Pennsylvania
Title Fee
$72.00
Sales Tax Rate
6.0%
Other Tax Rate
3.00%
Who must title a vehicle in Pennsylvania?
All motor vehicles, trailers, ATVs, snowmobiles, boats powered by inboard motor, boats 14+ ft with outboard motor, and boats previously titled must be titled unless exempt.
Exempt: US government vehicles, golf carts, motor-driven cycles, vehicles moved solely by animal/human power, implements of husbandry, special mobile/ag vehicles, tow dollies, certain boats, and others.
Manufactured homes are titled unless real property.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services, via authorized agents.
Application: MV-1 (new), MV-4ST (PA-titled vehicles), $72.00 fee + $36.00 per lien.
Boats: Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (REV-336), $30.00 fee + $20.00 per lien.
ATVs/snowmobiles: DCNR (DCNR-43), $22.50 fee.
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer Certificate of Origin.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Registration certificate + assignment of ownership.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs + FMVSS/EPA proof, CBP docs, manufacturer compliance, bond release if needed, English translation.
How are special titles or brands handled?
Brands: Antique, Reconstructed Flood, Classic, Collectible, Out of Country, Non-U.S. Distribution, Formerly Abandoned, Lemon Law, Logging, Modified, Total Loss/Theft, Police, Recovered Theft, Reconstructed, Street Rod, Flood, Taxicab, and more. Out-of-state brands are carried forward.
Salvage: Vehicle inoperable or repair cost > value; insurer/owner applies for Salvage Certificate (MV-6IS/MV-6), $72.00 fee.
Nonrepairable: Vehicle only for parts/scrap; Nonrepairable Certificate (MV-6), never retitled.
Rebuilt: Salvage vehicles restored must pass enhanced safety inspection; submit MV-426B, proof of ownership, and other docs.
Stolen: Insurer applies for Salvage Certificate (MV-6SV) with title and police report; if recovered, must be inspected and titled as Reconstructed/Recovered Theft if repairs >50% of value.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Duplicate: MV-38O/MV-38L/MV-38D; $72.00 fee.
Correction: MV-41 + $72.00 fee.
Boats: PFBC-T1 ($20 duplicate, $30 correction + $20 per lien).
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN tracing required on out-of-state vehicles/trucks/motorhomes; certified inspection if tracing not possible.
Are electronic signatures accepted?
No; wet signatures required.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Sales/Use Tax: 6.0% state; Philadelphia +2%, Allegheny +1%.Credit for trade-in and taxes paid in a reciprocal state.
Exemptions: Nonresidents, new residents (owned/titled ≥6 months), gifts, family, tax-exempt orgs, used manufactured homes, more.
Property Tax: None.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
All regular lienholders must use PennDOT’s Mandatory Electronic Lien and Titling (ELT) Program; $36.00 per lien.
Add lien: MV-38L + $36.00 per lien.
Perfected as of receipt of application/title/MSO and fees.
How are liens released or assigned?
ELT: Release must be filed electronically immediately upon satisfaction; paper title mailed to owner.
Non-ELT: Release on paper title and deliver to owner or apply for corrected title.
Assignment: Notification of Assignment (MV-950) + title fee.
How does repossession work in PA?
Lienholder may repossess if peaceful; apply for title via MV-217 or MV-217A (financial institution/dealer).
Must obtain title before selling vehicle; ELT must be converted to paper.
Out-of-state repossessions require VIN tracing/inspection if not PA titled.
Other notes:
Mechanic’s/abandoned vehicle liens: Various forms (MV-952, MV-952S, MV-952PP, MV-956, MV-957); notice, public auction, and salvor authorization required.
PennDOT
1101 S. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
717.412.5300 or 711 TTY
Enforcement Agency:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services1101 S. Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
717.412.5300 | PennDOT
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Pennsylvania State Police, 1800 Elmerton Ave, Harrisburg, PA 17110
Key Regulations:
Insurance required: $15,000/$30,000/$5,000 minimum.
Proof required at registration and must be carried.
Annual safety inspection; annual emissions in many counties.
One plate issued (remove at sale/transfer).
Title/registration records kept indefinitely.