How to Sell Your Vehicle in Arkansas

Selling Your Vehicle in Arkansas

Selling your vehicle in Arkansas requires following the correct steps to ensure the transaction is legal and hassle-free. Whether you’re selling to a private buyer, dealership, junkyard, or online car buyer, understanding the process can help you get the best deal and avoid issues.

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle for Sale

Getting your vehicle ready before selling can increase its value and attract more buyers.

  • Clean the vehicle: Wash the exterior, vacuum the interior, and wipe down surfaces to give your vehicle a fresh appearance.
  • Fix minor issues: Replace burnt-out lights, patch flat tires, and handle small repairs to make your vehicle more appealing.
  • Check fluids: Top off the oil, coolant, and other fluids to ensure the vehicle is running well.
  • Gather paperwork: You’ll need the vehicle title, current registration, and any maintenance records to show the vehicle’s history.

Step 2: Choose How to Sell Your Vehicle

Arkansas vehicle owners have several options for selling their vehicles, each with different benefits.

Selling Your Vehicle Privately

Private sales can yield higher profits but take more time and effort.

  • Set a price: Use pricing tools like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to determine a fair market value for your vehicle.
  • Create a listing: List your vehicle on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Autotrader. Include clear photos, mileage, and any notable features.
  • Meet buyers safely: Arrange meetings in public locations during daylight hours. Bring a friend if possible.
  • Test drives: Allow serious buyers to test drive the vehicle but accompany them and hold onto their license during the drive.
  • Negotiate the price: Be ready to negotiate but know your lowest acceptable price ahead of time.

Selling Your Vehicle to a Dealership

Dealerships provide a quick and simple way to sell your vehicle, especially if you’re buying another vehicle.

  • Get multiple offers: Visit different dealerships to get the best price.
  • Trade-in option: If you’re buying another vehicle, trading in your old one could save money on your next purchase.
  • Paperwork: Dealerships handle most of the paperwork, making the process easy for the seller.

Selling Your Vehicle to a Junkyard

If your vehicle is no longer running or has significant damage, selling to a junkyard is a practical option.

  • Call multiple junkyards: Contact several junkyards to compare quotes.
  • Ask about towing: Many junkyards offer free towing services.
  • Provide paperwork: You’ll need to sign over the title to the junkyard to complete the sale.

Selling Your Vehicle to an Online Car Buyer

Online car buyers offer convenience and quick sales.

  • Get an instant quote: Use websites like RunBidSell in Arkansas to receive an instant cash offer for your vehicle.
  • Schedule pickup: Many online buyers offer free towing or pickup services.
  • Sign paperwork: Transfer ownership by signing the title and completing any other necessary documents.

Step 3: Transfer the Title

Arkansas law requires the seller to transfer the vehicle title to the new owner to complete the sale.

  • Complete the back of the title: Fill in the buyer’s name, address, sale price, and odometer reading.
  • Sign the title: Both the seller and the buyer must sign the title.
  • Bill of sale: While not required by Arkansas, providing a bill of sale can serve as extra proof of the transaction.
  • Remove license plates: Arkansas requires the seller to remove the license plates before handing over the vehicle.

Step 4: Notify the Arkansas DMV

After the sale, you must notify the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).

  • Notice of Sale: Submit a Notice of Sale online or at your local revenue office to protect yourself from future liability.

Step 5: Cancel Your Insurance

Once the sale is complete, cancel your insurance policy or transfer it to your new vehicle.

Step 6: Pay Off Any Loans

If you still owe money on your vehicle, you need to settle the loan before transferring ownership.

  • Contact your lender: Request the loan payoff amount.
  • Pay off the loan: Once paid, the lender will release the title.

Step 7: Sales Tax in Arkansas

Private sellers in Arkansas don’t need to collect sales tax, but the buyer must pay sales tax when registering the vehicle.

Step 8: Selling a Leased Vehicle

Selling a leased vehicle requires permission from the leasing company.

  • Check the lease agreement: Confirm if your lease allows early buyouts.
  • Pay off the lease: Once the lease is paid off, the leasing company will send you the title.

Step 9: Final Steps

After the sale is complete, wrap up any remaining tasks.

  • Keep copies of paperwork: Retain copies of the signed title and bill of sale.
  • Verify payment: Make sure the payment clears before handing over the vehicle.
  • Update insurance: Confirm your vehicle is removed from your insurance policy.

Popular Places to Sell Your Car in Arkansas

Selling your car in Arkansas can be easier when you target cities with high demand. In Little Rock, there is a strong market for vehicles, with the state’s largest population and many buyers looking for reliable transportation. In Fayetteville offers steady demand due to the University of Arkansas, which brings in students needing cars. Fort Smith has a competitive market, with buyers actively searching for used cars, driven by the city’s industrial economy. In Springdale, demand for vehicles is rising, thanks to its growing suburban population and expanding commercial sectors. Texarkana provides opportunities for quick car sales, being a regional hub with both Texas and Arkansas buyers. In Jonesboro, the market is active, with demand for used cars growing due to the presence of Arkansas State University and the surrounding agricultural community. Finally, Pine Bluff has a steady demand for vehicles, driven by local businesses and residents in need of affordable transportation.