Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to turn in my damaged car title?
- Yes, if your reason for requesting a car title replacement is because it is damaged or mutilated, you will be asked to surrender the car title. This is done in person at a Department of Transportation office or by mailing the car title copy request package to:
PA Department of Transportation
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516
For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Pennsylvania
- How do I file a police report if my car title was stolen?
- Local law enforcement is prepared to help you in reporting a stolen car title. As soon as you know your car title is missing due to theft, make your way to the nearest police station. The officer on duty will ask you to provide proof of identity like your driver s license. Then, he or she will provide you the proper paperwork to complete a formal police report. With your report in the system, you are protected from unlawful activity regarding your vehicle.
For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Pennsylvania
- How do I obtain a duplicate car title?
- How do I obtain a duplicate car title?
If your car title is lost, stolen or damaged, you are responsible for getting a replacement car title. To order a duplicate car title in Pennsylvania, you may submit an application for a replacement by mail or in person. Follow these steps:
- Complete and sign an Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title Form MV-38 O.
- Get the application notarized.
- Submit the title if mutilation or damage is the reason for replacing car title.
- Provide satisfaction of lien or lienholder notarization.
For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Pennsylvania.
- How do I obtain a salvaged car title?
- To get a salvaged vehicle car title, visit a Department of Transportation office with the following items:
- Valid PA driver s license
- Signed and completed Application for Nonrepairable or Salvage Certificate Form MV-6
The application will need to know select details about the vehicle, such as:
- Was it damaged in flood?
- Its make, model and odometer reading.
For more infromation: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Pennsylvania
- How do I transfer my car title between states?
- To transfer car titles across states, the process is simple. The instructions below will go step by step over what is needed to transfer your out-of-state car title with the PA DMV.
- Bring proof of identity like a valid driver s license.
- Bring two proofs of residency like a bank statement, lease agreement or utility bill.
- Provide the out-of-state car title and/or vehicle registration certificate.
- Show proof of an emission inspection if required.
- Surrender your old car title for a Pennsylvania car title.
For more infromation: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Pennsylvania
- How do I transfer my car title if I lost the original?
- To transfer titles, you must replace the car title document first. Visit a local Department of Transportation location and provide a signed and completed Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title by Owner Form MV-38O. If there is a lien on the vehicle, then submit Application for Certificate by Lien Holder Form MV-38L.
For more information: Title Transfer or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Pennsylvania
- How do I transfer my car title?
- The seller of a used vehicle is responsible for a car title transfer in Pennsylvania. As the seller, you must get the pink slip, turn it over, and write the buyer s name on the back side. To finalize it, also include the odometer reading and sales price. With your signature and date, the title is officially transferred.
For more infromation: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Pennsylvania
- How do I transfer the title of my RV?
- To transfer the title of an RV, follow the steps to transfer the title of a regular vehicle. The seller is responsible of the transfer car title process. He or she must sign the back of the pink slip over to the buyer. Include the sale price, odometer reading, date and signature. Once completed, the buyer is responsible for registering the RV with PennDOT.
For more information: Title Transfer or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Pennsylvania
- How long does it take to receive my replacement car title after ordering online?
- The DMV knows how important a car title is for every owner, not to mention the urgency of getting a vehicle title replacement when you are in the process of selling it. Replacing car titles in PA can only be done in person or by mail. With one of the necessary duplicate car title request forms, you must get it notarized. A car title is not issued on the spot either. Instead, you will receive your new car title within two weeks.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Pennsylvania
- If a family member dies and leaves his or her car to me, how do I switch over the title?
- When a family member passes away and leaves the car to you, switching the car title to your name is a simple affair. Schedule an appointment at a Department of Transportation office, and follow the instructions below:
- Complete and sign Notification of Assignment/Correction of Vehicle Title Upon Death of Owner Form MV-39.
- Provide the original death certificate, or have a doctor of funeral director complete the death certificate portion in Form MV-39.
- Show proof of insurance.
- Bring a check or money order for car titling fees.
For more infromation: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Pennsylvania
- What are some reasons that may require me to transfer my car title?
- Transferring car titles happens on a daily basis in Pennsylvania. Some of the most common reasons drivers ask how do I transfer car titles are:
- To sell a used vehicle to a buyer.
- To gift a vehicle to a loved one.
- To inherit a vehicle.
- To donate a vehicle to a charity.
For more information: Title Transfer or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Pennsylvania
- What are the required fees to get a replacement car title?
- Getting duplicate car titles in Pennsylvania is a priority for drivers if lost, stolen or damaged.
Car title replacement fees are as follows:
- Duplicate title by owner: $51
- Duplicate title by Lienholder: $51
- Duplicate title by a Registered Dealer: $51
Take note that fees are subject to change.
For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Pennsylvania
- What documents do I need to present for a replacement car title?
- The car title is the most important document associated to your vehicle; therefore several documents are needed to receive a car title replacement. To replace lost car titles, stolen car titles or damaged pink slips in Pennsylvania, provide the following items:
- Signed, completed and notarized Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title Form MV-38 O
- Lien satisfaction
- Damaged or mutilated car title
For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Pennsylvania
- What documents do I need to transfer my car title?
- The one document that is required to transfer titles is the car title itself. The car title is designed to be transferred over at one in time, and you will find the correct portion on the backside of the pink slip. If you do not have the car title, then you must order a car title replacement.
For more infromation: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Pennsylvania
- What forms must I fill out for a duplicate car title?
- To get a duplicate car title, submit an Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title Form MV-38O. Depending on if you have a lien on the vehicle though, then you must complete an Application for Certificate of Title by Lien Holder Form MV-38L. Once signed and completed, you may then submit by mail or in person to receive a car title replacement. Take note that if any important details are left out, your request will not be granted.
For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Pennsylvania
- What if the original is located after my car title replacement has been issued?
- If you already requested to replace lost car title documentation with the DOT, it is too late. Even though the car title seems valid, the state has voided the previous car title and the document is no longer valid proof of ownership. To prevent the risk of unlawful activity, you are encouraged to drop the car title off at a DOT office. You are encouraged to notify law enforcement if the car title was later found.
For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Pennsylvania
- What is the process to get a title for a scooter or motorcycle?
- In Pennsylvania, scooters and mopeds are exempt from being titled or registered because they do not comply with the safety guidelines to travel on most major roadways.
To title a motorcycle, you would follow the same procedure for a vehicle.
For more information: Title Transfer or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Pennsylvania
- When should I complete a Bill of Sale?
- In any private vehicle sale, a bill of sale must be completed. The seller is responsible for providing two copies, one for his or her records and the second for the buyer. At the time that pink slip is transferred, the bill of sale needs to be completed as well. Thereafter, the bill of sale acts as a receipt of the sale, and will be accepted by the PA DMV if a car title or vehicle registration needs to be replaced.
For more information: Title Transfer or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Pennsylvania
- Where can I mail my request for a replacement title?
- To replace auto titles in PA, there are two ways, in person at a drivers licensing office or by mail. You can mail your pink slip replacement request to:
PA Department of Transportation
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516
For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Pennsylvania
- Will I need to present proof of insurance to get a car title replacement?
- No, when requesting a duplicate car title, you do not need to show proof of insurance. The pink slip is in reference to ownership only, not driving privileges. To get a car title copy though, you will have to show proof of identity. Your name must match the one on the car title. Instead, proof of auto insurance is necessary to replace car registration certification, license plates or decals.
For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Pennsylvania