Arizona Vehicle Bill of Sale | ADOT Form 48-2004

When transferring ownership of a vehicle in Arizona, you will need to have an ADOT Form 48-2004, also known as an Arizona Vehicle Bill of Sale.

The purpose of an Arizona vehicle bill of sale is that it serves as legal documentation of a basic vehicle sale agreement and receipt for both the seller and the buyer.

It’s a required document when registering a vehicle, and the seller will need to sign the document in the presence of a Motor Vehicle Department agent or a notary public.

Arizona Vehicle Bill of Sale

Free Arizona Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale | ADOT Form 48-2004 for PDF

    Registering a Vehicle in Arizona

    Registration of a vehicle for the first time in the state of Arizona cannot be done by mail or online. It must be done in person at a local MVD office.

    Vehicles that have been sold as a private sale out of the state of Arizona and need road transport will need a Restricted Use Three-Day Permit (from the ADOT). If purchased out of state at a dealership, you will need a temporary registration plate. This is to allow a buyer the chance to transport the vehicle to its permanent address in Arizona and to register it in line with Arizona’s local requirements.

    Vehicles must be registered within 15 days of the date of purchase at the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Depending on the type of vehicle that you have purchased, registration lasts for 1 to 2 years. For vehicles that have already been registered and just need to be renewed, you can do so online at the Service Arizona Web page to renew.

    Where to Register

    If you are required to register a vehicle in Arizona in person, you can go to your Local MVD

    The documents required when registering a vehicle are:

    • Arizona Vehicle Bill of Sale
    • The Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236)
    • A completed Sold Notice (Form 46-8502), which needs to be sent in within 10 days from the date of sale
    • Proof that the vehicle is insured and that it meets the state’s coverage requirements:
      • $25,000 to cover bodily injury liability for one person
      • $50,000 to cover two or more persons
      • $15,000 to cover property damage liability;
    • An emissions test if you live in Tucson or Phoenix. This must be performed at an Arizona emissions testing location.
    • Proof of identification, such as your driver’s license. If a third party is registering it on behalf of the owner, they will need to present a signed Vehicle Power of Attorney (Form 48-1001)
    • The correct registration fees.

    Sellers are required to:

    • Present Form 46-8502 (sold notice) on the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department Portal
    • Be sure that you have signed the back of the vehicle’s title (this must be done in the presence of a notary)
    • Remove the license plate; credit for the plate needs to be transferred to the seller’s new vehicle within a 30-day period from the date of sale. If the seller has no other vehicle, the plate must be destroyed.

    Public-sold notices are issued to deter any criminal activity, which includes ticket avoidance, theft, trying to hide an accident, or vehicle abandonment, which, under Arizona law, will be subjected to a penalty of $500.

    Once the sale has been completed, the vehicle’s previous registration document becomes invalid, and the transfer of the title must be legalized by contacting an authorized provider of vehicle registrations or visiting your local MVD.

    Emission Testing Requirements

    For vehicles manufactured from 1967 onwards, all residents of the Tucson and greater Phoenix areas, as well as those who use a vehicle to commute regularly into these areas for school or work purposes, will need to pass an emissions test. You will be notified by MVD when the testing is due. Alternatively, you can call (602) 771-3950.

    Vehicles that require testing:

    • Cars from 1967 and newer, as well as those older than 5 years
    • Emission testing is required for various fuel types, including diesel, gasoline, hybrid vehicles, E85 flexible fuel, and alternative-fueled cars
    • Non-diesel vehicles from 1981 and newer: Testing every 2 years
    • Vehicles from 1980 and older: Testing required annually

    All emissions testing stations work on a first-come, first-served basis, so there is no need to make an appointment. When registering a vehicle, you cannot have it tested for more than 90 days before the date of your registration. However, registered ones can be tested at any time. For vehicles purchased from a dealership, it is the dealership’s responsibility to have the emissions test done. Anyone can take your vehicle in for emissions testing, as long as they have a valid driver’s license.

    Testing fees cannot be refunded after being tested.

    Who is Exempt?

    There are exemptions for certain types of vehicles, such as those that are under 6 years old, such as motorcycles. Other exemptions include vehicles whose physical registered address is outside of the Tucson and Phoenix areas. You can check if you are out-of-area exempt on the ADEQ website. Out-of-state vehicles, when their registration is due, and those using the Arizona vehicle bill of sale for this purpose, are exempt from this requirement.

    Final Words

    Getting and completing a bill of sale is a necessary requirement in the process of purchasing or selling a vehicle in the State of Arizona. This form is of great importance in the process of the transaction; therefore, getting it to be well-crafted and professional is essential, which you can do with the help of our free-of-cost, customizable templates on this website.

    About This Article

    Bryan Brown
    Authored by:
    Licensed Attorney - Asset Protection, Business Formation, Contract Drafting, Real Estate, Securities, Tax
    Bryan Brown is a seasoned attorney with a particular passion for empowering small businesses and startups. His comprehensive suite of services covers crucial areas like Asset Protection, enabling businesses to shield their pivotal assets, and Business Formation, guiding new enterprises through the foundational stages. Bryan's prowess in Contract Drafting ensures that businesses operate on robust agreements, while his insights into Real Estate, Securities, and Tax matters provide a holistic legal framework for clients. With a reputation for thoroughness and dedication, Bryan Brown stands as an invaluable asset for any business aiming to thrive in the Texas environment.

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