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Motor Vehicle Services

Title Transfers
Seller:
  • As the seller, you will need to provide a valid driver's license or state identification (ID), U.S. passport, or military ID along with the title.

  • The seller must appear in person to have the title notarized unless the title has been previously signed by the PA seller and notarized.

  • In most cases we will process the title transfer instantly removing the vehicle from you name.

  • You will need to provide an accurate odometer reading.

  • We can provide seller with a copy of the completed title as proof of the transaction.

  • If the name differs from the face of the title, such as a name change from marriage, divorce, and citizenship, we need supporting documents to prove the name change on the title versus the name on the driver's license (i.e., marriage certificate, court decree, etc.).

  • Signing for a company:  we must have company letterhead authorizing the seller to sign for said company.

    • Vehicles in a business name need a typed authorization letter on company letterhead signed by the Owner/Officer of the company.

  • Affidavit of Gift, Form MV-13ST, must be completed and signed by both seller and buyer.

Buyer:
  • As the purchaser, you must provide a valid PA driver's license, PA state identification (ID), or U.S. military ID (common access Card). If showing a U.S. military ID, we will also require proof of a PA address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.

  • In most cases we process title transfers instantly putting the title into your name. If you registered the vehicle we will give you the new registration card and/or plate or registration sticker that would apply to your transaction.

  • If there was not a lienholder involved in your transaction you should receive your title in approximately 7-10 business days.

  • Buyer must be present with current proof of insurance in the buyer's name for the vehicle type being transferred if the vehilce is being registered. Insurance ID card, Declarations Page or VIN specific binder would be acceptable.

  • Provide plate number, we prefer you bring the registration card, for any plate being transferred by the buyer to the new vehicle.

    • Plates can only be transferred between self, spouse, parent and child and plate owner must be present and have valid identification.

  • Signing for a company:  we need company letterhead authorizing the purchaser to sign for said company.

    • PennDot also requires proof that the company exists (i.e., fictitious name filing form from Department of State, Tax ID #, utility bill or state/federal document).

  • An out-of-state title requires a vehicle identification number (VIN) verification. The vehicle must be present, or a tracing of the VIN plate must be provided, or Form MV-41 must be filed out by a local or state police officer or inspection mechanic.

  • Lease company vehicle:  the lease company must provide a Power of Attorney (POA) for the purchaser to sign on behalf of the leasing company, along with Form MV-1L to verify who is to receive the registration.

  • Affidavit of Gift, Form MV-13ST, must be completed and signed by both seller and buyer.

Title Only:
  • As the seller, you will need to provide a valid driver's license, state identification (ID), U.S. passport, or military ID along with the title.

  • The seller must appear in person to have the title notarized unless the title has been previously signed by the PA seller and notarized.

  • Purchasers must provide a valid PA driver's license, state identification (ID), or military ID.

  • Out-Of- State title, a tracing of the vehicle identification number (VIN) or the verification of the VIN by an inspection mechanic or notary public, see Form MV-41.

Title/New Tag:
  • Purchasers must provide a valid PA driver's license, state identification (ID), or military ID along with proof of insurance. It is acceptable to use a previous proof of valid insurance.

  • The seller must appear in person to have the title notarized unless the title has been previously signed by the PA seller and notarized.

  • If purchasing a motorcycle, motor home, or RV, the insurance card must be for that type of vehicle. Acceptable proof of insurance includes ID card, declaration page, or binder.

  • Out-Of- State title, a tracing of the vehicle identification number (VIN) or the verification of the VIN by an inspection mechanic or notary public, see Form MV-41.

Title/Transfer Tag:
  • The purchasers must provide a valid PA driver's license, state identification (ID), or military ID and proof of insurance.

  • We will also need the registration card or some type of vehicle identification information (e.g., plate #) from the vehicle the tag is coming from.

  • The seller must appear in person to have the title notarized unless the title has been previously signed by the PA seller and notarized.

  • For a truck or trailer, if an out of state title and no weights are listed on the title, the vehicle must be weighed and the weights must be verified by an inspection mechanic. Form MV-41 is meant for this purpose. If a trailer or vehicle was not required to be titled from a previous state, the purchaser must bring a notarized bill of sale and a transferrable registration card.

