Arizona Car Bill of Sale: Form + Requirements
Arizona recommends a bill of sale for private vehicle transfers but doesn't strictly require one for title transfer. The Arizona MVD does require notarization of the title in some scenarios. The state publishes Form 48-2004 (Sold Notice + Bill of Sale).
Is a bill of sale required in Arizona?
Recommended but not strictly required for title transfer. Arizona's title-transfer process focuses on the title itself; a bill of sale is the seller's evidence of the transaction.
Notarization
Title signature notarization is required in some scenarios (varies by office and condition). Bill of sale notarization is not strictly required but recommended for higher-value sales.
State-specific form
Form 48-2004 (Sold Notice + Bill of Sale) combines the seller's notice to the MVD and the bill of sale. Available at azdot.gov.
The form must include:
- Seller's name and address
- Buyer's name and address
- Vehicle year, make, model, VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Both signatures
Sales tax implications
Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) on motor vehicle sales: 5.6% state + local. Phoenix metro typically 6.3%; Tucson typically 8.7%. The buyer pays at registration.
State-specific seller disclosures
- Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
- Vehicle inspection (Level-1): required for out-of-state cars being titled in Arizona — performed by an MVD-authorized inspector
- Emissions testing: required in Phoenix and Tucson areas (Maricopa and Pima counties) for cars over 5 years old; cost ~$15–$25
- Salvage title disclosure: required if branded
Where to file
The buyer files at any Arizona MVD office or third-party MVD-authorized provider within 15 days of sale. The seller files Form 48-2004 (Sold Notice) within 10 days at azdot.gov.
For a more complete national reference, see the national bill of sale guide and Phoenix-specific guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Arizona?
Recommended but not strictly required. The title is the legal proof of ownership; the bill of sale is documentation.
Does Arizona require emissions testing for title transfer?
In Maricopa and Pima counties (Phoenix and Tucson areas), emissions testing is required for cars over 5 years old at registration.
What's the Arizona TPT?
Arizona's Transaction Privilege Tax (their version of sales tax). 5.6% state + local; ~6.3% in Phoenix, ~8.7% in Tucson.
What form do I use?
Form 48-2004 (Sold Notice + Bill of Sale), available at azdot.gov.
Where do I file the bill of sale in Arizona?
The buyer files the title transfer at any AZ MVD office. The seller files the Sold Notice (Form 48-2004) within 10 days at azdot.gov.
What if I lost the title in Arizona?
Apply for a duplicate at the AZ MVD. 1–4 weeks; same-day available at some offices for an expedited fee.
Should I disclose flaws on the bill of sale?
The "as-is" disclosure covers most. Disclose salvage or rebuilt title status and major known defects.
Is Level-1 inspection required for Arizona title transfer?
Required for vehicles being titled in Arizona for the first time (typically out-of-state cars). Cost ~$20–$30 by an MVD-authorized inspector.
Selling a car in Arizona?
Generate a Phoenix-, Tucson-, or Mesa-ready listing for Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Cars.com from one upload. About ten minutes total.
For Phoenix specifically, see our selling in Phoenix guide.