8.14.2

LATE TITLE TRANSFER PENALTY

Effective Date: May 28, 2026 Review Due: May 28, 2028

Summary of Change

No changes needed per the two year review.

Purpose

To provide guidelines for assessing, collecting and waiving a late title transfer penalty fee.

Authority

Two Year Review, A.R.S. §§ 28-2051, 28-2060 and 28-2162.

Policy

  1. The purchaser of a vehicle shall apply for a Certificate of Title (paper or electronic title) within 15 or 30 days calendar (whichever is applicable) after the transfer of assignment.
  1. The customer is given 15 days in which to apply for a title.
  2. The customer is given 30 days in which to apply for a title when purchasing a mobile home, or any vehicle acquired as a result of an operation of law.
  3. A motor vehicle dealer is given 30 days after the purchase or transfer of a vehicle in which to apply for a title on behalf of a purchaser or a penalty fee will be assessed.
  1. The late title transfer penalty is assessed when a new owner fails to apply for a title in his/her own name within the allotted period of time.
  1. The late title transfer penalty is assessed either 15 or 30 days (whichever is applicable) from the:
  1. Date of sale, as indicated on the title.
  2. Date of lien.
  3. Date of sale at a government auction.
  4. Date of bill of sale.
  5. Date of bond issuance.
  6. Date of court order.
  7. Return date indicated on the Title and Registration Additional Requirements Form, #48-7801.
  1. A late title transfer penalty fee is waived when:
  1. Adding or deleting a name.
  2. Transferring a title into the name of the lienholder, as a result of repossession.
  3. The applicant had no control of the delay.
  4. When an Arizona resident or nonresident purchases or transfers a vehicle with an out-of-state title.
  1. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 28-2162, the late title transfer penalty fee is $8 for the first month of delinquency. An additional penalty of $4 per month will be assessed for each following month on the same date as the preceding month in which the initial penalty was assessed, not to exceed $100.