  • Out-Of- State title, a tracing of the vehicle identification number (VIN) or the verification of the VIN by an inspection mechanic or notary public, see Form MV-41.

Title Transfer (Death):
Upon the death of the owner of a vehicle:
  • Joint Owners with Right of Survivorship means that upon the death of a co-owner, vehicle ownerhsip is automatically passed to the surviving owner(s), and a new title may be applied for by the person(s) whose name(s) is (are) also on the title.

  • Tenants in Common means that upon the death of a co-owner, the deceased owner's interest in the vehicle passes to his/her surviving heirs or estate. No special endorsement appears on such a certificate of title.

  • Ownership by husband and wife is a special type of joint ownership with the right of survivorship called Tenancy by the Entireties. All procedures for joint tenants with the right of survivorship also apply to titles in the name of a husband and wife (except that if a final divorce decree was entered prior to the death of the deceased spouse, the surviving spouse will be treated as a tenant in common - unless the divorce decree provided otherwise).

Intransit Tags
  • We can offer out-of-state residents a 30-day intransit tag for getting a vehicle that was purchased in PA back to their state of residency.

  • Buyer and Seller should both be present unless the seller's section was previously notarized within 60 days.

  • Seller will need valid ID, the title, and the odometer reading.

  • Buyer will need a valid out-of-state identification card or out-of-state driver's license and valid proof of insurance.

Duplicate Title
  • Whoever was on the original title needs to appear in person to apply for a duplicate title, as we will need to notarize signatures.

  • A valid PA driver's license or PA state identification (ID) must be provided, along with some form of vehicle information (VIN number, Plate number, and/or Title number). The VIN number (as an example) could be obtained from your registration, insurance card or the vehicle.

  • State Form MV-380 will be completed, signed and notarized.

  • Your duplicate title will be printed from Harrisburg and should arrive in the mail in approximately 7-10 business days.

Registration
  • Completed & signed state Form MV-44 by owner.

  • We can instantly renew/replace your registration card and issue a sticker.

  • You will need:

    • Insurance card

    • A valid PA driver's license or state identificaton (ID) Note:  only the current owner can renew with this method.

    • Some type of vehicle identificaton (e.g., VIN number, Plate number , and/or Title number).

Transfer Registration/Plate Transfer:
  • You will receive a new registration card showing your plate on the desired vehicle. If you renewed the registration during the transfer you will also receive a sticker.

  • You will need to bring the registration card or title for both vehicles involved in the transfer.

  • If the vehicle is owned for more than 14 days, you will need to provide proof of insurance for the specific vehicle for which registration is being transferred.

  • You will need to provide a valid PA driver's license, state identification (ID), or military ID.

Vehicle Registration Address Change:
  • Pennsylvania requires that you report any new address to PennDot within 15 days of moving.

  • We can instantly provide a new vehicle registration.

Vehicle Registration
Dupliate/Replacement:
  • We can issue duplicate/replacement of registration/stickers instantly.

  • We will need vehicle information (VIN number, Plate number, and/or Title number) and valid ID.

New PA Residents
  • In most cases, we process title transfers instantly creating a Pennsylvania record. If you registered the vehicle we will give you the new registration card and/or plate or registration sticker that would apply to your transaction.

  • If there was not a lienholder involved in your transaction you should receive your title in approximately 7-10 business days. The vehicle will need a Pennsylvania inspection within 10 days. 

  • All new residents are required to make application for Pennsylvania title and registration of their vehicle(s) within 20 days of establishing residency in Pennsylvania.

  • Provide your out-of-state title - if your are currently financing the vehicle, you may need to complete a title request in advance.

  • Individuals are required to have a valid form of Pennsylvania identification in order to make application to title and register a vehicle in Pennsylvania.

  • Pennsylvania title procedues require that the out-of-state title be surrendered to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when applying for a Pennsylvania title.

  • In order to title and register your vehicle(s), you will need to bring the following items with you:

    • A valid title for all of the vehicles you want to register in Pennsylvania, issued in your name, from your previous state.

