Car Registration Requirements for New Arkansas Residents
Persons establishing residency in Arkansas with a vehicle titled and registered elsewhere must comply with state motor vehicle registration requirements. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Office of Motor Vehicle manages registration procedures for vehicles brought into the state by new residents.
Timeline for New Arkansas Residents
New residents have 60 calendar days after becoming a resident to register their vehicle in Arkansas. This timeframe allows individuals who relocate to Arkansas with currently registered vehicles to transfer their registration without incurring penalties.
Failure to register within the 60-day period results in the assessment of penalties. A registration penalty of $3.00 applies for each 10-day period or fraction thereof, not to exceed the full year registration fee for the vehicle. Additionally, a 10% penalty on sales tax applies for late payment.
Establishing Arkansas Residency
Arkansas establishes residency when an individual maintains physical presence in the state with the intent to remain. Residency determination affects vehicle registration obligations and local taxation.
Registration must occur in Arkansas when a person becomes a resident and operates a motor vehicle within the state. The registration requirement applies to individuals who establish Arkansas as their principal place of residence.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in Arkansas
Arkansas requires specific documentation to process vehicle registration for individuals relocating from other states. All materials must be presented to complete the transaction.
Primary Documents:
- Out-of-state certificate of title or proof that the vehicle is financed and title is held by a lienholder
- Copy of current registration certificate from the previous state
- Proof from county assessor showing the vehicle has been assessed or listed for assessment for the current year
- Proof that no personal property taxes are owed
- Proof of liability insurance coverage on the vehicle
Additional Requirements:
- VIN verification for vehicles with out-of-state titles branded with designations such as Salvage or Prior Salvage
- Vehicle Registration Application completed with owner signatures
Insurance Requirements
Arkansas has mandatory motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated in the state. Minimum coverage requirements are:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage per accident | $25,000 |
Insurance documentation must be presented at the time of registration to verify coverage meets state requirements.
Application Submission Methods
Arkansas processes vehicle registrations through state revenue offices located throughout the state.
In-Person Submission:
Applicants may visit any state revenue office to submit registration applications. Revenue offices are located in counties across Arkansas to serve residents.
Online Submission:
Arkansas offers online vehicle registration services through MyDMV for new residents. The online portal allows registration of newly acquired vehicles, title applications, and payment of required fees.
Mail Submission:
Applications may be mailed to:
Office of Motor Vehicle
P.O. Box 3153
Little Rock, AR 72203-3153
Registration Fees and Costs in Arkansas
Arkansas calculates registration fees based on vehicle weight and type. Fee amounts are established by statute and vary according to vehicle classification.
Standard Registration Fees:
- Passenger cars 3,000 pounds or less: $17.00 registration fee
- Passenger cars 3,001-4,500 pounds: $25.00 registration fee
- Passenger cars 4,501 pounds and over: $30.00 registration fee
- Motorcycles 250cc or more: $7.00 registration fee
- Motorcycles less than 250cc: $3.00 registration fee
Additional Costs:
- Validation decal fee: $2.50
- Title fee: $10.00
- Postage: $0.50
- Tag transfer fee: $1.00 (when transferring existing plate)
- Sales and use tax at 6.5% of the taxable price
- Local taxes depending on residence
Contact Information
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
Office of Motor Vehicle
P.O. Box 3153
Little Rock, AR 72203-3153
Phone: (501) 682-7076
Toll-Free Registration Help: 1-888-389-8336
Official Website: Office of Motor Vehicle
