, additional names can be recorded during data entry
- New Lienholder Driver License or EIN; New Lienholder Name and Street Address; Lien Date
- When there is no lien to be recorded, the 'New Lienholder' field may be left blank or the word 'NONE' may be written in this field
- When there is a lien, the lienholder name, address, and lien date is required
Front
The front of the Arizona title has not changed from the Description of Front of Arizona Title (April 2020 - September 2022) version, with the exception of the reference to azmvdnow.gov in the Lienholder(s) section.
Back
- Buyer Name
- The buyer names(s) written in this field must take title (or additional documentation is required), unless it is a dealership
- As long as the name(s) written in this field remain on the title, and no lien is being recorded, additional names can be recorded during data entry
- Sale Date
- The sale date determines when the new buyer is responsible for registration fees, if applicable, and if late title transfer penalty fees are due
- Once the date is written in this field, the sale date cannot be changed or altered
- Street Address; City; State; ZIP. The buyer's full address (street, city, state, and ZIP code) is required on one of the following:
- A signed title
- A signed Title Summary
- A signed T&R Application, form #96-0236
Verify if the address needs to be updated in the Customer database before processing title service
- New Lienholder Driver License or EIN; New Lienholder Name and Street Address; Lien Date
- When there is no lien to be recorded, the 'New Lienholder' field may be left blank or the word 'NONE' may be written in this field
- When there is a lien, the lienholder name, address, and lien date is required
Release of Vehicle Ownership section:
- Seller Name; Dealer Number; Seller Signature
- The seller(s) signature(s) must match the name(s) on the front of the title
- The seller may sign less of their name (leave out their middle name or an initial), but not more (adding a middle name, or a full name instead of an initial)
- If more is signed, a One and the Same Certificate, form #38-4306 must be completed and submitted
- The seller may sign less of their name (leave out their middle name or an initial), but not more (adding a middle name, or a full name instead of an initial)
- The seller(s) signature(s) must match the name(s) on the front of the title
|
|
Seller's printed name is not required on the back of the title if the Division can verify the signature. |
- Odometer Reading
- The odometer reading must be written in this field, if applicable
- When the owner sells the vehicle to a dealership, a completed Secure Odometer Disclosure may take the place of the odometer information being recorded on the back of the title
- When the owner sells the vehicle to another person (not a dealership), a completed Power of Attorney with Secure Odometer Disclosure, form #48-7104 may take the place of the odometer information being recorded on the back of the title
- If the kilometers box is marked on the back of the title do NOT convert, select Kilometers during data entry
- Reading Types; view the Odometer Guidelines topic > Reading Types section for more information
Odometer Reading Acknowledgment section:
- Seller Name; Dealer Number; Seller Signature
- If multiple owners, only one owner is required to print or sign their name
- The signature(s) must match the name(s) on the front of the title
- The seller may sign less of their name (leave out their middle name or an initial), but not more (adding a middle name, or a full name instead of an initial)
- If more is signed, a One and the Same Certificate, form #38-4306 must be completed and submitted
- The seller may sign less of their name (leave out their middle name or an initial), but not more (adding a middle name, or a full name instead of an initial)
- Buyer Name (under 'I am aware of the above odometer certification')
- Depending on vehicle model year, the buyer must print and sign their name to certify the odometer reading and reading type
- View the the Odometer Guidelines topic > Odometer Disclosure Statement section for the 10 or 20 year disclosure rule
- Depending on vehicle model year, the buyer must print and sign their name to certify the odometer reading and reading type
|
|
The paper Arizona title may be assigned to a different dealership until all reassignment fields are completed. Once the last assignment field is completed, a title must be created in the dealership's name. Once a private sale takes place, regardless of the location of the assignment on the title, title must be established in the purchaser's name. |
|
|
Private parties cannot reassign the title to a new owner. |
Front
Titles printed and mailed by ADOT MVD Central Issuance will have a barcode.