    • Proof of Pennsylvania insurance, such as a valid insurance identification card, declaration page of an insurance policy, a copy of a valid binder or a copy of an appliation for insurance to the Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan for all of the vehicles you will be registering. These documents must indicate both effective and expiration dates.

    • A tracing of the vehicle identification number (VIN) or the verification of the VIN by an inspection mechanic or notary public, see Form MV-41.

    • Appropriate title, lien, registration fees and sales tax (if applicable).

  • If you are titling and registering a leased vehicle, the leasing company will also be required to complete Form MV-1L.

    • Note:  A Power of Attorney may be required from the leasing company.

  • You will need to provide 1 of the following credentials for identification purposes, a valid:

    • Pennsylvania Photo Driver's License,

    • Pennsylvania Photo Identification Card,

    • Pennsylvania Photo Exempt Driver's License,

    • Pennsylvania Photo Exempt Identification Card, or

    • U.S. Armed Forces Common Access Card.

    • Dependents of Amred Forces personnel must provide a valid United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (DD Form 1173).

Sales Tax:
  • If you hold a valid title issued in another state and have owned the vehicle for at least 6 months before moving to Pennsylvania, you will not be required to pay any sales tax when you register your vehicle in Pennsylvania.

  • If it has been less than 6 months, you will need to provide your sales tax receipt or remit the PA sales tax.

  • If your vehicle was gifted, the state has certain requirements in regards to proof of sales tax.

License Plates
Instant Plates:
  • If the vehicle is already titled and owned more than 14 days you must provide:

    • A valid PA driver's license, state identification (ID) or military ID

    • Proof of insurance specifically for the vehicle

    • Proof of ownership specifically for that vehicle (i.e., PA title)

Replacement:
  • Your replacement plate will be instantly processed whenever possible. You will receive a new plate, registration sticker, and card.

    • Your license plate will have a new set of letters and numbers. Some restrictions apply.

  • State Form MV-44 will be completed, signed and notarized on location.

  • Vehicles in a business name need a typed authorization letter on company letterhead signed by the Owner/Officer of the company. Business ID number will be required.

  • Bring your valid PA driver's license or state identification (ID) along with basic vehicle information (i.e., VIN number , Plate number , and/or Title number).

  • We are unable to replace a plate for antique, classic, or permanent trailers instantly.

Personalized Plate:
  • A personalized registration plate may contain a combination of up to 7 letters and numbers.

  • One hypen or 1 space is permitted, but not both.

  • Special characters are not available.

  • A personalized motorcycle registration plate may contain up to 5 letters and numbers in combination.

    • Note:  A hypen or space is not recognized as part of the plate configuration and does not count as 1 of the letters or numbers.

  • New vehicles must be titled and registered prior to a personalized plate being issued.

  • Allow 8 to 10 weeks for delivery of your plate.

  • Check Personalized (Vanity and Vintage) License Plate Availability.

  • We do not process applications for personalized plates.

  • Please visit Registration Plate for additional information.

Disability Placard
Persons with disability plate/Persons with disability placard:
  • We have forms available in our office for your use. Your doctor may also have these forms available. After having your doctor complete the form, please bring it into our office with your valid PA driver's license or PA photo ID and we can notarize the form.

  • We do not issue plates instantly.

  • Placards will be mailed to you within 7-14 business days.

  • Form MV-145A must be completed, signed and notarized.

Motor Vehicle Verification of Fair Market Value
  • Form MV-3 is to be used to verify the Fair Market Value of passenger vehicles, trucks with a registered weight of 11,000 lbs. and under, motorcycles and recreational vehicles (motorhome) manufactured during the past 15 years when:

    • The purchase price listed on Forms MV-1, MV-4ST, and MV-217A is less than 80% of the average Fair Market Value (Example:  Determine the Fair Market Value of the vehicle from a PennDot approved publication (KBB or NADA) and take that amount times 80% (.80)); or

    • The vehicle is over 15 years old and the purchase price is less than $500.

Fact Sheet List: 

Please Note: Additional information/documentation may be required depending on the transaction.

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