Selling a vehicle in Arkansas can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Here is a clear breakdown of the process, with steps on what paperwork you need, how to set a price, and how to legally transfer ownership.
Sell a Car in Arkansas – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Get your paperwork ready before you sell your car in Arkansas:
- Arkansas Certificate of Title: The title must be properly signed by both buyer and seller with all required information completed. If there’s a lien on the vehicle, the title must be signed off and dated or stamped by the lien holder, or you’ll need an original lien release.
- Valid Identification: You must present a valid Arkansas driver’s license or photo ID during the title transfer process.
- Odometer Reading: Required on the title for accurate mileage disclosure.
- Bill of Sale/Odometer Disclosure: Arkansas requires a separate Bill of Sale/Odometer disclosure form that includes buyer/seller information, vehicle details, sale price, odometer reading, and signatures.
- Lien Release (if applicable): If your vehicle has a lien, you’ll need a completed Official Release of Lien or Permission to Issue a Replacement Title (Form 10-315) from your lender before transferring the title.
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Forms You May Need
When selling your vehicle in Arkansas, most of the paperwork is handled using the title itself. However, in certain cases, you may need to fill out additional forms:
- Form 10-312 – Application for Arkansas Certificate of Title and Registration (used by the buyer to retitle the vehicle)
- Form 10-315 – Official Release of Lien/Permission to Issue Replacement Title (used when there’s an existing lien on the vehicle)
- Form 10-317 – Power of Attorney for Motor Vehicle Transaction (used if someone else is handling the sale on your behalf)
You can find all forms and resources on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website.
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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 required.
Step 3: Determine the Vehicle’s Value
Understanding market value helps you price the car fairly. Use:
- Online Appraisal – Use our free tool to get an instant offer in under 2 minutes. It’s fast, easy, no obligation, and gets you more than KBB.
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB) – Provides a range based on your car’s make, model, condition, and mileage.
- Edmunds – Gives detailed pricing suggestions with depreciation estimates and local trends.
Be sure to factor in mileage, condition, features, and similar listings in Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Springdale, Jonesboro, or other cities and areas near you.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
Pick the way that fits your needs:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Best Option for Fast, Easy Sales) – Skip the hassle and get an instant offer. We’ll handle the title and registration paperwork and get you paid the same day — no listings, meetups, or risk.
- Sell to a Dealership – Many dealerships will inspect your car and make an offer, typically applied as a trade-in credit toward another vehicle from their inventory. This option is more straightforward than a private sale but may require negotiation, and the offer could be influenced by your intent to buy something else on their lot.
- Private Sale – Typically the most time-consuming and tedious method. You’ll need to handle listings, communicate with strangers, schedule meetups, and manage all the paperwork yourself. Platforms like Craigslist are common, but these also carry a higher risk of scams or no-shows.
Each method works differently, so choose based on your comfort level and how fast you want to sell.
Step 5: Get Paid
The safest and most reliable way to get paid for your car is by working with a trusted car buying center. Instead of dealing with personal checks, questionable payment apps, or risky meetups, you get secure, verified payment — often the same day.
No back-and-forth, no surprises, and no need to vet strangers. Everything is handled for you, from paperwork to payment, so you can walk away with peace of mind and cash in hand.
What Affects Car Values in Arkansas? Local Market Insights to Know
Car demand in Arkansas can vary by city and season. In urban areas like Little Rock or North Little Rock, fuel-efficient sedans and compact cars tend to hold more value, especially with commuters seeking affordable transportation. In contrast, trucks and SUVs are highly popular in rural areas like Harrison or Mountain Home, where outdoor recreation and farming activities drive demand.
Arkansas’s diverse landscape, from the Mississippi Delta to the Ozark Mountains, means vehicle preferences shift significantly, and so does pricing. Factors like hunting season (trucks and SUVs), college towns (affordable used cars), and agricultural cycles can all impact local market values throughout the year.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Arkansas? We’re Here to Help
Forget the stress of dealing with private buyers. Get a real offer online, a quick professional appraisal, and guaranteed payment — all with no surprises and no pressure. At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we make it easy to sell your car for cash quickly and confidently. No headaches, no hidden fees.
Start the process online or call us at 330-427-3656, and let us help you sell your car anywhere in Arkansas the easy way.
Need help selling your car in Arkansas? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title when selling my car in Arkansas?
No, Arkansas does not require notarization for standard title transfers between private parties. However, the title must be properly signed by both buyer and seller with all required information completed correctly. Both parties should sign their legal names exactly as they appear on the title using black or blue ink.
Can I sell my car without a title in Arkansas?
No, you cannot legally sell a car without a title in Arkansas. If your title is lost, damaged, or never received, you must apply for a replacement title from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration before completing the sale. You can apply online through MyDMV or visit a local office.
Is a bill of sale required when selling a car in Arkansas?
Yes, Arkansas requires a separate Bill of Sale/Odometer disclosure form for vehicle sales. However, if your title has spaces for purchase price and odometer reading on the back, you may not need a separate bill of sale. The bill of sale must include buyer/seller information, vehicle details, sale price, odometer reading, and signatures from both parties.
What happens to my license plates after I sell my car?
Arkansas license plates stay with the seller and must be removed before transferring the vehicle to the buyer. You can transfer the plates to another vehicle you own or return them to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. You may be liable for violations if you don’t remove the plates before the sale.
Do I need to notify the state when I sell my car in Arkansas?
Yes, it’s recommended to complete a Notice of Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle or submit a Release of Liability online to notify the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration of the sale. This protects you from liability for any violations, accidents, or issues that occur after the buyer takes possession.
What if my car has a lien when I want to sell it in Arkansas?
If your vehicle has a lien, the title must be signed off and dated or stamped by the lien holder, or you’ll need an original lien release (Form 10-315). The lienholder has 10 business days after receiving final payment to execute the lien release. You cannot legally transfer ownership until the lien is properly released.
Can I get a sales tax credit when I sell my car in Arkansas?
Yes, Arkansas offers a sales tax credit if you plan to register a newly acquired vehicle to replace the vehicle you sold within 45 days before or after you acquire the replacement vehicle. You must use the official Arkansas Bill of Sale form and indicate that you want to apply for the sales tax credit.
Who pays the sales tax when I sell my car in Arkansas?
The buyer is responsible for paying sales tax when they register the vehicle with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. The sales tax is calculated based on the purchase price and is paid during the title transfer and registration process, typically within 30 days of the sale.