- Inventory Control Number
- Used when signing out a paper title on the Title Printer Log, form #96-0197
- Paper titles are centrally printed, or ATPs only for certain services
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Year of Vehicle
- Make of Vehicle
- The make may be an abbreviation or the first 4 letters of the manufacturer
- Model of Vehicle
- May or may not be recorded on the title; provided by VINtelligence or documentation submitted
- Body Style
- May be a 2, 3, or 4-digit abbreviation of the body style of the vehicle
- Mailing Address
- May be the mailing address of listed owner(s) or lessee(s)
- May be the mailing address for the lienholder or a new buyer (still requires signatures from the owner or lessee)
- Title Number; Issue Date
- Current Arizona paper title information
- Odometer Reading
- Odometer reading and reading type from when the owner(s) or lessee(s) took title
- Previous Title Number; State; Issue Date
- Arizona Brands
- Current brands on Arizona title/record
- Other State with Brands; State
- Previous brands from out-of-state title
- Owners/Lessees
- Current owner(s) or lessee(s) of vehicle; up to eight owners or lessees may be recorded
- Role Type or Legal Status
- Role Type will display when only one owner is listed (except lienholder, which will display in the Lienholder section)
- Legal Status will display when more than one owner is listed
- Lienholder(s) as of print date
- Current lienholder(s) for owner or lessee; up to three lienholders may be recorded
Back
|
|
The back of a current Arizona title is similar to the back of an Arizona title printed from 1991- April 2020. |
Front
- Inventory Control Number
- Used when signing out a paper title on the Title Printer Log, form #96-0197
- Paper titles are centrally printed, or by ATPs, only for certain services/circumstances
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Year of Vehicle
- Make of Vehicle
- The make may be an abbreviation or the first 4 letters of the manufacturer
- Model of Vehicle
- May or may not be recorded on the title; provided by VINtelligence or documentation submitted
- Body Style
- May be a 2, 3, or 4-digit abbreviation of the body style of the vehicle
- First Registered
- The month first registered in Arizona and the year of the vehicle
- List Price
- Factory List Price (FLP) of the vehicle; provided by VINtelligence or documentation submitted
- Mobile Home Manufacturer
- Manufacturer of the mobile home; can be identical to make
- Unit Number
- Unit number of vehicle; typically used when the owner has multiple vehicles (business)
- Mailing Address
- May be the mailing address of listed owner(s) or lessee(s)
- May be the mailing address for the lienholder or a new buyer (still requires signatures from the owner or lessee)
- Title Number; Issue Date; Film Number
- Current Arizona paper title information
- Odometer Reading
- Odometer reading and reading type from when the owner(s) or lessee(s) took title
- Previous Title Number; State; Issue Date; Previous Film Number
- Arizona Brands
- Current brands on Arizona title/record
- Previous Brand; State
- Previous brands from out-of-state title; typically brands not recognized by Arizona
- Owners/Lessees
- Current owner(s) or lessee(s) of vehicle; up to eight owners or lessees may be recorded
- Legal Status
- Only displays when more than one owner
- Lienholder(s) as of print date
- Current lienholder(s) for owner or lessee; up to three lienholders may be recorded
- Lien release (for 1992-April 2020 Arizona titles only; April 2020 and newer titles will not have this field)
- When lien is non-electronic lien, this lien release may be completed, or a notarized lien release may be submitted
- As of September 24, 2022 a notary is no longer required on the Lien Release section of the title
Back
- Buyer Name
- The buyer names(s) written in this field must take title (or additional documentation is required), unless it is a dealership
- As long as the name(s) written in this field remain on the title, and no lien is being recorded, additional names can be recorded during data entry
- Sale Date
- The sale date determines when the new buyer is responsible for registration fees, if applicable, and if late title transfer penalty fees are due
- Once the date is written in this field, the sale date cannot be changed or altered
- Street Address; City; State; ZIP. The buyer's full address (street, city, state, and ZIP code) is required on one of the following:
- A signed title
- A signed Title Summary
- A signed T&R Application, form #96-0236
- New Lienholder Driver License or EIN; New Lienholder Name and Street Address; Lien Date
- When there is no lien to be recorded, the 'New Lienholder' field may be left blank or the word 'NONE' may be written in this field
- When there is a lien, the lienholder name, address, and lien date is required
- Odometer Reading
- The odometer reading must be written in this field, if applicable
- When the owner sells the vehicle to a dealership, a completed Secure Odometer Disclosure may take the place of the odometer information being recorded on the back of the title
- When the owner sells the vehicle to another person (not a dealership), a completed Power of Attorney with Secure Odometer Disclosure, form #48-7104 may take the place of the odometer information being recorded on the back of the title
- If the kilometers box is marked on the back of the title do NOT convert, select Kilometers during data entry
- Reading Types; view the Odometer Guidelines topic > Reading Types section for more information
- Seller Name; Dealer Number; Seller Signature
- The seller's signature(s) on the back of the title must be witnessed by a CSR or notarized by a notary, unless sold to a dealership
- The signature(s) must match the name(s) on the front of the title
- The seller may sign less of their name (leave out their middle name or an initial), but not more (adding a middle name, or a full name instead of an initial)
- If more is signed, a One and the Same Certificate, form #38-4306 must be completed and submitted
- The seller may sign less of their name (leave out their middle name or an initial), but not more (adding a middle name, or a full name instead of an initial)
Verify if the address needs to be updated in the Customer database before processing title service.
