Car Registration

The Office of Motor Vehicles handles registrations and titles for the Department of Finance and Administration. When you visit the OMV you are, essentially, doing business with the State Revenue Offices because the OMV will collect your vehicle sales and use tax as well as registration fees.

You have a 30-day grace period after buying a car before you must register it. There are penalties for late registration.

Before You Register

Your vehicle needs insurance coverage from the moment you purchase it, so make arrangements before you drive off. Proof of insurance is required during registration.

You are also responsible for property tax on your new, used, or leased vehicle. Each county in Arkansas collects a personal property tax based on the assessment of your vehicle.

Registration Process

Registering your vehicle requires the following:

• Title transfer application

• Proof of insurance

• Manufacturer's certificate of origin, if the car is new

• Original title transferred to you, if vehicle is used

• Bill of Sale, which will be used to determine value on your car.

• Appropriate fees and 6-7% sales tax, depending on county where you reside.

You will also be required to provide an accurate odometer reading. This is done in a variety of ways: use the back side of the title for newer vehicles with a control number bigger than 3003001; include the odometer statement in the bill of sale; or use odometer and bill of sale forms provided by the OMV.

License Plates

The OMV offers many options for license plates. If you have a special association with a school, university, or agricultural group you can ask for a special plate. Tags are also available for many organizations to display your support.

Renewals

You must renew your registration and license plates each year after you receive notice from the OMV. Renewals can be completed online or by mail or at one of participating Wal-Mart Stores throughout the state.

To use the online system, your liability insurance and county property taxes must be current. The convenient Arkansas Star registration renewal system is available to you 24 hours a day.

If you renew by mail, you'll need to send all required documentation and appropriate fees to:

• Department of Finance & Administration

• Office of Motor Vehicle

• P.O. Box 3153

• Little Rock, AR 77203-3153

You may also visit your local OMV in person to complete your renewal transaction.

Nonoperational Vehicles

Arkansas does not require you to pay registration fees on a nonoperable vehicle. In other words, if you place your vehicle in storage, you'll not be required to pay registration on it, regardless of how long it remains dormant.

When you decide to operate you vehicle again, you'll need to re-register it. You can do this by visiting your local Revenue Office, making sure to bring your vehicle's old registration certificate.