Registering and titling a vehicle in Arkansas: new residents, purchases and renewals

How to title and register a vehicle in Arkansas after buying it or moving from another state, the 60-day deadline, assessment, property tax and insurance proof, tag renewal options and plates, from the Arkansas DFA.

Guide · Arkansas · Vehicle registration · Titles · updated October 29, 2026

In Arkansas, vehicle titles and registration are run by the Office of Motor Vehicle, part of the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). You apply at a state revenue office or, for many tasks, online through DFA's MyDMV services. Two other steps happen at the county level: you assess the vehicle with your county assessor and pay personal property tax to the county tax collector. This guide covers buying a vehicle, moving to Arkansas, renewing your tags and replacing a title.

Where to go

• State revenue offices handle title and registration applications, temporary tags and replacement titles. DFA says you can apply at any state revenue office.
• MyDMV online lets you register a vehicle you just bought or brought to Arkansas, apply for a title, transfer a plate and pay sales tax. DFA says it can take as little as 15 minutes.
• Your county assessor handles the yearly vehicle assessment. DFA's MyDMV page says this is done between January 1 and May 31.

For offices near you, see the Arkansas DMV office list on this site.

Deadlines

DFA says to avoid penalties you must title and register:

• Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and commercial trucks: within 60 calendar days of the date of transfer, or of the date a prior lien was released.
• Trailers, mobile homes, ATVs and motorboats: within 30 calendar days.

If you miss the deadline, DFA charges a registration penalty of $3 for each 10-day period. It also charges a penalty of 10% of the sales tax due. These penalties do not apply if the vehicle was not operated in Arkansas after the deadline. In that case you complete an affidavit of non-use (Form 10-300), available at revenue offices.

Buying a vehicle

To title and register a new or used vehicle, DFA lists:

• The manufacturer's certificate of origin assigned to you (new vehicle) or the previous owner's title assigned to you (used vehicle)
• An invoice or bill of sale showing the full purchase price, including any trade-in VIN and trade-in allowance
• An odometer disclosure statement signed by buyer and seller, for vehicles less than 20 years old
• A signed copy of the lien contract, if you financed the purchase
• Proof of assessment from your county assessor for the current year
• Proof that personal property taxes are paid, either a receipt from the county tax collector or a payment certification stamped on your assessment papers
• Proof of liability insurance on the vehicle
• Your current registration certificate, if you want to move the plate from your previous vehicle

Some older Arkansas titles and all out-of-state titles need a separate bill of sale and odometer statement. These forms are available at revenue offices. If owners are joined by "and" on the ownership documents, every owner must sign the title application, or it will be rejected. You can print the application, collect the signatures and bring it with you.

Sales tax. DFA's tag-renewal page says the state rate is 6.5% (7% for Texarkana residents) on motor vehicles with a gross purchase price of $4,000 or more. Local taxes may also apply, and a trade-in reduces the taxable amount. DFA's FAQ gives 6.5% for a new vehicle and says used vehicles priced from $4,000 to $9,999 are taxed at 3.5%, and that no sales tax is due on used vehicles priced at $3,999 or less. MyDMV has a sales tax calculator.

Temporary tags. If your dealer does not issue temporary tags, take your bill of sale and driver's license to any revenue office. DFA says a temporary tag must be issued within the first 10 days after purchase.

Moving to Arkansas

DFA says you have 60 calendar days after becoming a resident to register your vehicle. You can apply at any state revenue office. Bring:

• A copy of your current registration certificate from your previous state
• Your certificate of title, or proof that a lienholder holds the title
• Proof from your county assessor that the vehicle has been assessed or listed for the current year, and proof that no personal property taxes are owed. A "FIRST ASSESSMENT" stamp on your assessment papers counts.
• Proof of liability insurance

Vehicles with out-of-state titles branded as salvage, prior salvage or similar need a VIN verification. A certified Arkansas city or county law enforcement officer, the Arkansas State Police or an ASP designee can do it. DFA says registration fees are based on vehicle weight. For your license, see the Arkansas driver license guide.

Renewing your tags

If nothing but your address has changed, DFA says you can renew:

• Online through ARSTAR, the official renewal site, where you can also sign up for reminders
• By phone, toll-free at 1-800-941-2580
• By mail, to the Office of Motor Vehicle, P O Box 3153, Little Rock, AR 72203-3153
• In person, at any state revenue office

Before you renew, Arkansas law requires you to assess the vehicle with your county assessor and pay any personal property taxes you owe. You must also keep liability insurance. These are checked by computer. If any shows as not met on your record, you cannot renew by phone or online. Renewing by mail or in person, you then need written proof, such as your current assessment, your tax receipt or your insurance coverage. DFA's renewal help line is 1-888-389-8336.

Replacing a lost title

DFA charges $10 for a replacement title. All last titled owners must sign the application if their names are joined by "and"; either may sign if joined by "or". You also need something that identifies the vehicle, such as the registration, plate number, title number or VIN. Arkansas residents apply at any revenue office. Out-of-state applicants can also apply by mail to DFA's Special License Unit. DFA asks you to allow at least three weeks. The FAQ says you can get an expedited title at the Central Revenue Office in Little Rock for an extra $10, ready for pickup in 3 business days.

License plates

You can transfer your plate to a newly bought vehicle by bringing your current registration certificate. Personalized plates can be ordered online through MyDMV. DFA's Specialty Plates & Placards page lists the specialty designs, with application forms on its Motor Vehicle Forms page.

For what to bring to other offices, see the Arkansas DMV visit guide.