Vehicle Title Transfer Pennsylvania
Whenever the ownership of a vehicle changes in Pennsylvania, a title transfer must be done. This article will help you understand the procedures required to transfer a vehicle title without any complications.
How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in PA?
A title transfer will require that both the buyers and sellers go to a public notary to have their signatures taken. A motor vehicle dealer or a tag service office can also help with this step.
The seller’s name will be on the title if the vehicle is financed, but the lien holder will be in possession of the title certificate. If there is no lien, you will get the title sent to your mail. Once this is completed, the buyer will submit the necessary forms to PennDOT and pay the appropriate fees required to complete the process. After completion, the buyer can remove the license tags and send them to PennDOT at the following address:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Return Tag Unit
PO Box 68597
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597
What is Required for a Title Transfer in Pennsylvania?
The following are required to process a title transfer in PA:
Completed Title Transfer Form with Notarized Signatures
To begin the title transfer process, both the seller and buyer are required to fill out the certificate of title of the vehicle. They must also tender their signatures on the document in the presence of a notary public. It is invalid if it is not signed before a notary public. You should also check the VIN and ensure it matches the one on the title to reduce the risk of fraud.
A Valid Proof of Identification and Proof of Vehicle Ownership
Both the buyer and the seller must provide a valid means of identification. A valid proof of identification could be a PA driver’s license, an ID card, or a valid US Armed Forces Common Access Card.
Proof of vehicle ownership should also be provided. Acceptable proof of vehicle ownership documents in PA is a certificate of title, manufacturer certificate, statement of origin, certificate of salvage, out-of-state certificate title, or court order.
A Valid Proof of Insurance
In Pennsylvania, insurance is a big deal. Without valid insurance, you will not be able to register a vehicle or get a temporary license plate transfer. So, before you can transfer a vehicle title in PA, the buyer needs to provide proof of insurance. This could be an insurance ID card, an insurance policy declaration page, an insurance policy number, or a copy of the insurance application to PARP (Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan).
Appropriate Fees and Taxes
You will need to pay the appropriate fees and taxes to process the title transfer. The buyer usually pays the title transfer fee and other costs incurred.
Filling Out the Title Transfer Form
Both the buyer and seller must fill out the appropriate sections of the Certificate of Title document (which serves as the DMV title transfer form).
The buyer should complete section D on the front of the title and sign under their name in the presence of a notary. The seller is required to complete section A on the back of the title and sign the document in the presence of a public notary.
If the vehicle was under a loan that has been paid off, the lienholder should indicate this on the form or provide a lien release letter.
Transferring a Title in Pennsylvania
Once you have all the required documents in check, the next thing is to transfer the title. Here are the steps of what you need to do to process a title transfer in PA:
- Both parties should sign and notarize the title.
- The seller should document the odometer reading on the title.
- The seller should remove the vehicle registration plate.
- The buyer should purchase insurance coverage for the vehicle and tender the proof of insurance.
- Then the buyer registers the vehicle and pays the appropriate fees and taxes.
The process is still the same for an out-of-state transfer. However, the fees and taxes may vary. You will also need to tender a valid you-of-state title and a completed out-of-state title transfer form.
FAQs
How do I transfer the title on a car in PA?
The steps of transferring title on a car in PA are:
- Both parties should sign and notarize the title.
- The seller should document the odometer reading on the title.
- The seller should remove the vehicle registration plate.
- The buyer should purchase insurance coverage for the vehicle and tender the proof of insurance.
- Then the buyer registers the vehicle and pays the appropriate fees and taxes.
Do both parties need to be present for a title transfer in PA?
Yes. Both the buyer and the seller must provide a proper identification form and sign the title transfer form in the presence of a public notary.
Must the seller be present for a title transfer in PA?
Yes. The seller must sign the proof of ownership document. The seller must also provide a valid means of identification and have their signature notarized.
What do you need to transfer a title in PA?
To process a title transfer in PA, you will need a valid means of identification, proof of vehicle ownership, a notarized title transfer form, and the required fees and taxes.
How much does a title transfer in PA cost?
The fee for a title transfer in PA is $53. The buyer will pay this fee.
Can you transfer ownership of a vehicle without a title?
To transfer ownership of a vehicle in PA, a valid title or manufacturer certificate of origin is required. However, if the vehicle does not have a title for some reason (probably coming from a state that does not require a title), you will have to contact PennDOT to work out an alternative for you.
