Pennsylvania DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In Pennsylvania

Any time a vehicle changes ownership in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a transfer of title must be completed. This guide will help you understand the proper forms and procedures you need to have the process go smoothly.

From a high level, both the buyer and the seller will need to go to the office of a notary to have their signature of the form notarized. A tag service office or motor vehicle dealer can also help with this step.

If the vehicle is financed, your name will be on the title, but the actual title certificate will be in possession of the lien holder. If there is no lien, you will receive the title in the mail.

The buyer will submit the proper forms to PennDOT and pay the fees to complete the process. Once this is done, the seller can remove the license tags and return them to PennDOT at:

This guide will provide the details of how to transfer a car title in Pennsylvania and answer some commonly asked questions such as, “How Much Does It Cost To Transfer A Car Title?” and “How To Request A Duplicate Title”.

What Do You Need To Transfer A Car Title In PA?

The title transfer requirements in Pennsylvania include:

• An original and valid Certificate of Title.
• Proof of Identification.
• Payment of fees.

Pennsylvania has clear rules for what constitutes proof of identification. These include:

• A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.
• A valid Pennsylvania ID card.
• A valid U.S. Armed Forces Common Access Card.

How To Fill Out Transfer Of Title Form

The Certificate of Title document serves as the DMV title transfer form. Both the buyer and the seller will need to fill out the appropriate sections.

The seller must complete Section A on the back of the title. The mileage on the vehicle must be indicated and the document must be signed in the presence of a notary.

The buyer must complete Section D on the front of the title and must also sign their name on the document in the presence of a notary.

If the vehicle was under a loan that is now paid off, the lien holder must indicate this on the form or with a lien release letter.

PA Title Transfer Fee

How much does it cost to transfer a car title in PA?

The buyer will pay the $53 title transfer fee.

How To Transfer Ownership Of A Car Without A Title

Pennsylvania requires a valid title or a manufacturer’s certificate of origin in order to transfer ownership of a car. If the vehicle is coming from a state that does not require a title (as with some older model vehicles), contact PennDOT to determine how to satisfy this requirement.

How To Request A Duplicate Title

The process for requesting a duplicate title in Pennsylvania is simple. You must be the vehicle owner and you can only request a duplicate title by mail.

First, complete the Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title By Owner (Form MV-380). If there was a lien on your vehicle that is now paid, the lien holder must complete Section D and have it notarized. You may also include a lien release letter from the lien holder.

Mail the form along with your payment of $53 in the form of a check or money order to the address listed on the form.

PennDOT will mail your duplicate certificate of title.

How To Transfer A Car Title To A Family Member In PA

The process to transfer a car title to a family member is the same as any other title transfer. The one item to pay attention to is sales tax. In Pennsylvania, vehicle owners must pay sales tax on the fair market value of a vehicle, not on the sales price. Often, when vehicles change hands within a family, the purchase price is low.

There are exemptions and special considerations for the sales tax rule. Contact PennDOT to learn the rules regarding your specific situation.

How To Transfer A Car Title When Owner Is Deceased

One of the special circumstances regarding title transfer is how to transfer a car title when the owner is deceased. Contact PennDOT to discuss your specific situation, but generally here are some considerations.

If the vehicle is jointly titled to a husband and wife, simply complete the Notification of Assignment/Correction of Vehicle Title Upon Death of Owner form (MV-39). You will need to include an original death certificate or have a physician or funeral director complete the form.

The fee is waived when the vehicle is titled jointly by a husband and wife. In other cases, the new vehicle owner must follow the normal title transfer process and pay the $53 fee.

How Much Is A Title Transfer In PA?

Title transfer fees are $53, plus any additional registration fees. The fees are waived only for a surviving spouse who was the joint owner of a vehicle. The same $53 fee is charged for a duplicate title.

My Car Title Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

If you have undertaken the title transfer process and have not received your new title in the mail, you have 90 days to contact PennDOT. You will need receipts from your title transfer transaction to prove that you have completed the process.

Pennsylvania DMV Hours And Contact Information

For more information on questions specific to your title transfer scenario, clarification on the title transfer process in the state of Pennsylvania, or for PA DMV hours and to find the DMV location nearest to you, visit the official Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles website by clicking here.

Common Questions About Pennsylvania Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of Pennsylvania.