An Arkansas vehicle registration connects a car to its owner. In the state of Arkansas, vehicle registrations are conducted through the Office of Motor Vehicle (OMV).
Individuals who are new residents of Arkansas who recently purchased a vehicle have 30 days to get it registered with the state.
New Residents of Arkansas
New residents of Arkansas have 30 days after establishing residency in the state of Arkansas to register their vehicle with the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).
Before new residents of this state can register their vehicle, they must have an active Arkansas auto insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements, and they are required to transfer their out-of-state title to an Arkansas vehicle title.
The state of Arkansas allows its residents to transfer their vehicle title the same time they register their vehicle.
New Resident Registration in Arkansas
New residents of Arkansas must register their vehicle in person at any AR OMV revenue office and present:
- The current registration certificate from their previous state
- Certificate of title or proof the car is financed, and the lienholder is in possession of the vehicle title
- Proof of an active Arkansas auto insurance policy
- A completed Vehicle Registration Application (Form 10-381) This form serves as both the vehicle registration application and title application.
- Bill of sale and odometer disclosure statement
- Proof from the individual’s county assessor that the vehicle has been assessed or listed to be assessed within the current year
- Proof the individual doesn’t owe personal property taxes, including:
- A receipt from the individual’s county’s tax office
- A stamp that states the document is the First Assessment on the individual’s assessment papers
- Proof of a vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Payment for all applicable AR car registration fees
New residents who have questions regarding their obligations as a new resident of Arkansas can contact the AR OMV office at (501) 682-4692.
Registering a Vehicle in Arkansas
Residents of Arkansas must register and title their vehicle with the AR OMV within 30 days of purchasing the vehicle or having the title signed over in the individual’s name whether the vehicle was a gift, inherited, or transferred between family members.
Arkansas residents must visit an AR OMV office and present:
- Proof of ownership of the vehicle, such as a:
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) signed over to the owner of the vehicle (if the vehicle was purchased from a dealership)
- Vehicle title, signed by both the new car owner and the seller of the vehicle (if the vehicle was purchased from a private party)
- A signed copy of the lien agreement (if AR residents are registering a financed or leased vehicle)
- A completed Vehicle Registration Application (Form 10-381) This application suffices as both the registration and titling application.
- Odometer disclosure statement on the reverse side of the title application if the vehicle is less than 20 years old. A State of Arkansas Vehicle Bill of Sale Odometer Disclosure Statement Form (Form 10-313)
- If the vehicle’s title control number is less than 3003001, or the vehicle title is registered out-of-state, AR residents need to complete and submit a separate State of Arkansas Vehicle Bill of Sale Odometer Disclosure Statement Form (Form 10-313) This document is also available at local AR OMV revenue offices.
- Proof of vehicle identification number (VIN) verification,if AR residents are registering a vehicle that was purchased out of state with a salvage or similar designated title
- Proof from the Arkansas resident’s county assessor that their vehicle has been assessed or listed for assessment within the current year.
- Proof of all paid personal property taxes, which can include:
- A county tax receipt
- A stamped assessment that certifies a tax payment was made
- Proof of a valid Arkansas auto insurance policy
- Payment for all Arkansas registration fees
- Current Arkansas car registration certificate
Vehicle Registration Fees in Arkansas
In the state of Arkansas, the vehicle registration fees are based on:
- The gross weight of the vehicle
- The type of transportation that is owned (car, truck, motorcycle)
- Title fees
- License plate
- City and county taxes
The fees AR residents pay will vary depending on the above variables, but there are also base registration fees for Arkansas vehicles, including:
- Passenger cars and motor homes:
- 3,000 lbs and under: $17
- 3,001 to 4,500 lbs: $25
- 4,501 lbs and over: $30
- Vans and trucks: $21
- Motorcycles:
- Less than 250 cc: $3
- 250 cc or more: $7
Taxes
In Arkansas, there is a standard validation decal fee that applies to all vehicles. There is a 6.5% taxable price for any vehicle that exceeds a purchase price of $4,000 or more.
Residents of Texarkana have a sales tax of 7%. If local taxes are required in AR, the total price is based on the local guidelines and regulations. Local taxes in Arkansas will not exceed $25 for each 1% of the tax due.
Late Registration Fees
Residents of Arkansas have 30 days to register their vehicles. Once this time expires, residents of this state are subject to the following late registration fees:
- Late Registration: $3 for every 10 days AR residents do not complete the registration process.
- Late Payment of Sales Tax: 10% of the amount the individual owes for their sales tax.
For more information regarding tag transfer fees and vehicle registration for military members, click here.
Out-of-State Vehicle Registration in Arkansas
The AR OMV allows individuals to title their vehicle from out of state by mail, but individuals must have proof of valid registration. In the state of Arkansas, individuals can’t register their vehicle from out of state.
Anyone wishing to register their vehicle by mail or have questions or concerns regarding registering an out-of-state vehicle, can contact (501) 682-4692.
