Pennsylvania Vehicle Registration
Pennsylvania requires you to register a car and title one of its PA DMV offices in person. 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.
Pennsylvania Car Registration: Step-by-Step
Vehicle registration depends if the car is new or used. You will have 30 days after its purchase to get it registered. Every vehicle – driven or not – requires insurance.
What you’ll need to collect/bring:
- Proof of vehicle ownership
- VIN verification
- Proof of ID or PA License
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of vehicle inspection within ten days of purchase date
- Completed Application for Certificate of Title (MV-1)
The registration fees vary by vehicle age, type, and value; apply if you haven’t yet registered.
Registering a New Car
New cars bought through dealerships submit vehicle documentation to the PennDOT.
What’s next?
- Get insurance
- Go to the DMV office
- Provide proofs, submit forms, and pay the registration
It’s important to get your bill of sale from the dealer, as you’ll pay state taxes during registration. You will also want to note the mileage while filing your car’s title & registration.
Registering a Used Car
Registering a used car has a similar process. Individuals buying a used car must be inspected when transferring a title.
Then:
- Have the seller sign the title in your name
- Include the odometer statement
- Bring ID, vehicle title, and proof of insurance
- Provide an applicable inspection certificate
- Submit the Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration (MV-4ST)
- Pay the tax, registration, and plate fees
You will receive:
- A copy of the transaction
- License plate
- Note: Registration stickers are no longer being issued as of 12/31/16, and are no longer required to be displayed on license plates.
You’ll get the plate and tag on the spot, letting you roll out of the parking lot and back onto the roads.
About the Inspection
You will get a smog and car inspection every 12 months.
This inspection must be completed within ten days of purchasing the car – you’ll receive a temporary sticker until it’s done.
Refer to the Pennsylvania State Inspections page for all inspection-related details.
Pennsylvania Registration Fees and Taxes
Pennsylvania vehicle registration wholly depends on which county it’s registered in.
Typical fees include:
- Original Title Issuance: $53
- Passenger Vehicle Registration: $37
Sales tax depends on your county and jurisdiction.
See the PennDOT Payments and Fees page for more information.
Need to Renew Your Vehicle, Instead?
A car renewal is almost identical to the registration process. Learn what you’ll do with our Pennsylvania Car Renewal Guide.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, knowing the basics of Pennsylvania vehicle registration is essential. Understanding your local DMV regulations can save time, energy, and resources. Depending on the details of your situation, there are a few steps you might need to take to get your vehicle registered.
Additionally, if you plan on driving the vehicle out of state for any extended period, you’ll have to go through specific processes depending on the length of your stay.
Ultimately, following these regulations is essential for keeping yourself safe and legally compliant – so be sure to do proper research before taking off with your new wheels.
