Selling a Car Privately in Arizona: What to Know

Start by cleaning the car, gathering maintenance records, and noting its mileage, condition, and any known mechanical problems so you can describe it accurately to potential buyers. Compare similar vehicles for sale in your area, then choose an asking price that leaves room for negotiation without losing sight of what you are willing to accept.

Write an advertisement with clear photos and an honest description, and respond to questions before arranging a meeting in a public place where you feel comfortable. For a test drive, ask to see the buyer’s driver’s license, decide whether you will accompany them, and agree on a secure payment method before handing over the keys or signed title.

Complete the seller’s section of the Arizona title, including the sale information and any required odometer disclosure, and have your signature notarized or witnessed by an authorized MVD agent. Give the completed title to the buyer, remove your license plate, and submit a sold notice to the Arizona MVD within 10 days; keep a copy of the transaction information for your records.

If you still owe money on the car, contact your lender for the current payoff amount and ask how it handles payment and lien release, since you will need to resolve the lien before the buyer can receive a clear title. If the sale price is less than your payoff, plan how you will cover the difference; our article, Selling a Car You Still Owe On: A Step-by-Step Guide to Successfully Selling a Financed Car, walks through the process in more detail.