|
|
Seller's printed name is not required on the back of the title if the Division can verify the signature. |
- Notary Public or MVD Agent Signature; Date; County; State; Commission Expires
- View the Verification of Signatures topic for more information on notary and CSR requirements
- Buyer Name (under 'I am aware of the above odometer certification')
- Depending on vehicle model year, the buyer must print and sign their name to certify the odometer reading and reading type
- View the the Odometer Guidelines topic > Odometer Disclosure Statement section for the 10 or 20 year disclosure rule
- If multiple owners, only one owner is required to print or sign their name
- Depending on vehicle model year, the buyer must print and sign their name to certify the odometer reading and reading type
|
|
The paper Arizona title may be assigned to a different dealership until all reassignment fields are completed. Once the last assignment field is completed, a title must be created in the dealership's name. Once a private sale takes place, regardless of the location of the assignment on the title, title must be established in the purchaser's name. |
|
|
Private parties cannot reassign the title to a new owner. |
Lithographic Title April 2020 - Present
Lithographic Title 1992 - April 2020
Intaglio Title 1990 - 1992
Intaglio Title 1987 - 1990
Older Title (Approx. 1970s-1980s)
Manufactured Certificate of Origin
The Manufactured Certificate of Origin (MCO) is the birth certificate document for any vehicle or trailer issued by all vehicle manufacturers (Ford, GMC, Honda, etc.) and is sent the licensed dealership for every vehicle the dealership purchases.
- The date the MCO was printed; not the date of sale
- Vehicle Identification No. (VIN); Year; Make
- Body Type (Body style)
- G.V.W.R.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating; the most weight the vehicle can hold
- Series or Model
- Provided by VINtelligence during data entry, or can use MCO to record
- Name of Distributor, Dealer, Etc.
- Dealership name or the purchaser's name, if the purchaser purchased the vehicle directly from the manufacturer
- Name of Purchaser(s)
- Name(s) written in this field (unless a dealership) must take title
- Odometer Reading
- May instead have the Odometer Disclosure for Retail Sale section completed
- Name of Dealership; Dealer License Number; By
- Dealership's name; their corresponding license number (if not provided, signatures must be notarized); signature of the employee authorized to sign for the dealership
- Odometer Disclosure For Retail Sale section
- The Odometer Reading section may be completed instead of this section
- Odometer Reading and proper Reading Type box must be marked, if applicable
- Signature(s) of Seller(s) (must include their position with the dealership)
- Printed Name(s) of Seller(s) (dealership's name); Dealer License Number
- Signature Name of Purchaser(s) (may be one or all new owners)
- Printed Name(s) of Purchaser(s) (may be one or all new owners)
- Company Name (if buyer is a company)
- Address of Purchaser(s)
- Date of Statement (date of odometer)
- Date of Sale (of vehicle or trailer; used for determining late title transfer penalty fees)
- Lienholder
- Name of lienholder and the proper address
- There is not designated space for the lien date on the MCO; however, a T&R Application (Single) can and should be completed to record the lien date
- The word 'NONE' can be written if there will be no lien recorded
|
|
The MCO may be assigned to a different dealership until all reassignment fields are completed. Once the last assignment field is completed, a title must be created in the dealership's name. Once a private sale takes place, regardless of the location of the assignment on the MCO, title must be established in the purchaser's name. |
Out-of-State Title Documents
There are two different scenarios for out-of-state titles:
- A customer has moved to the state of Arizona and is becoming a resident
- An out-of-state person sells their vehicle to an Arizona resident
- This scenario requires the title to be properly re-assigned and endorsed
An Arizona resident, who is to be the new owner of the vehicle, must obtain a title in their name before selling or transferring ownership to another person, company, or dealer.
