Question

Can you sell a car with expired registration in Arizona?

Yes, it is possible to sell a vehicle in Arizona, even if the vehicle's registration has expired. What really matters is that the title is still in your name. The buyer will not be able to legally take ownership and register the vehicle regardless of the condition of the tags if you do not have the title. The registration does not have to be valid at the time of sale, but the title is the legal method of transferring ownership. If the buyer did not have the title, he or she would not be able to put the vehicle in their name or obtain new plates.

What to do when you sell a car with expired tags

Even if your registration has expired, you can still transfer ownership, as long as the title is clear and signed over to the buyer. Once that occurs, the buyer will owe any fees or penalties for late registration when they go to the MVD to register the vehicle in their name.

What to tell the buyer

Tell the buyer about the expired vehicle registration ahead of closing the deal. No one wants confusion or chaos when the buyer goes to register the vehicle. It’s also a good idea to remove your plates and keep your proof of sale for your records. In that way, you won’t be held responsible for anything that happens with the car after the sale. In short, you can sell a car in Arizona with an expired registration, but you cannot sell it without providing the new owner with a valid title. It is the buyer’s responsibility to clear the outstanding fees, renew it, and get it registered under his name.