Vehicle Inspections in Arkansas
AR residents that own vehicles that have a salvage title or prior salvage vehicle title are required to complete a vehicle inspection number (VIN) inspection before it can be registered with the state of Arkansas.
To request a VIN inspection, Arkansas residents must visit their local law enforcement office and ask for a VIN inspection. Only certified city or county law enforcement officers can perform this task.
Registering a Motorcycle in Arkansas
AR residents who own a motorcycle in Arkansas must register it at their local Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).
New Residents of Arkansas
Welcome to the Natural State! Once individuals establish residency in Arkansas, they have 30 days to register their motorcycle.
Registering a Motorcycle in Arkansas
Whether AR residents purchase their motorcycle from a dealership or a private seller, the state of Arkansas requires its residents to register their motorcycle within 30 days of purchase to avoid penalties.
Before a motorcycle can be registered in Arkansas, AR residents must have their motorcycle assessed by their county assessor for its property tax value, or it has to be listed for assessment the following year.
To register a motorcycle in the state of Arkansas, residents can visit their local OMV office and present:
- Proof of ownership of the motorcycle by providing the motorcycle title or the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)
- A completed:
- Vehicle Registration Application (Form 10-381)
- Bill of Sale/Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 10-313)
- A Bill of Sale/Odometer Disclosure Statement is required for motorcycles that are less than 20 years old. AR residents can also record the odometer disclosure on the motorcycle’s title.
- A signed copy of the lien contract if individuals are leasing their motorcycle
- Proof of current assessment and paid property tax (available from the individual’s county assessor
- Arkansas residents can also show proof that their motorcycle is scheduled for an assessment
- Proof of a valid Arkansas motorcycle insurance policy
- Payment for the base registration fees of $3 or $7 according to the motorcycle’s size, and all other applicable taxes and fees for motorcycles in the state of Arkansas.
Motorcycle Registration Fees and Taxes in Arkansas
The associated fees for motorcycle registration in Arkansas vary according to the resident’s county of residence. Standard registration fees are as follows:
- Motorcycles that are 250 cc or more: $7
- Motorcycles less than 250 cc: $3
Motorcycle Taxes in Arkansas
In the state of Arkansas, some cities may charge additional county taxes and surcharges which are not included in the fees listed above. AR residents are charged a use and sales tax of 6.5% for any motorcycle that is purchased with a value of $4,000 or more.
Local registration taxes also apply and will vary depending on the individual’s county of residence. Local taxes in Arkansas will not exceed $25 for every 1% of the taxes that are due.
Late Registration Fees in Arkansas
Arkansas residents who fail to register or renew their motorcycle registration within the required time period may accrue additional penalty fees, such as:
- Late Registration:
- $3 for every 10 days the registration is late
- This late registration fee will not exceed the cost of the motorcycle’s registration
- $3 for every 10 days the registration is late
- Late Sales Tax:
- 10% of the total amount due
Registering a Boat in Arkansas
It’s not uncommon to own off-road transportation in the state of Arkansas that exclude the traditional car. Off-road transportation includes boats, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and other non-standard vehicles.
AR residents are required to register their boat within 30 days of purchasing it to avoid registration penalties, unless they are operating a vessel that is not propelled by a sail or an engine.
Individuals who want to register their boat in AR need to visit their local AR Department of Finance and Administration Office and present:
- Proof of ownership, such as a Bill of Sale. The proof of ownership documentation must include:
- Hull Identification number
- Boat description
- Year
- Make
- Horsepower
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Signatures of both the buyer and seller
- Proof the boat has been assessed or schedule to be assessed
- Proof of all applicable property taxes have been paid
- Proof of liability insurance (if the AR resident’s boat features an engine that exceeds 50 horsepower)
- In Arkansas, the liability coverage must meet the state’s minimum requirement of $50,000 per occurrence
- Pay the registration fee (this fee varies depending on the size of the boat)
- Less than 16 ft: $7.50
- 16 ft to 26 ft: $15
- 26ft to 40 ft: $51
- 40 ft and longer: $105
Once the boat has been registered, AR residents will receive an Arkansas Certificate of Number or registration card, and validation decals from the AR DFA. These AR boat documents are valid for 3 years.
The boat registration must be onboard with the owner at all time when the boat is in operation. The decals must be clearly displayed on the front half of each side of the boat.
Registering All-Terrain Vehicles in Arkansas
Arkansas residents who have an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), are required by the AR DFA to register the vehicle before it can be operated legally. Residents of Arkansas who wish to register their ATV need to apply in person and may be required to:
- Complete a Vehicle Registration Application (Form 10-381)
- Show proof of a valid AR insurance policy
- Pay the $5 registration fee
AR residents need to know it is against the law to operate their ATV on Arkansas highways and public roads.
The only exception to this rule is if the public roads and highways are being used for hunting and farming purposes, or individuals are outside the city limits and need to get from a private property or trail to another.
Accepted Forms of Payment
Accepted forms of payment with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration include:
- American Express
- Discover
- Master Card
- Visa
- E-Check
Some AR DFA offices may accept cash. Individuals should call ahead of time to make sure they have an accepted form of payment.