AQHA Transfers: The Multiple Transfer Process

Note: Updated May 1, 2024

The experience of owning an American Quarter Horse begins with the purchase of your horse and the completion of a transfer report. This report is a vital step in maintaining the overall value and integrity of your horse. (Read on to learn why it's important to transfer your horse's ownership into your name.) 

How to Transfer an American Quarter Horse's Ownership

Upon the purchase of a Quarter Horse, you want to make sure that you have:

1. The original certificate of registration.

2. A transfer report signed by the seller and listing your name on the buyer line.

3. The date of sale is the date you took the horse into your possession.

AQHA does not have a deadline as to when a transfer report should be submitted, nor do we charge any type of penalty. If you find a transfer you forgot to send in, now is the time to submit it!

Download a transfer form.

The transfer fee is $40 per horse if you are a current member. Non-members will be charged a one-year membership for $65, in addition to the transfer fee of $40 per horse, upon the receipt of a transfer.

What if the owner on the papers is not the seller from whom you purchased the horse?

If the last recorded owner on the horse's registration certificate is not who you bought the horse from, this is called a "multiple transfer."

• The transfer fee ($40 for members / $105 for non-members) will remain the same no matter how many owners the horse had in the interim.

• Because AQHA will not knowingly skip an ownership, you will need to submit a transfer report from each person who owned the horse.

In the event you are not able to track down all previous owners, send AQHA all information you have including names, addresses and phone numbers. We will attempt to contact the previous owners for you, however, there is no guarantee AQHA will receive a response. Without a signed transfer from each owner, AQHA will not be able to complete the final transfer to you.

To ensure a successful transfer process, please make sure you do your homework! We are here to advise you if you need further assistance. Feel free to contact a transfer specialist from the AQHA Member Services Team at 806-376-4811,  Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT.