Register Your Car In Pa
When you buy a new or used vehicle, you will need to title and register it with the BMV.
If you buy your vehicle from a dealer, they will usually handle this process for you.
If you buy a vehicle privately, you’ll need to complete the process yourself.
Make sure you have an active car insurance policy when registering your vehicle.
Compare rates and buy your policy online: Visit the Insurance Center > >
Registration applications can be made in person at a PennDOT office. You’ll need:
- Proof of ownership:
- New car: The Manufacturer Certificate of Origin OR Manufacture Statement of Origin .
- Used car: The current title signed over to you, including an odometer statement.
You may ALSO need:
- The Motor Vehicle Verification of Fair Market Value by the Issuing Agent , if you bought the vehicle for a price that is under 80% of its fair market price.
- The Affidavit of Gift , if you received the vehicle as a gift.
- Your license plate IF you’re transferring the plate from your previous vehicle.
Do I Need A Pa License To Register A Car In Pa
However, as you can see from the examples above, a valid Pennsylvania drivers license can be utilized, but it is not necessary in order to register or own a car in Pennsylvania. You will simply require a valid Pennsylvania photo ID, which can be obtained by any Pennsylvania resident, as well as evidence of residency and a small sum of money.
Requirements To Register Your Car In Pennsylvania
New residents must apply for a Pennsylvania title and registration for their vehicle within 20 days of claiming residency in the commonwealth. To obtain a title and registration, residents must have a Pennsylvania driver’s license.
In its information page for registering and titling a vehicle, the Pennsylvania DMV recommends that future residents apply for a Pennsylvania driver’s license before they move or arrive, so they will have the appropriate Pennsylvania identification available to register their vehicle.
In addition to a Pennsylvania driver’s license, acceptable forms of identification include temporary licenses and photo identification cards.
Here are the items you’ll need to get a new Pennsylvania title for your out-of-state car.
Valid title issued in your name and from your previous state
Proof of insurance valid in Pennsylvania
Vehicle identification number
Proof of having paid appropriate sales tax
Form MV-1L
Pennsylvania will confirm your vehicle identification number with a VIN tracing if you are registering a truck or tractor-trailer, a motorhome, or a vehicle originally titled in another state.
If you’re registering a truck or trailer, the VIN tracing should include the complete vehicle identification number, gross vehicle weight rating , and the gross axle weight rating .
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Pa Vessels To Title & Register
In Pennsylvania, residents of this state must register:
- All motorized vessels.
- Sailboats with auxiliary motors.
- Recreational watercraft documented with the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Non-motorized boats used on waters governed by the PA Fish and Boat Commission, PA State Parks waters, PA State Forests, or if required by the property owner
Vessels exempt from the PFBCs registration requirements include:
- Out-of-state boats temporarily operating on Pennsylvania waters.
- U.S. government-owned vessels.
- Search and rescue boats.
- Documented boats used for non-recreational purposes.
- Non-motorized vessels using waters not governed by PFBC or PA State Parks, State Forests, or on private property not requiring registration.
The following types of watercraft must also be titled with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission:
- Boats model year 1997 or newer, powered by an inboard motor.
- Vessels measuring 14 ft or longer, powered by an outboard motor.
- Watercraft that already have a Pennsylvania title when purchased.
- Boats with an out-of-state title primarily using PA waters.
PA residents who are not sure about whether your vessel requires a title and/or registration can give the PFBC a call at 262-8734 for clarification.
Pa Title And Registration
Below are some of the most common Vehicle Registration and Titling requests and/or issues that we work with on an everyday basis however we are educated and authorized by PennDOT to do so much more! If you are looking for something that is not explained here or you would like more details, please contact us at your convenience and we will be more than happy to assist you.
*Please note: We have done our best to explain our services and what is required in detail, however as everything in life, every service/situation has different requirements therefore further documentation or representation may be needed!
PLEASE REMEMBER WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PENNDOT DELAYS
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Renewing Your Pa Registration In Person
To renew your vehicle registration in person you will need to visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles office and bring the following:
- Renewal application or notice or request for registration application.
- Payment for PA registration renewal fees.
There may be an extra fee required if you are paying for your registration renewal online.
Renewing Your Pennsylvania Vehicle Registration
Pennsylvania requires six pieces of information and documentation during the vehicle registration renewal process. Vehicle owners who have all of their information and documentation available may renew their registration online.