Bill of Sales with Out-of-State Titles/Vehicles
The Division does not accept just an in-state or out-of-state bill of sale as proof of ownership to obtain title to a vehicle.
The exception to this is a bill of sale, along with the title, from the owner shown on the face of the title to the buyer is acceptable only when the seller’s signature is incomplete or incorrect on the title and the title cannot be returned to the seller for completion.
When the title is assigned to an individual with an out-of-state address (nonresident) and the vehicle has subsequently been sold to an Arizona resident, company or dealer, the Division will not require the nonresident to obtain title. A bill of sale from the nonresident to the new owner (Arizona resident) is required.
|
|
The Division will require proof of the out-of-state address. Proof may be one of the following:
|
Other Acceptable Ownership Documentation
Ontario Certificate of Registration
Alberta Certificate of Ownership
View the Export Only topic > section for more information on the following documentation.
Department of Homeland Security
This form is issued by the U.S. Customer at Port of Entry; also at airport U.S. Customs offices and may be required when the vehicle is imported back to the U.S.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
This form is may be required when the vehicle is imported back to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency Declaration Form
This form is required to verify the vehicle complies with emissions requirements.
Military members who have had their vehicles imported to the U.S. may have Department of Defense Military Registration & Certificate of Title ownership documentation. If they do, they will also need:
- Level II/III Inspection
- Import documentation (preferred, but not required). View the Grey Market Vehicles topic > Do I need import documentation? section for clarification
Department of Defense Documentation
Import Documentation
Inspection
Tribal Nations can supply their own titles and are treated just like a normal title.
Example of Cherokee Nation Title
Factura
|
|
This is the ONLY acceptable document to issue an Arizona title and/or registration. |
This form is a sales contract from a dealer to an individual when the vehicle is sold. The back of the Factura will need to be endorsed by the buyer and notarization is required.
The back of the Factura will not have any pre-printed re-assignment sections like an Arizona title, but it will require a hand-written re-assignement from seller to buyer.
|
|
This section is intended for information only. |
The following documents are not considered a proper ownership document to receive an Arizona title and/or registration.
This invoice letter is used when a vehicle has a lien.
Spanish Version:
English Version:
Spanish Version:
English Version:
This is considered Mexican registration. Legal owner may be different than registered owner.
When a new Arizona title is issued, the submitted paper title may be retained as a souvenir by the owner.
To process the Souvenir Title, you will:
- Make a copy of the original title
- Mark the original (Souvenir Title) ‘canceled’ or ‘void’
- The cost is $3.00 for a Souvenir Title
ADOT is moving towards full eTitle implementation, meaning no paper titles will be produced. Currently title fees in the legacy system are based on when the title is first issued and subsequently when the title is printed a second time. This practice will need to change in a paperless title world. Shifting to a paperless title standard can remedy the inconsistencies in how the title charge is applied. Please refer to the table below to determine when to charge title fees.
|
Action |
Result |
| Creation of the title record (initial, transfer, modification of ownership, including adding a lien) | Charge title fee |
| Modification of brands – add or end date | Charge title fee |
| Add a lien after initial title with no ownership change – Adding a lien after initial title recorded (ex: title loan). | Charge title fee |
| Release of lien | Charge title fee |
| Reassignment of title (DRT) | Do not charge title fee |
| Printing of Title at the owner’s request at ADOT central print | Charge title fee |
Policies
8.2.1 General Title Information
Forms
#38-1306 Title Transfer (Bill of Sale)
#48-0107 Title Only Certification
#96-0236 T&R Application (Single)
Charts