Buyers, beware! Unlicensed vehicle dealers common in Arizona

PHOENIX — State transportation officials are reminding buyers to be aware of unlicensed vehicle dealers in Arizona, a problem that is all too common here in the Valley.

Harold Sanders with the Arizona Department of Transportation said buyers should look out for independent sellers who are selling multiple vehicles at a time.

“Individuals can sell their own car, maybe sell another car, but you can’t sell several vehicles, specifically more than six in a 12-month period,” he said. “If you sell more than sell more six, then you’re operating as a dealer — but you’re illegally operating — so therefore as a unlicensed dealer.”

A buyer could wind up purchasing a car with a rolled back odometer, a fraudulent or missing title, or could even be purchasing a car that still has a lien on it, he said.

“If someone is representing themselves as a dealer and they’re not actually licensed, consumers don’t have any of the protections that law offers for someone who buys from a licensed dealer,“ he said.

Sanders said buyers need to slow down and take their time when buying a vehicle.

“Get that VIN number, check it out first before they ever transfer one dollar, they have make sure the seller is the owner of the vehicle,” he said.

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