In addition to offering renewals online, the commonwealth allows users to update their address, change their emergency contact information, and obtain a duplicate registration card.
To complete a vehicle registration renewal online, users must have the following pieces of information available.
-
First eight digits of the vehicle title number
-
The vehicle’s license plate number
-
The owner’s driver’s license number
-
Valid credit card or debit card
Pennsylvania requires that its users print out their new registration, so it’s important to have a printer at the ready when completing online registration renewals for your Pennsylvania car or truck.
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S In The Pennsylvania Antique Vehicle Registration Process
When applying for antique license plates in Pennsylvania, drivers need to complete a procedure by satisfying certain requirements and submitting the mandated documentation at a local PennDOT office.
Drivers may apply for antique, classic, collectible or vintage registration plates, depending on the exact type of vehicle they own. The application process for antique and classic license plates requires drivers to do the following:
- Provide a PA certificate of title and a completed Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration form.
- Complete an Application for Permanent, Antique or Classic Registration Plate.
- Submit a payment for the applicable sales tax, title and registration fees.
Drivers who want to apply for vintage registration plates in Pennsylvania will also need to complete an Application to Display a Vintage Registration Plate and submit an additional payment for vintage license plates.
Registering A Vehicle In Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania car registration procedure may vary based on whether the vehicle being registered and titled is new or used. Motorists are required to provide many of the same documents for both new and used vehicles. However, some of the requirements may vary.
The PennDOT issues either a one-year or two-year DMV registration, and after that period motorists will have to perform the corresponding registration renewal procedure.
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Pa Motorcycle Registration Fees & Taxes
In Pennsylvania, residents of this state may be required to pay the following fees and taxes when they register their motorcycle with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Motorcycle registration:
Sales tax: 6% of the purchase price, EXCEPT for residents of:
- Allegheny County: 7% of the purchase price.
- Philadelphia: 8% of the purchase price.
Registering A New Car
New cars bought through dealerships submit vehicle documentation to the PennDOT.
Whats next?
Its important to get your bill of sale from the dealer as youll pay state taxes during registration. You will also want to note the mileage while filing your cars title & registration.
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What Is A Vehicle Registration
When you buy a car, you’re required to have at least the minimum amount of auto insurance mandated by your state and to register the vehicle in your name with the state’s department of motor vehicles . All 50 states require that cars be registered if they are to be driven on public roadways.
Upon registering your car for the first time, you’ll be given a set of license plates and a registration card. Depending on where you live, you will also receive a registration sticker to affix to either a car window or a license plate.
Your registration will expire after a certain length of timesuch as one, two, or three years, depending on your stateand you will need to renew it. In many states, you can renew your registration and pay any required fees online.
Failing to maintain a valid registration can lead to fines and could even result in your car being impounded. If that happens, you will need to renew your registration before you can get your car back.
Pennsylvania Boat Renewals & Replacements
In Pennsylvania, boat registrations are valid for 2 years and expire on March 31 of the final registration year. The PA Fish and Boat Commission will mail residents a renewal notice before their registration expires.
To renew a vessel registration, submit the required information about the boat and payment for the appropriate renewal fees:
- Online through the PFBCs Outdoor Shop portal.
NOTE: PA residents who do not receive a renewal notice or their registration has been expired for a long time, mail a completed Application for Pennsylvania Boat Registration Renewal in lieu of the renewal notice.
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How Do I Get Temporary Plates In Pa
Obtainable via the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles or from an authorized Pennsylvania Department of Transportation agent, temporary plates are valid for 90 days.
How Much Does Pa Car Registration Cost
It costs $38 to register a passenger car for one year in the standard manner. If it is a truck, the fee will be more based on the weight and kind of vehicle. A $5 extra property tax on your car may be assessed by your county of residence during the first registration process and on all subsequent registration renewals.
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Pa Dmv Locations Near Me
Where can I go to replace my vehicle registration in person in PA?
You can get a replacement vehicle registration in Pennsylvania by visiting the PennDOT website and signing in using your vehicle information, or by mailing an application to PennDOT.
This makes it easy to replace your registration or license plates, and allows drivers who dont currently have access to transportation to gain access to it.
How Do I Register A Second Hand Car
Transferring a vehicles registration from one person to another is a simple process.
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Can You Register A Car Without A Driver’s License
Though you can’t do much with a car without a driver’s license, you can buy and register one in your name. You can even purchase auto insurance without a driver’s license, which is good because that’s typically needed when registering a vehicle.
