Transferring a Car Title in Pennsylvania
Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in Pennsylvania when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.
Short answer: Title transfers are processed through PennDOT authorized agents (such as notaries, dealers and messenger services). PennDOT, Buying or Selling a Vehicle; Vehicle Transfer after Death of Owner fact sheet
| Transferring a car title | Title transfers are processed through PennDOT authorized agents (such as notaries, dealers and messenger services). For a used vehicle with a Pennsylvania title, the title is used with Form MV-4ST (Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration); out-of-state titles use Form MV-1. Bring a Pennsylvania driver's license or photo ID and, if registering, your insurance ID card; gifts need Form MV-13ST. When an owner dies, a surviving joint owner with right of survivorship uses Form MV-39 (no title fee between spouses); otherwise the executor or administrator assigns the title with a Short Form Certificate, or, if the will is not probated, a surviving spouse, child or parent named in the will can transfer with the will, Form MV-39 and Form MV-4ST. Death transfers: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bmv/bmv-fact-sheets/fs-vehtrans.pdf. Fees are on Form MV-70S (not read). |
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| Registering after you move | New residents must apply for Pennsylvania title and registration within 20 days of establishing residency and have 60 days to get a Pennsylvania driver's license. A valid Pennsylvania ID is needed to title and register, and the out-of-state title must be surrendered. |
More Pennsylvania car insurance & vehicle laws
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- SR-22 Insurance in Pennsylvania
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Pennsylvania
- All Pennsylvania car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
How do you transfer a car title in Pennsylvania?
Title transfers are processed through PennDOT authorized agents (such as notaries, dealers and messenger services). For a used vehicle with a Pennsylvania title, the title is used with Form MV-4ST (Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration); out-of-state titles use Form MV-1. Bring a Pennsylvania driver's license or photo ID and, if registering, your insurance ID card; gifts need Form MV-13ST. When an owner dies, a surviving joint owner with right of survivorship uses Form MV-39 (no title fee between spouses); otherwise the executor or administrator assigns the title with a Short Form Certificate, or, if the will is not probated, a surviving spouse, child or parent named in the will can transfer with the will, Form MV-39 and Form MV-4ST.
How long do you have to register your car after moving to Pennsylvania?
New residents must apply for Pennsylvania title and registration within 20 days of establishing residency and have 60 days to get a Pennsylvania driver's license. A valid Pennsylvania ID is needed to title and register, and the out-of-state title must be surrendered.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.