An out of state car title transfer in Arizona is mandatory as soon as you move from another state to Arizona. Motorists who are wondering how to transfer a car title from state to state need to know that the procedure must be completed through the Arizona Department of Transportation (AZ DOT).

To successfully transfer an out of state car title, vehicle owners may be required to satisfy certain requirements and prepare a list of mandatory documents. To discover more information about transferring an out of state car title, continue reading the sections below.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in Arizona?

A cross state car title transfer takes place when a motorist takes up residence in a new state and must re-title their car to adhere to the laws of their new state. Motorists who want to perform a cross state car title transfer in Arizona are recommended to learn how to complete the form ahead of time and what the process consists of.

When individuals decide to re-title a car in another state DMV, they must provide all the necessary documentation and learn all the new titling laws that now apply to them and their vehicle under Arizona law.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in Arizona?

An out of state car title transfer is necessary when a motorist moves to Arizona from a different state, or if a driver purchases a vehicle from out of state. Motorists need to perform a title transfer by surrendering their out-of-state title and registration and applying for new ones at the AZ DOT.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Arizona

The process of transferring an out of state car title in Arizona requires motorists to prepare certain documentation and present it to the AZ DOT. The documents needed for out of state title transfer are as follows:

  • A completed title and registration application
  • A completed emission compliance form, if applicable
  • A completed level I vehicle inspection certificate
  • Out-of-state vehicle title
  • Out-of-state license plates
  • Lien clearance, if needed
  • Power of attorney, when the vehicle is leased
  • Payment for the applicable registration and title fees

In addition to this out of state car title transfer information, when transferring a motor vehicle in Arizona, motorists may be required to provide other mandatory paperwork. For example, if a motorist has inherited a vehicle, he or she must provide proof of legal ownership by providing a will or other legal document that names the motorist as the successor.

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Arizona as a New Resident

Completing an out of state title transfer as a new state resident in Arizona may require vehicle owners to satisfy certain requirements and perform the necessary procedure personally at a local AZ DOT office. Motorists are recommended to obey the following steps to complete an out of state title transfer as a new resident:

  • Surrender the out-of-state car title and registration.
  • Apply for an Arizona car title and registration.
  • Conduct a physical inspection of the motor vehicle, if needed.
  • Submit the required documentation and fee payments to the AZ DOT.

Note that in addition to the steps mandated for performing an out of state title transfer in person, motorists may also be required to perform other steps, depending on their specific situation. For example, motorists who have purchased their vehicle out of state must provide a bill of sale as proof of purchase in addition to their other application documents.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in Arizona After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

Completing an out of state title transfer after buying a car, or selling one, may require motorists to perform a similar procedure to the one for transferring a motor vehicle upon moving to an Arizona residence. Vehicle owners may perform the process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car through the AZ DOT by presenting the corresponding ownership and identification documents, as well as taking any additional step in the process that may pertain to a specific type or model of car.

For example, SUVs and Sedans usually have different types of inspection documents, and some DMV locations may charge more for an SUV title than a Sedan title.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in Arizona

The cost of transferring an out of state car title may vary based on the type of vehicle, the model of the car and the year in which it was made. In addition to paying a variety of different fees for transferring a cross state car title, motorists may also be required to pay a vehicle license tax (VLT), as well as certain weight fees, if applicable. In general, car owners must pay the $4 title fee along with the $8 cost to register a vehicle in the state.

Remember, depending on your specific vehicle, you may need to pay more or less than the standard Arizona title transfer rate. The price of a cross state car title transfer can also be altered by the county in which you live in, as all counties are allowed to set their own titling and registration fees.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.