Someone might, for example, want to buy and register a car if they’re unable to drive but have a caregiver who will use it to take them to appointments.
What To Do With Old Pa License Plates
Where do I discard my old or damaged Pennsylvania license plates?
After youve replaced your license plates with new ones, you may have a set of old plates lying around.
Disposing of your old license plates is easy. You can get rid of them by sending them to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles with a completed Surrender of a Registration Plate form. Alternatively, you can simply bend the license plates and recycle them at an aluminum recycling center to ensure they arent used in the future.
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Registering A Vehicle In Pa
When residents of PA buy a new or used vehicle, they need to title and register it with the PennDot.
If PA residents buy their vehicle from a dealer, they will usually handle this process. PA residents who buy a vehicle privately need to complete the process themselves.
Registration applications can be made in person at a PennDOT office. Residents will need:
Proof of ownership:
- To complete the appropriate application form :
- New vehicle: Application for Certificate of Title .
- Used vehicle: Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration .
Pennsylvania residents may ALSO need:
- The Motor Vehicle Verification of Fair Market Value by the Issuing Agent , if they bought the vehicle for a price that is under 80% of its fair market price.
- The Affidavit of Gift , if residents received the vehicle as a gift.
- The license plate IF residents is transferring the plate from the previous vehicle.
Why Is Pennsylvania Car Registration Required
When you get pulled over for whatever reason, you typically get asked for your license, registration, and insurance. These documents prove that you can legally drive, that youre the lawful owner of the vehicle, and that youre insured if anything should happen.
Registering a car helps create a link between you as the driver and your vehicle with the state you live in. Its also a way for states to collect taxes and fees from drivers.
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Verified Accurate As Of Oct 13 2018
Pennsylvania requires you to register a car and title in-person one of its PA DMV offices. This process includes bringing identification, filing the MV-1 form, showing ID/insurance/ownership, and paying registration & license plate fees, and state taxes.
The registration process is quick-and-easy if you follow this guide.
Having Another Another Person Submit Your Registration Application At A Dmv Office
Read the instructions for how to register a vehicle for someone else to learn how to do this.
See acceptable proofs for other vehicles .
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Registering Specialty License Plates In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania allows personalized license plates for commercial vehicles, vehicle dealerships, members of the military, and several organizations and funds, as well as on the commonwealth’s standard license plates. The Department of Transportation in Pennsylvania has a helpful online tool for determining whether your desired plate is available.
Personalized plates are offered for buses, mopeds, motor homes, motorcycles, passenger cars, trailers, and trucks. The commonwealth doesn’t reserve personalized plates until they have received payment for the special plate and the completed application.
The commonwealth must also approve the requested plate configuration. Standard personalized plates may be any combination of seven letters and numbers that is not already in use on a vehicle in the commonwealth.
Before renewing your Pennsylvania car registration or getting your car registered for the first time, consider searching for new car insurance. Insurance rates tend to change every year, and a quick search to compare rates might allow you to find a much more affordable auto insurance company than the one you have now.
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Caveats And Exceptions In Registering Your Vehicle In Pennsylvania
- Check if your vehicle requires an emissions inspection: The Drive Clean Pennsylvania website lists the applicable counties.
- Did you purchase your vehicle for less than 80 percent of fair market value? Then you will need to submit a Motor Vehicle Verification of Fair Market Value by the Issuing Agent .
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Application For Certificate Of Title Form Mv
How to register a car in pa. Begin Main Content Area. Pennsylvania requires you to register a car and title in-person one of its PA DMV offices. When you move to a new state with the intention to establish residency there your legal documents including your drivers license and vehicle registration must reflect your new address.
This process includes bringing identification filing the MV-1 form showing IDinsuranceownership and paying registration license plate fees and state taxes. The out-of-state lienholders name address and FIN if the lienholder participates in the ELT Program must be listed on Form. A copy of your current insurance identification card PDF is required if registration is to be issued.
How much does it cost to register a car in Pennsylvania. Copy of current insurance identification card. Form MV-1 must be completed and a check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania attached for all title lien registration fees and sales tax if applicable.
Selling a New Vehicle. You must also complete a safety inspection within 10 days of your registration date and may need an emissions inspection as well. You must obtain a Pennsylvania drivers license within 60 days of residency and must complete title and registration within 20 days of establishing residency.
Schedule a Drivers Exam. Pennsylvania issued drivers license. How to Register a New Car in Pennsylvania.
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