A car title transfer in Pennsylvania is a procedure that motorists must perform when transferring the ownership rights over a motor vehicle to another legal entity. Title transfers for cars may be completed through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PA DOT). Motorists who are wondering “How do you transfer a title on a car in PA?” are required to learn the procedure first and to discover the steps and documents needed for the procedure.

In addition, certain title transfer requirements must be also satisfied when transferring the ownership rights over a motor vehicle. To learn more information about how to fill out transfer of title in Pennsylvania, continue reading the following sections.

What is a car title transfer in Pennsylvania?

The processes of title transfers for cars in Pennsylvania need to be performed after discovering a set of several mandatory steps that can be completed by using one of the offered methods for a title transfer.

Motorists who want to perform a vehicle title transfer procedure are recommended to first discover the what a certificate of title is. A car title is a legal document issued by the PA DOT, which may serve as proof of ownership over a motor vehicle.

A bill of sale can also act as proof of ownership and may be required for title transfer in some cases. Vehicle owners who are wondering “How do you transfer a title on a car in Pennsylvania?” are encouraged to learn the methods for transferring the ownership rights over a motor vehicle and how to perform such procedure.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Pennsylvania?

To perform a Pennsylvania vehicle title transfer is a procedure that must be performed when transmitting the ownership rights over a motor vehicle to another legal entity. Moreover, a car title transfer process may be required in various situations. For instance, transferring a car title is a process that individuals need to perform when selling or purchasing a motor vehicle.

In addition, a transfer of car title may be required when a vehicle is received as a gift, or as a result of the death of another person. In order to perform a successful title transfer for cars in Pennsylvania, motorists need to prepare certain list of documents and information.

Motorists may also be required to satisfy a set of title transfer requirements that are necessary for finalizing a complete a title transfer procedure.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Pennsylvania

A Pennsylvania car title transfer is a procedure that individuals need to perform when they are selling or purchasing motor vehicles and transferring ownership rights. Although you cannot complete title transfer online in Pennsylvania, electronic title transfers may be available for your records after completion.

In order to complete a vehicle title transfer, motorists need to complete a certificate of title with the following information:

  • Odometer reading
  • Lienholder information
  • Name and address of the buyer
  • Signatures of both the seller and the buyer
  • Notary public information

In addition to this information required for an auto title transfer, motorists may be mandated to provide other documentation, depending on their specific situation.

Applicants may also have to prepare a Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration (form MV-4ST), a vehicle identification number (VIN), and payment for the applicable fees. Moreover, a transfer of car title in Pennsylvania may require motorists to submit proof of car insurance as well as a current PA drivers license or ID card.

Note: Lien holders may be required to provide an Application for Certificate of Title by Lienholder (form MV-38L).

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Pennsylvania

When transferring a car title in Pennsylvania, both the sellers and the purchasers need to appear together at a notary public, tag service or at a motor vehicle dealer’s office and complete the title application form correctly. A process of car title transfer requires both the seller and the purchaser of the motor vehicle to perform their own part of the procedure.

Therefore, the steps of a vehicle title transfer procedure that a seller must complete are the following:

  • Sign and write their name on the proof of ownership.
  • Notarize or verify their signatures on the certificate of title.
  • Provide an appropriate proof of ownership.

After the auto title transfer process is finished, sellers need to remove the license plates from the motor vehicle. On the opposite side of the car title transfer procedure, purchasers have different obligations to satisfy.

They need to prepare a set of mandatory documents needed for a transfer of car title, which may vary based on the vehicle’s manufacturing year and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). For more information about the Pennsylvania title transfers for cars, contact the PA DOT before beginning the procedure.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Pennsylvania

Vehicle owners must obtain a Pennsylvania new title for a car in order to operate their vehicles on public roads within the state, regardless of the type of motor vehicle that is being titled. Therefore, prior to getting a new car title in PA, motorists are highly advised to discover the difference between applying for a new car title and transferring a vehicle title between two legal entities.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires vehicle owners to order a new car title immediately after purchasing a new vehicle or after moving from another state. If purchasing a vehicle from a dealership, the dealer must complete the title application procedure in the name of the buyer.

The process of getting a DMV new title in Pennsylvania may differ from the procedure of transferring a car title. A title transfer is a procedure that motorists need to perform when transferring the ownership rights of a motor vehicle to another legal entity.

Drivers usually need to perform a title transfer procedure after purchasing or selling a motor vehicle to another person. However, title transfers may also be mandatory when inheriting or receiving a vehicle as gift.

Car Title Transfer Fees in Pennsylvania

The ultimate step of the Pennsylvania car title transfer procedure is the submission of a payment for the applicable fees. Motorists are required to pay a fee for a transfer of car title. In addition to the auto title transfer fees, individuals may need to pay a sales tax for the vehicle that has been transferred. The standard title fee for cars in Pennsylvania is $53.

To learn more information about the mandatory Pennsylvania vehicle title transfer fees and taxes that must be paid, contact the PA DOT. Moreover, discover details about the final step required for a complete title transfer procedure.

 

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.