How To Get a Car Title in Pennsylvania 2026
Pennsylvania law under Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 75 Chapter 11 requires every owner of a motor vehicle operated in the Commonwealth to secure a certificate of title. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, through its Bureau of Motor Vehicles, administers the state's vehicle titling system and maintains ownership records for all titled motor vehicles registered in Pennsylvania.
Where to Apply for a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title
Applications for a Pennsylvania certificate of title must be submitted through authorized processing channels. Approved submission points include:
- PennDOT Driver License Centers – Full-service state facilities operating in all 67 counties across Pennsylvania
- Notary Tag Services – Private businesses authorized by PennDOT to process title and registration transactions
- Messenger Services – Licensed third-party agents handling title work on behalf of applicants
- Mail Submission – Applications may be sent directly to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles central processing facility in Harrisburg
Required Documents for Title Application in Pennsylvania
Applicants seeking a Pennsylvania certificate of title must furnish specific documentation establishing ownership, identity, and compliance with Commonwealth requirements.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Properly Assigned Title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin | Document must show a clear chain of ownership with all assignments completed | Out-of-state titles must include an assignment section signed by the previous owner |
| Application for Certificate of Title (Form MV-1) | Must be completed in full with all vehicle and owner information | Both buyer and seller sections required for transfers |
| Valid Government-Issued Photo Identification | Pennsylvania driver's license, state-issued identification card, or other acceptable ID | Required to verify applicant identity at time of submission |
| Proof of Valid Pennsylvania Auto Insurance | Current insurance identification card or policy declaration | Must meet minimum Pennsylvania liability coverage requirements |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Certain transactions or vehicle types necessitate supplementary documentation:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Secure Power of Attorney | Authorizes representative to act on owner's behalf | Must be notarized; required when owner cannot personally sign |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Records vehicle mileage at time of transfer | Mandatory for vehicles less than 10 model years old |
| VIN Verification Form | Physical verification of vehicle identification number | Required for all out-of-state vehicles; must be completed by authorized inspector |
| Lien Satisfaction Letter | Demonstrates loan payoff and lienholder release | Must be on lienholder's letterhead showing vehicle details and release authorization |
| Bill of Sale Form | Documents private sale transaction and purchase price | Used to calculate sales tax for private party transfers |
| Federal Safety Certification Letter | Confirms vehicle meets federal motor vehicle safety standards | Required for vehicles without manufacturer's safety label or imported vehicles |
Pennsylvania Title Fees and Costs
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation establishes uniform fee schedules for title transactions throughout the Commonwealth.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title (New or Transfer) | $72.00 |
| Duplicate Certificate of Title | $72.00 |
| Corrected Title | $72.00 |
| Title Replacement | $72.00 |
Additional Processing Fees
Various supplementary charges may apply depending on transaction specifics:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Sales Tax | 6% of purchase price or fair market value | Collected on all vehicle purchases; higher local rates apply in Allegheny County (7%) and Philadelphia (8%) |
| Registration Fee (Passenger Vehicle) | $48.00 annually | Effective as of 2026; varies by vehicle weight and classification |
| License Plate Replacement | $14.00 | Required for replacement plates; included in initial registration |
| Plate Transfer Fee | $14.00 | When moving existing plate to different vehicle |
| Late Title Transfer Penalty | $25.00 | Assessed when transfer not completed within 20 days of purchase |
| VIN Verification Fee | $10.00–$15.00 | Charged by authorized inspectors; varies by location |
| Notary Service Charge | Up to $5.00 per signature | Pennsylvania maximum notary fee |
| Electric Vehicle Road User Charge | $250.00 annually | Charged annually for fully electric vehicles in addition to registration fee; two-year registration $500 |
| Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Road User Charge | $63.00 annually | Charged annually for plug-in hybrid vehicles in addition to registration fee; two-year registration $126 |
Note: Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle road user charges are separate from standard registration fees and apply to vehicles with registration expiring on or after May 1, 2025. These charges replaced the previous alternative-fuel-vehicle tax structure.
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Obtain and Review Ownership Documents
Secure the existing certificate of title or manufacturer's certificate of origin from the seller. Verify that the assignment section on the reverse side is properly completed with the seller's signature, buyer's name and address, date of sale, and sale price. If purchasing from a dealer, obtain the dealer reassignment document. Contact any lienholder shown on the title to request a satisfaction letter if the loan has been paid in full.
Step 2: Complete Required Application Forms
Obtain and fill out Form MV-1 completely, entering all requested information about the vehicle, including year, make, model, vehicle identification number, body type, and gross vehicle weight. Provide the complete mailing address where the title should be sent. If applicable, include lienholder information in the designated section. Both buyer and seller must sign the form. For vehicles less than 10 model years old, complete the odometer disclosure on Form MV-41.
Step 3: Arrange Vehicle Identification Number Verification
If titling an out-of-state vehicle or a vehicle without a Pennsylvania title, schedule a VIN inspection with an authorized verifier. Acceptable verifiers include PennDOT employees, notary public tag services, Pennsylvania State Police officers, and licensed vehicle dealers. Present the vehicle and title documents to the inspector, who will complete Part B of Form MV-41, confirming the VIN matches the title documentation.
Step 4: Calculate Total Fees and Assemble Application Package
Determine the sales tax amount by multiplying the purchase price by 6 percent, or use the standard presumptive value if applicable; add local sales tax if applicable in Allegheny County (7%) or Philadelphia (8%). Calculate the total by adding the $72 title fee, annual registration fee ($48 for passenger vehicles), any applicable road user charge fees for electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, and any other applicable charges. Gather all documents: assigned title, completed MV-1, odometer disclosure, VIN verification, proof of insurance, photo identification, lien release if applicable, and payment by check or money order made payable to "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."
Step 5: Submit Application to PennDOT
Present the complete application package at any driver's license center or authorized notary tag service. Staff will review documents for completeness and collect payment. Alternatively, mail the entire package to the address below. For mail submissions, include a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting the return of any documents.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Bureau of Motor Vehicles – Vehicle Services
P.O. Box 68597
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597
Step 6: Receive Certificate of Title
PennDOT will process the application and mail the certificate of title to the address shown on Form MV-1. Standard processing time is 15 to 20 business days for in-person submissions and four to six weeks for mail applications. If a lienholder is recorded on the title, PennDOT will mail the certificate directly to the lienholder's address. The lienholder must retain the title until the secured debt is satisfied, at which time the lienholder will release the title to the owner.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Pennsylvania law exempts certain vehicles and ownership situations from certificate of title requirements:
- Vehicles owned by the United States government and used exclusively for official federal purposes
- Vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan for interstate commercial operation
- Implements of husbandry, including farm tractors and agricultural equipment used solely for farming operations
- Special mobile equipment as defined in the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, including construction machinery not designed for highway travel
- Golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles operated exclusively on private property
- Vehicles held in dealer inventory and displaying dealer or manufacturer plates
- Vehicles operated under manufacturer plates for testing, demonstration, or delivery purposes
Contact Information
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Bureau of Motor Vehicles
1101 South Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone: (717) 412-5300
Official Website: PennDOT Vehicle Services
