How to transfer a car title in Pennsylvania
For private sellers and buyers in Pennsylvania. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Pennsylvania, the seller and buyer meet at a notary, tag service or dealer, because only an authorized PennDOT agent can transfer the title. Both sign the title there, the buyer fills out the MV-4ST with the price and mileage, and the paperwork goes to PennDOT within twenty days.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Pennsylvania?
Seller
- In front of an authorized agent, write the buyer's name and address, sign and print your name, and write the odometer reading.
- Your signature on the Pennsylvania title is notarized or verified.
- After the transfer, take the plate off. Never give it to the buyer.
Buyer
- Sign and print your name and complete Section D on the front of the title.
- Give the price and mileage on Form MV-4ST, which only authorized agents have.
- Get the paperwork to PennDOT within 20 days of the notarization.
- Pay sales tax of 6% of the price or market value (7% in Allegheny County, 8% in Philadelphia).
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) before you go: pa.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Pennsylvania?
Step 1 · Seller
Meet the buyer at a notary, tag service or dealer.
A Pennsylvania title can only be transferred by an authorized PennDOT agent.
pa.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
Fill in and sign the title in front of the agent.
Write the buyer's name and address, sign and print your name and write the odometer reading.
pa.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Take off the plate.
Return it to PennDOT unless you move it to another car. It never goes to the buyer.
pa.gov checked
We have not confirmed whether Pennsylvania requires a bill of sale. Check with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) before you sell.
Pennsylvania bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Pennsylvania?
Step 1 · Buyer
Sign the title with the seller, in front of a notary.
Sign and print your name and complete Section D on the front.
Step 2 · Buyer
Fill out Form MV-4ST with the agent.
Give the price and the mileage. Only authorized agents have this form.
Step 3 · Buyer
Submit within 20 days.
The agent sends the paperwork to PennDOT. Pay the title fee and sales tax.
After PennDOT processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Pennsylvania guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in Pennsylvania · Steps to buy a car in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania bill of saleWhen you need one and what to include
- Replace a lost title in PennsylvaniaDuplicate title (MV-38O)
- Car title after a death in PennsylvaniaThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in Pennsylvania?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of title | $72 | Buyer | pa.gov Checked |
| Sales tax | 6% of the price or market value (7% Allegheny County, 8% Philadelphia) | Buyer | pa.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $72 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Pennsylvania are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Duplicate (MV-38O).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
There is a lien on the title
If the buyer is financing the car, the lien goes in Section D of the title. pa.gov checked
Common questions
Does a Pennsylvania title need a notary?
Yes. The seller and the buyer sign the title in front of a notary or an authorized agent.
pa.gov checked
How much is the title fee in Pennsylvania?
$72 for the certificate of title, plus sales tax.
pa.gov checked
Does the seller keep the plate?
Yes. Take it off after the transfer and never give it to the buyer. Return it to PennDOT unless you move it to another car.
pa.gov checked
Sources for this page
- pa.gov/agencies/
dmv/ Checkedfaqs/ motor-vehicle-faqs/ motor-vehicle-miscellaneous-faqs - pa.gov/agencies/
dmv/ Checkedvehicle-services/ title-and-registration/ buying-or-selling-a-vehicle - pa.gov/content/
dam/ Checkedcopapwp-pagov/ en/ penndot/ documents/ public/ dvspubsforms/ bmv/ bmv-fact-sheets/ fs-buysell.pdf - pa.gov/content/
dam/ Checkedcopapwp-pagov/ en/ penndot/ documents/ public/ dvspubsforms/ bmv/ bmv-forms/ mv-70s.pdf
About this page
This page summarizes official Pennsylvania sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.