Register a vehicle in Arkansas

Online or in person

Yes, through MyDMV · Optional, at a State Revenue OfficeDFA says the online service lets you register, apply for a title, transfer your plate and pay sales tax. DFA says applications can be made at any state revenue office. MyDMV offers appointments.

Cost

Passenger cars: $17 to $30 by weightDFA's fee schedule for passenger cars and motor homes: $17.00 at 3,000 pounds or less, $25.00 at 3,001 to 4,500 pounds, $30.00 at 4,501 pounds and over, plus a $2.50 validation decal fee and 50 cents postage. Title fee $10.00, lien filing fee 50 cents. The Vehicle Tag Renewal page says state sales and use tax is 6.5% (7% for Texarkana residents) of the taxable price of vehicles with a gross purchase price of $4000.00 or greater. The DSMV FAQ lists new vehicles at 6.5% and used vehicles from $4,000 through $9,999 at 3.5%, so the two DFA pages differ. Duplicate title is $10.00.

You leave with

Temporary tag if the dealer does not issue oneIf your dealer doesn't issue one, visit a State Revenue Office within 10 days of purchase with your bill of sale and driver's license.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Title or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin · all that apply
     A current title signed by the seller and buyer.
   • Bill of sale · all that apply
     Showing the VIN, sale date, purchase amount and both signatures.
   • Current-year personal property assessment · all that apply
     Listing the vehicle. Assessed with your county assessor.
   • Personal property tax paid up to date · all that apply
   • Insurance · all that apply
     Current insurance on the VIN that meets Arkansas liability requirements.
   • Other forms that may apply
     Depending on your situation.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Lien contract
     • Power of attorney
     • Odometer statement
     • Release of lien
     • Death certificate or inheritance affidavit

2. Assess the vehicle and pay property taxes

   DFA says to assess your vehicle with your county assessor and pay all personal property taxes you owe.

   Vehicle Tag Renewal page ↗

3. Check for local tax

   DFA says local taxes may be due depending on your residence, and each local tax will not exceed $25.00 for each 1% of tax due. It says to use its Local Tax Lookup to find your local rate.

   Vehicle Tag Renewal page ↗

4. Register online or at a State Revenue Office

   MyDMV lets you register, apply for a title, transfer your plate and pay sales tax. You can also apply at any state revenue office.

   MyDMV ↗

5. Register on time

   Motor vehicles, motorcycles and commercial trucks must be titled and registered within 60 calendar days of the date of transfer. Trailers, mobile homes, ATVs and motorboats have 30 calendar days.