A vehicle title in Pennsylvania is the official document that establishes legal ownership. Navigating the state’s application process is a necessary step for any new owner to secure this proof.
Situations Requiring a Pennsylvania Title Application
An application for a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title is triggered in several common ownership scenarios. The most frequent is the purchase of a new or used vehicle, which legally transfers ownership and requires a new title in the buyer’s name. When a resident moves to Pennsylvania with a vehicle titled in another state, they must apply for a PA title to register it.
Ownership transfers that do not involve a sale also require a title application. This includes gifting a vehicle, which requires an “Affidavit of Gift” (Form MV-13ST) to be filed with the application. Inheriting a vehicle necessitates a title transfer to the beneficiary. If information on an existing title needs to be changed, such as a name correction, an application must be submitted. If a title is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the owner must apply for a duplicate using Form MV-38O, while businesses must use Form MV-38D.
Preparing Your Pennsylvania Title Application: Information, Documents, and Form Completion
To prepare your application, gather specific vehicle and personal information. This includes the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the current odometer reading, and the vehicle’s year, make, and model. You will also need the full legal name and Pennsylvania address for all purchasers and the seller’s information for used vehicle sales. If the vehicle is financed, the lienholder’s name, address, and their PennDOT-issued Financial Institution Number (FIN) are required.
A complete application package must include several supporting documents:
- Proof of ownership, which is a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) for new vehicles or the existing title properly signed over by the seller for used vehicles.
- A bill of sale, which is highly recommended for private sales and may be required if the previous title is from another state.
- Proof of Pennsylvania vehicle insurance.1Pennsylvania General Assembly. Section 1786.0 – Title 75 – Vehicles
- A valid PA driver’s license or photo ID card.
- VIN verification via Form MV-41 for vehicles coming from out of state.
The primary document is Form MV-1, “Application for Certificate of Title,” which must be obtained from an authorized PennDOT agent as it is not available for direct download. If the purchase is subject to sales tax, Form MV-4ST, “Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration,” must also be completed.
Understanding Fees and Taxes for PA Title Applications
The standard fee for a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title is $58. If the vehicle is financed, there is an additional $28 fee to record the lienholder on the title. These fees are separate from the vehicle registration cost, which is often paid at the same time.
Pennsylvania Sales Tax is 6% of the vehicle’s purchase price or its determined fair market value. For residents of Allegheny County, the rate is 7%, and for residents of Philadelphia, the rate is 8%. Sales tax is paid when applying for the title on a used vehicle from a private sale. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” Authorized PennDOT agents will also charge their own service fees in addition to state costs.
Submitting Your Pennsylvania Title Application Package
You have two primary methods for submitting your application package. The most common method is to go through an authorized PennDOT agent, which includes dealerships, tag and title services, and some notaries. You must bring your entire application package, including all completed forms and original supporting documents. These agents can review the paperwork and submit it electronically, often providing a temporary registration and license plate on the spot.
Alternatively, you can mail your application package to PennDOT’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Harrisburg. This package must contain all required forms, original ownership documents, and a check or money order for the total amount of fees and taxes. Processing times for mailed applications are considerably longer than for those submitted through an agent. After successful processing, the new Pennsylvania Certificate of Title will be mailed to the owner’s address. If there is a lien, the title is sent to the lienholder until the loan is satisfied.2FindLaw. Pennsylvania Statutes Title 75 Pa.C.S.A. Vehicles § 1135 If the application is incomplete or contains errors, PennDOT will return it, causing delays.