Selling your car in Arizona doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re located in Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, or Flagstaff, this step-by-step guide will help you handle the process legally and efficiently.
Sell a Car in Arizona – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Make sure you collect the following before selling your vehicle:
- Arizona Certificate of Title: Must be signed by both seller and buyer. All liens must be released.
- Valid Identification: An Arizona driver’s license or government-issued photo ID.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles under 10 years old.
- Bill of Sale (optional): Helps document the sale but is not required by law.
- Lien Release (if applicable): Provided by your lender if there’s an outstanding loan.
Arizona MVD Forms You May Need
Key forms available through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) MVD:
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 48-7104): This is required if the information is not included on the title and the car is under 10 years old.
- Sold Notice Submission: Required to be submitted within 10 days of the sale.
Duplicate Title Application (Form 96-0236): Use this form if your title is lost or damaged.
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Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
Getting your car ready can impact how fast it sells and how much you get. A clean, well-kept vehicle makes a better first impression and draws more interest.
That said, not everyone has the time or resources to clean, fix, or prepare a vehicle. If you’re in a hurry to sell or simply don’t want to deal with the extra effort, you can always sell your car as-is. Contact us, and we’ll make you an offer. No prep work is required.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Do your research before setting a price:
- Use Our Free Appraisal Tool: Get an offer in under 2 minutes.
- Check Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or NADA: Factor in condition, mileage, and features.
- Look at Local Listings: Compare similar cars in Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Yuma, and Prescott.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
Arizona sellers usually choose between:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Quickest & Safest): We offer fair pricing and manage all the paperwork.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: Easy if buying a new car, though typically a lower offer.
- Private Sale: May take longer and carries more ris, but could net a higher return.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we make the process fast, simple, and secure.
Step 5: Get Paid
Skip the hassle of risky meetups or unverified payments. We provide secure, same-day payment and handle the title transfer and related documents.
You get paid with confidence — no surprises.
What Affects Car Values in Arizona? Local Market Insights to Know
Arizona’s desert climate and driving habits shape demand:
- Sun-damaged interiors and faded paint can lower value.
- Low-mileage vehicles are preferred due to the state’s long travel distances.
- Fuel-efficient vehicles and hybrids are in demand in metro areas like Phoenix and Tucson.
- Trucks and SUVs retain value in rural and off-road areas.
- In fast-growing urban areas like Phoenix and Tucson, fuel efficiency is a leading factor for 68% of buyers. Hybrid and plug-in vehicle sales are rising; hybrids comprise about 5.7% of total sales, and electric vehicle registrations jumped 38% in 2024 (projected to reach 10.5% of market share in 2025). Models like the Toyota Prius and RAV4 Hybrid are particularly favored in cities.
Understanding these trends helps price your vehicle more accurately.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Arizona?
With Ken Ganley Buying Center, you can sell your vehicle quickly and securely, without stress.
Get your free offer now or call 330-427-3656.
We serve sellers throughout Arizona.
Need help selling your car in Arizona? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title when selling my car in Arizona?
No, notarization is not required in Arizona for most private vehicle sales. However, both the buyer and seller must sign the title correctly. The title transfer can be completed by signing the assignment section on the back of the title certificate.
Can I sell my car without a title in Arizona?
No, you cannot legally sell a car without a title in Arizona. If your title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a duplicate title using Form 96-0236 before selling. The replacement title costs $4 and can be obtained through the Arizona MVD or authorized third-party offices.
Is a bill of sale required when selling a car in Arizona?
No, a bill of sale is not required by Arizona law, but it’s highly recommended for your protection. A bill of sale provides legal documentation of the transaction and can protect both buyer and seller in case of disputes. It should include vehicle details, sale price, date, and both parties’ information.
What happens to my license plates after I sell my car?
Arizona license plates stay with the seller and must be removed from the vehicle before completing the sale. You have 30 days to either transfer the plates to another vehicle you own, return them to an MVD office for a refund (minus a $12 processing fee), or destroy them.
Do I need to notify the MVD when I sell my car in Arizona?
Yes, this is mandatory. You must submit a Sold Notice to the Arizona MVD within 10 days of selling your vehicle. This can be done online through AZ MVD Now and is a free service. This notification protects you from liability for tickets, accidents, or other issues that occur after the sale.
What odometer disclosure requirements apply in Arizona?
Arizona requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old (starting January 1, 2031). Currently, vehicles model year 2011 and newer require odometer disclosure for 20 years from the model year. Vehicles model year 2010 and older are exempt. The disclosure is typically recorded on the title itself.
Can I sell my car if I still owe money on it in Arizona?
Yes, you can sell a car with an active loan, but you’ll need a lien release from your lender before completing the sale. Contact your lender to get a payoff quote and lien release documentation. Many dealerships and car buying services can handle the lien payoff process directly with your lender.
Who pays the sales tax when I sell my car in Arizona?
The buyer is responsible for paying sales tax when they register the vehicle with the Arizona MVD. As the seller, you are not responsible for collecting or paying the sales tax. The buyer will pay this tax during their title transfer and registration process.