How to Sell a Car When the Title Is Lost in Arkansas: Getting a Replacement

You can't sell a paid-off car in Arkansas without a title, but replacing a lost one is cheap and simple. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) charges $10 for a replacement title, and you can apply at any state revenue office.

The two things that slow people down are an old loan that still shows on the record and the wait for the title to arrive. This guide covers both, plus how to sell once the new title is in hand.

Do you need the title to sell your car in Arkansas?

If the car is paid off: yes. The buyer needs the title to register the car. DFA lists the title, a bill of sale and an odometer statement among the documents a buyer brings to register, and gives them 60 days from the date of purchase to do it (DFA: Motor Vehicle FAQs).

If you still have a loan: usually not. The lender holds the title. When you sell, the buyer pays off the loan, and the lender releases the lien and the title. If that's you, read How to Sell a Car You Still Owe Money On.

How do you get a replacement title in Arkansas?

Step 1: Deal with any lien on record

Arkansas handles liens in one of two ways, depending on whether the loan is still open (DFA: Replacement Titles).

The loan is still open: The lienholder can complete and sign the Official Release of Lien or Permission to Issue Replacement Title (Form 10-315). The replacement title is then mailed to the lienholder, not to you.

You say the loan is paid off: You'll need a lien release. DFA doesn't just take your word for it, though. It notifies the lienholder, who has 10 business days to say the release isn't valid.

• If the lender doesn't respond, the title is printed and given to you.
• If the lender says the release isn't valid, the replacement title goes to the lender instead.

Get the release from your lender before you apply. Lender Form 10-315 has a "lien satisfied" section that serves this purpose.

Step 2: Fill out the application

DFA's replacement title page links its Application for Title or Replacement Title, which is the state's Vehicle Registration Application (Form 10-381). Bring it with:

• Something that identifies the vehicle: your registration certificate, license plate number, title number or VIN.
• The right signatures. The last titled owner(s) of record must sign. If the owners' names are joined by "and," both must sign. If they're joined by "or," either one can sign.
• Any lien release from Step 1.
• $10, with checks payable to the Department of Finance and Administration.

Step 3: Apply in person or by mail

Fees and timing are from DFA: Replacement Titles. Check the page before you go.

Can you get it faster?

DFA's motor vehicle FAQ says you can apply in person at the Central Revenue Office in Little Rock and pay an extra $10 for an expedited title, which is typically ready for pickup in 3 business days. If you're in a hurry, call ahead and confirm that the expedited option applies to your replacement.

Watch out for text-message scams

DFA warns that it will never ask for payment or bank details by text or phone call about fees, fines or tolls. If you get a message like that while waiting on your title, it isn't from DFA. Delete it.

How do you sell your car in Arkansas once the new title arrives?

For a private sale, give the buyer everything they need to register within their 60-day window:

• The title, signed over to the buyer.
• A bill of sale with the date and price.
• An odometer statement.

Keep a copy of the bill of sale and the buyer's contact information for your records.

Can you sell your car to Maverick Motors if the title is lost?

Yes. We buy cars in Arkansas, and pickup is free. What you need depends on whether there's a loan:

• The car has a loan. You don't need the title. Give us your payoff details. Maverick verifies the payoff directly with your lender and handles the title release with them. We never ask you for a payoff letter (here's why).
• The car is paid off. We'll need the title, so apply for the replacement first. Since it takes at least three weeks, you can get your offer closer to when the title arrives. The offer is one firm figure, not a range, and it holds for 7 days.

Once you have the title, the rest happens online: you upload photos, verify your identity and sign. We arrange pickup, and you're paid by wire or certified check.

The bottom line

A lost Arkansas title costs $10 and about three weeks to replace. Get any old lien released first, because DFA checks with the lender before printing the title. If you still owe on the car, the lender has the title, and you can sell now. If you want a real number to start with, get your Maverick Motors offer in about 30 seconds.

Selling in another state? See our guides for Texas and Oklahoma.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Arkansas title rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with DFA or call 501-682-4692 before you apply.