NOTICE
Beginning November 30, 2022 all PA Vehicle title and tag transfers will require the BUYERS drivers license or ID to be validated prior to completing the transfer. If for some reason the DL cannot be validated the transaction cannot be completed. A letter will be issued to the buyer to contact PennDOT directly to correct the issue. The validation will be done by agents online. There will be an additional fee for the DL validation.
Basic requirements for buying/transferring a used vehicle.
Buyer and seller must come in. Seller must bring the original PA Title and valid PA Drivers license or ID card. The buyer must bring their valid PA Drivers license or PA ID card along with a valid insurance card listing the vehicle to be purchased. (You need to contact your current auto insurance agent and add the vehicle to your insurance and have them email you a new current Insurance card.)
If the buyer is going to use a current valid registration plate from another vehicle you need the registration card and current insurance card from that vehicle.
PA Sales tax will be due based on the price of the vehicle. If the price of the vehicle is less than 80% of the current market value, (PennDot checks the value in the online system), then and additional form is required explaining the reason to be signed by both the buyer and seller.
The buyers address on the drivers license MUST be current or have a change of address card issued by PennDOT.
An existing registration plate may be transferred between spouses or between parents including step-parents or parents in-law and their children including step children or children in-law.
Vehicle Transfer after Death of Owner
If an executor has been appointed then a SHORT FORM CERTIFICATE is required from the Register of Wills. If there is no will then an ORIGINAL death certificate is required. There may be additional requirements depending on the vehicle title.