How To Get a Car Title in Arkansas 2026
Arkansas statutory provisions mandate that individuals acquiring motor vehicles must apply for a certificate of title. The Office of Motor Vehicle, operating within the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, maintains authority over the administration of vehicle titling, registration procedures, and lien perfection protocols throughout the state.
Where to Apply for an Arkansas Certificate of Title
Submission of applications for an Arkansas certificate of title occurs through designated processing facilities administered by the Department of Finance and Administration. Authorized application sites include:
- State Revenue Offices – Government facilities positioned throughout Arkansas counties providing comprehensive motor vehicle services
- Online Portal – Digital application platform accessible via the Arkansas.gov website for eligible transactions
- Mail Services – Postal submission accepted at the Department of Finance and Administration headquarters in Little Rock
Required Documents for Title Application in Arkansas
Completion of an application for an Arkansas certificate of title requires specific documentation establishing ownership and satisfying statutory requirements under Arkansas Code Title 27, Chapter 14.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Existing Title or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin | Document must bear signatures of seller and purchaser | Out-of-state ownership documents require surrender |
| Bill of Sale | Must specify VIN, transaction date, purchase amount, and signatures of both parties | Serves as supplementary ownership verification |
| Current Year Personal Property Assessment | Vehicle must appear on assessment record | Required for registration processing |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Certain circumstances may necessitate supplementary materials:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Identification Number Verification | Confirm identity of automobile | Mandatory for vehicles lacking prior Arkansas registration |
| Lien Release Documentation | Discharge of secured interest when applicable | Required when lienholder appears on previous ownership document |
| Power of Attorney | Authorize designated individual to execute documents | Must meet notarization requirements |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Verify mileage for qualifying vehicles | Required for vehicles under specific age thresholds |
Arkansas Title Fees and Costs
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration establishes standardized fee structures for titling transactions and associated services determined by vehicle classification.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Title Fee | $10.00 |
| Lien Recording | $0.50 |
| Transfer to Different Vehicle | $1.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $10.00 |
Additional Processing Fees
Registration fees accompany title transactions based on vehicle specifications:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Vehicles (up to 3,000 pounds) | $17.00 registration | Plus $2.50 validation decal |
| Passenger Vehicles (3,001–4,500 pounds) | $25.00 registration | Plus $2.50 validation decal |
| Passenger Vehicles (4,501 pounds and over) | $30.00 registration | Plus $2.50 validation decal |
| Pickup Trucks and Vans (½ ton and ¾ ton) | $21.00 registration | Plus $2.50 validation decal |
| Postal Services | $0.50 | Additional $1.00 if plate requires mailing |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Assemble Required Documentation
Secure the existing certificate of title bearing proper endorsements from the previous owner. When multiple owners appear on the document connected by "AND" or "AND/OR," signatures from all parties are mandatory. When connected by "OR," a single signature suffices. Obtain a bill of sale documenting the vehicle identification number, transaction date, purchase price, and signatures from both seller and purchaser.
Step 2: Obtain Vehicle Identification Verification
Arkansas statutes require VIN verification for vehicles without prior Arkansas registration. Schedule an inspection with the Arkansas State Police or visit any state revenue office where authorized personnel can perform the verification. The inspection confirms the vehicle identification number matches the ownership documentation.
Step 3: Secure Personal Property Assessment
Contact the county assessor's office where the vehicle will be registered to obtain the current year personal property assessment showing the vehicle listed. This document establishes the vehicle's assessed value for tax calculation purposes and must accompany the title application.
Step 4: Submit Application and Payment
Present the assembled documentation, along with the $10.00 certificate fee, to any state revenue office. Additional registration fees calculated according to vehicle weight and classification will be assessed at the time of application. Payment may be tendered by cash, check payable to the Department of Finance and Administration, or approved credit cards.
Step 5: Receive Title Document
The Office of Motor Vehicle examines submitted applications for accuracy and compliance with state statutes. Upon approval, the department authorizes title production and issues the certificate of title. Processing requires a minimum of three weeks from application submission. The completed title document will be mailed to the owner's address of record or to the lienholder if a security interest is recorded.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Arkansas establishes limited exemptions from certificate of title obligations for specific vehicle categories:
- Trailers without motive power
- Farm tractors or implements utilized exclusively for agricultural purposes
- Motorized bicycles with automatic transmission and engine displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less
- Vehicles operated exclusively on private property and not used on public highways
Contact Information
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Office of Motor Vehicle
Ragland Building, 1900 W 7th St, Ste 1010, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-4692
Official Website: Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicle
