Registering a Newly Purchased Vehicle in Pennsylvania

Title and Register a Vehicle in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania vehicles must be titled and registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Once you register your vehicle, you must get a safety inspection at an official inspection station within 10 days.

Title and register your vehicle with an authorized agent.

If you purchased a new vehicle from a Pennsylvania dealership, you only need to bring acceptable identification documents and your proof of Pennsylvania insurance to an authorized agent. The dealer is responsible for sending in the remainder of the titling and registration paperwork.

First-Time Registration for New PA Residents or Vehicles Purchased Out-of-State

When you move to Pennsylvania, you have 20 days to title and register your vehicle.

If you’re a new PA resident or you purchased a vehicle in another state, visit an authorized agent and provide:

• Your Pennsylvania license, ID, valid U.S. Armed Forces Common Access Card or United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card.
• A completed Application for Certificate of Title (MV-1) (available at the agency).
• Your out-of-state title.*
• Proof of valid Pennsylvania insurance with effective and expiration date. This may include your:
  • Insurance card.
  • Insurance policy declaration page.
  • Copy of your insurance application to the Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan.
• A tracing of the vehicle identification number (VIN) or verification document signed by an inspection mechanic or notary public.
• The lien (if applicable).
• An Application for Lessee Information (MV-1L) completed by the leasing company (if your vehicle is leased) and a Power of Attorney from the leasing company (if required).
• A completed Affidavit of Gift (MV-13ST) if the vehicle was a gift.
• Payment for the applicable title, lien recording, and registration fees and sales tax. Make checks or money orders payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

*If the vehicle was purchased with a lien, contact your lienholder to obtain the certificate of title before registering the vehicle in Pennsylvania.

If the lienholder will not provide you with the title, contact PennDOT at (717) 412-5300 (TTY callers dial 711) so they can request the title directly. Once they receive the title, PennDOT will send you a letter requesting you visit an authorized agent with the letter to complete the title transfer.

If the lienholder refuses to provide you or the PennDOT with the certificate of title, you must follow the lienholder’s requirements in order to transfer the out-of-state title.

Register a Used Vehicle Purchased in Pennsylvania

To title and register a used vehicle recently purchased in PA, visit the authorized agent with your:

• Valid Pennsylvania ID.
• Certificate of title.
• Completed Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration (MV-4ST) (available through the agent).
• PA insurance card.
• Completed Affidavit of Gift (MV-13ST) if the vehicle was a gift.
• Payment for the applicable title, lien recording, and registration fee and tax.

PA Registration and Title Fees

If you owned your out-of-state vehicle for 6 months or more before moving to Pennsylvania you are exempt from having to pay PA sales tax on the vehicle.

• Passenger vehicle registration: $38.
• Motorcycle: $20.
• Title fee: $55.
• Lien recording fee (title issued): $81.
• Lien recording fee (title not issued): $26.

Your county of residence may charge additional fees.