Bill of Sale Requirements in Arkansas

A bill of sale is a document recording transaction details; generally, these transactions involve the transfer of personal property. For purposes of the Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicle (OMV), “personal property" means “motor vehicles."

Please note that a bill of sale does not replace a title transfer; rather, it is a document proving a transaction took place, and shows the details of the buyer purchasing the vehicle from the seller. You must still complete a title transfer during any vehicle sale between two parties.

Arkansas Bill of Sale

The AR OMV will accept a completed title in place of a bill of sale form; however, the OMV requires a bill of sale if:

  • You're the seller and want to apply for a sales tax credit (see below).
  • You're the buyer and there's no room on the current title for the seller to sign the vehicle over to you.

Arkansas provides a state-approved printable Bill of Sale, but whether you use the bill of sale form or the back of the title, be sure to include:

  • Both the seller's and the buyer's names, addresses, and signatures.
  • The vehicle's make, model, and year.
  • The vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • The sell date.
  • The price paid.
  • The odometer reading.

Sales Tax Credit

You must have a bill of sale to apply for a sales tax credit.

A sales tax credit is only applicable if you plan to register a newly acquired vehicle to replace the vehicle you sold within 45 days before or after you acquire the vehicle. For example, you can't get a sales tax credit for a vehicle you bought last year, or one you plan to buy in a few months.

NOTE: Even if you aren't applying for a sales tax credit, use a bill of sale for your own records. Completing the title will suffice, but the title goes with the buyer. Having a bill of sale keeps important transaction details with you.

Get additional information about fees, taxes, and credits at Arkansas Car Registration.

Generic Bill of Sale

If you have trouble downloading the AR bill of sale, we provide a free, printable bill of sale for your use.

DMV.ORG BBB Business Review