Arkansas Title Transfer Cost
Transferring a car title in Arkansas costs $10 in title fees. Buying a used car privately for $15,000, you'd pay about $1,013 in total, with $975 of that in tax and the rest for title and registration.
Arkansas title fees
These are the title-related fees in Arkansas's official schedule (source). Most buyers pay only the standard title fee, plus a lien fee if the car is financed.
| Title | $10 |
|---|---|
| Lien | $0.50 |
| Tag transfer | $1 |
| Late tax penalty | 10% of state tax |
| Late registration penalty | $3 per 10 days late |
Example: buying a used car from a private seller in Arkansas
A 4-year-old car bought from a private seller for $15,000, worked out with the Arkansas car tax calculator:
| Title | $10 |
|---|---|
| Tax on the sale | $975 |
| Registration + decal + postage (if you register it now) | $28 |
| Estimated total | $1,013 |
Local taxes, county fees and inspections aren't included. Run your own numbers in the calculator.
Deadline and late fees
Arkansas charges a penalty if the title isn't transferred on time. Late penalties: late tax penalty 10% of state tax; late registration penalty $3 per 10 days late.
Transferring a title to a family member or as a gift
| Gift / inheritance | Tax $0 (confirm at Revenue Office) |
|---|
Inherited vehicles
| Gift / inheritance | Tax $0 (confirm at Revenue Office) |
|---|
Other cases that change the cost in Arkansas
| Used vehicle under $4,000 | State tax $0; local tax may still apply |
|---|---|
| Military with non-Arkansas home of record | Property assessment may be exempt; no automatic sales tax exemption |
How Arkansas works out what you owe
- Taxable = price - trade-in - value of vehicle sold within 60 days + taxable extras
- State tax = taxable x tier rate
- Local tax = min(taxable x local rate, $25 x local rate points)
- Registration = weight fee + decal + postage + powertrain surcharge (or $1 transfer + weight difference)
- Total = state tax + local tax + title + registration + lien + late penalties + doc fee
What to bring
The title signed over by the seller (with the odometer reading), a bill of sale, proof of insurance and your ID. If the car still has a loan, the lender must release the lien first.
Official sources checked for Arkansas: www.dfa.arkansas.gov.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Arkansas?
The title fee is $10. For a used car bought privately for $15,000, the title, tax and registration come to about $1,013.
Do I pay sales tax when a title is transferred in Arkansas?
Usually yes. On a $15,000 private sale, Arkansas charges about $975. Gifts, family transfers and inheritances can be treated differently (see below).
Is there a late fee for transferring a title in Arkansas?
Yes. Late tax penalty: 10% of state tax; Late registration penalty: $3 per 10 days late.
How do I transfer a car title to a family member in Arkansas?
Gift / inheritance: Tax $0 (confirm at Revenue Office).
What happens to a car title after a death in Arkansas?
Gift / inheritance: Tax $0 (confirm at Revenue Office).