Arkansas license plate transfers allow you to move your existing plate from one vehicle to another when you sell, trade in, or otherwise dispose of your current vehicle. Arkansas plates belong to the owner, not the vehicle, so you should always remove your plate before completing a sale. The process is handled through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) at a local Revenue Office or through the DFA’s MyDMV portal for qualifying transactions.
Plate Transfer Eligibility
Arkansas allows plate transfers between vehicles registered to the same owner, provided the existing plate is valid, active, and the replacement vehicle qualifies for the same registration type.
Does Arkansas allow you to transfer a license plate to a new vehicle you purchase?
Yes. Arkansas allows plate transfers from one vehicle to another when both vehicles are registered to the same owner. The existing plate must be valid and active, and the replacement vehicle must qualify for the same registration type. Arkansas also permits transfers between certain weight classes, although additional registration fees may apply when moving to a heavier vehicle category. Plate transfers are not available between different owners.
Transfer Process
Arkansas plate transfers can be completed at a local Revenue Office or through the DFA’s MyDMV portal for qualifying transactions. The most efficient approach is to complete the title transfer and plate transfer at the same time during a single Revenue Office visit.
How do you transfer a license plate in Arkansas through the DFA Revenue Office or MyDMV?
Remove your plate from the vehicle you are selling before the sale is complete. Then gather the required documents for your new vehicle and visit a local Revenue Office or log in to MyDMV at mydmv.arkansas.gov. The DFA will update the registration record to associate your existing plate number with the newly acquired vehicle.
- Remove your Arkansas license plate from the vehicle you are selling before completing the sale. Arkansas plates stay with the owner.
- Gather all required documents for the new vehicle including the title, bill of sale, and proof of insurance.
- Verify that your personal property tax assessment is current for your county. Outstanding assessments are one of the most common reasons registration transactions are delayed.
- Visit a local Arkansas Revenue Office or log in to MyDMV at mydmv.arkansas.gov for qualifying transactions.
- Pay the $1.00 plate transfer fee plus any applicable title fees, registration differences, or county tax obligations.
- Receive updated registration reflecting the new vehicle while retaining your existing plate number.
Required Documents
Having all required documents ready before visiting the Revenue Office significantly reduces processing time and avoids the need for a second visit.
What documents does the Arkansas DFA require for a license plate transfer?
Arkansas requires a valid Arkansas driver’s license or state ID, the title for the newly acquired vehicle, a bill of sale or purchase documentation, current registration information for the plate being transferred, proof of Arkansas liability insurance, personal property tax assessment information for your county, and payment for applicable fees.
- Valid Arkansas driver’s license or state ID
- Title for the newly acquired vehicle
- Bill of sale or purchase documentation with purchase price, date, and odometer reading
- Current registration information for the plate you are transferring
- Proof of current Arkansas liability insurance
- Personal property tax assessment information for your county
- Payment for the $1.00 transfer fee plus any applicable title or registration fees
Transfer Fees
Arkansas has one of the lowest plate transfer fees in the country at just $1.00. Additional costs may include the certificate of title fee, registration differences if moving to a higher vehicle class, and county personal property tax obligations.
How much does it cost to transfer a license plate in Arkansas, and what other fees apply?
The standard Arkansas plate transfer fee is $1.00 – among the lowest in the country. However, the total transaction cost depends on whether a title transfer is also needed, the vehicle class of your replacement vehicle, and any outstanding county personal property tax obligations. Plan for additional costs beyond the $1.00 transfer fee.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| License plate transfer fee | $1.00 |
| Certificate of title | $10.00 |
| Additional registration fees | Vary by vehicle class – higher class vehicles pay the difference |
| Personal property taxes | County assessed – verified before registration is completed |
Note: Arkansas charges 6.5% state sales/use tax when you first title a vehicle, plus local county and city taxes on top.
Specialty and Personalized Plates
Most Arkansas specialty and personalized plates can be transferred to another qualifying vehicle registered in the same owner’s name. This includes collegiate, military, charity, and personalized plate combinations.
Can I transfer my Arkansas personalized or specialty plate to my new vehicle for the same $1.00 fee?
Yes, in most cases. Personalized and specialty plates can generally be transferred to another qualifying vehicle registered in your name for the standard $1.00 fee. Certain specialty plate categories may have additional eligibility requirements or annual renewal charges on top of the transfer fee. Transferring a personalized plate promptly after acquiring your new vehicle helps ensure you retain your reserved plate combination.
Old Registration
When the plate transfer is complete, the registration record is updated to reflect the newly acquired vehicle. The previous vehicle is removed from the transferred plate’s registration history.
What happens to my old Arkansas registration after I transfer the plate to a new vehicle?
Once the plate transfer is complete, the DFA updates the registration to associate your existing plate number with the newly acquired vehicle. The previous vehicle is no longer associated with the transferred plate, and the new owner of your old vehicle must complete their own registration process through the DFA. Any remaining registration value generally carries forward with the transferred plate to the new vehicle.
Third-Party Transfers
Arkansas plate transfers are restricted to the same registered owner. The plate must remain under the ownership of the person to whom it was originally issued.
Can I transfer my Arkansas license plate to a family member who is buying my vehicle?
No. Arkansas license plates cannot be transferred between different owners, including family members. When you sell your vehicle to another person, the buyer must obtain their own registration and plates through the DFA. Remove your plate before completing any sale and take it with you. The buyer registers the vehicle with new plates at a Revenue Office.
Plates and Vehicle Sales
Arkansas follows the owner-holds-plate system, which is different from states where plates remain on the vehicle after a sale. Knowing this rule before selling prevents liability issues.
Do Arkansas plates stay with the owner or with the vehicle when a car is sold?
Arkansas plates stay with the owner. Remove your license plate from the vehicle before completing the sale. Leaving the plate attached can create complications if the new owner accumulates parking violations, toll charges, or other citations before completing their own registration. Once removed, keep the plate until you transfer it to your new vehicle or surrender it to a Revenue Office.
Transfer Deadline
Arkansas requires newly acquired vehicles to be registered within 60 days of purchase. The plate transfer should be completed during this registration window.
How long does Arkansas give you to transfer your plate after buying a new vehicle?
Arkansas requires new vehicle registration within 60 days of purchase. If you plan to transfer an existing plate, complete the transfer within this 60-day window. Delays beyond 60 days may result in late fees, penalties, or additional registration requirements. Completing the title transfer and plate transfer at the same Revenue Office visit during this period is the most efficient approach.
Surrendering Plates
If you sell your vehicle and do not plan to immediately purchase a replacement, you can either hold the plate temporarily or surrender it to a Revenue Office.
What should I do with my Arkansas plate if I am not buying a replacement vehicle right away?
If you sell your vehicle and do not plan to purchase another one soon, you may keep the plate temporarily or surrender it to a local Revenue Office. Many owners choose to surrender unused plates to ensure the registration record is properly closed and to avoid any future confusion. If you are uncertain whether you will purchase another vehicle, contact the DFA or visit a Revenue Office for guidance on your specific situation.