How to Register a Vehicle in Arkansas

To obtain Arkansas car registration documents, motorists must visit an Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Office of Motor Vehicle (OMV) within 30 days of purchasing a new or used vehicle. The OMV administers laws and applications pertaining to registration of vehicle, title and liens. As part of the AR motor vehicle registration process, motorists must present proof of ownership, a signed lien agreement (if applicable) and an auto registration application form. Additionally, vehicle registration paperwork must be completed by new Arkansas residents within 30 days of moving to the state of Arkansas. To learn more about obtaining DMV car registration documents, review the sections below.

Arkansas Vehicle Registration Information Required

During the process of how to get car registration documentation, motorists must complete the DFA vehicle registration application (Form 10-381). The registration of vehicle application also acts as a titling registration. Applicants may download the Arkansas car registration application online through the DFA website or obtain applications in-person at a local OMV agency. Completed DMV car registration applications must be submitted in-person.

When completing the AR auto registration application form, motorists must include the following information on the application:

• A driver's license number and vehicle identification number.
• The year, make, model, body, cylinder, fuel, odometer reading and gross weight of the weight.
• The vehicle owner's name(s), mailing address, title mailing address, and registration renewal mailing address.
• The names of the first and second lienholder (if applicable).

Additionally, auto registration services require motorists to complete a State of Arkansas Vehicle Bill of Sale/Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 10-313) prior to registering a vehicle.

Where to Register a Car in Arkansas for the First Time

AR car registry must be completed in-person at a local OMV agency. During this time, motorists may get car registration documents, submit proof of vehicle ownership and present proof of having auto insurance. During the motor vehicle registration process, a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection may also be required of motorists. Auto registration services require a VIN inspection if an out-of-state vehicle's title lists the vehicle as a prior salvage or current salvage. In this case, motorists must visit their local law enforcement office to request a VIN inspection before registering the vehicle at an OMV agency. Moreover, drivers who need to get car registration documents may be required to submit proof of the vehicle's assessment from a county assessor.

How to Register a New Car in Arkansas

"How much time do I have to register my car in Arkansas after purchasing it?", drivers may ask. New car registration applications and paperwork must be submitted within 30 days of purchasing a new vehicle. Failure to submit auto registration documents within 30 days of the purchase will result in late registration fees as well as late payments of sales tax. Late vehicle registration fees increase every 10 days until registration has been completed. Additionally, out-of-state motorists have 30 days to submit vehicle registration information, purchase liability auto insurance and transfer an out-of-state title after moving to Arkansas. In order to get car registration documentation in Arkansas, drivers must have liability insurance in the following amounts: $25,000 for bodily injury (per person), $50,000 for bodily injury per accident (for multiple passengers) and $25,000 for property damage.

As part of the AR motor vehicle registration process, drivers must pay registration fees depending on the gross weight of the vehicle, the type of vehicle being registered, title fees, decal fees, the license plate type and county and city taxes. Car registration fees for passenger vehicles and motor homes vary by weight, depending on whether the vehicle weighs under 3,000 lbs, 4,500 lbs, or over 4,501 lbs. Trucks and vans have a flat-rate title and registration fee, while motorcycle fees vary by engine size.

Additionally, new car registration requires motorists to submit proof of vehicle ownership, such as a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO). If a driver purchases a vehicle from a car dealership, the dealership must sign the MCO over to the motorist.

How to Register a Used Car in Arkansas

Getting car registration documentation for used vehicles is nearly identical to the process of registering new vehicles. To obtain AR car registration documents for used vehicles purchased from a private party (rather than a dealership), drivers must present proof of vehicle ownership in the form of the vehicle's title (signed by both the buyer and seller). Other required auto registration documents include a signed copy of the lien agreement (if applicable), a registration application, an odometer disclosure statement and proof of VIN verification. Proof of a current car registration certificate, county assessment, paid personal property taxes, and all applicable fees are also required during time of registration. All registration paperwork must be submitted in-person at a local OMV agency.

While out-of-state military members cannot complete the motor vehicle registration process from outside of Arkansas, they may be able to obtain Arkansas vehicle registration certificates via mail by contacting the OMV by telephone.

Temporary Arkansas Vehicle Registration

Drivers cannot obtain a temporary registration of vehicles in the state of Arkansas. However, applicants with questions regarding the registration process may contact the Office of Motor Vehicle by telephone at 501-682-4692.