How to Complete Your Car Registration in Pennsylvania: A Step-by-Step Guide
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If you live in Pennsylvania and operate a vehicle, you must have a valid Pennsylvania car registration. A car registration in Pennsylvania proves vehicle ownership and identifies the vehicle's location within the Commonwealth. Taking the time to register your car can help you avoid legal consequences, including fines and penalties.
Understand the Types of Vehicle Registrations
Pennsylvania has two basic forms of car registration: new and used. You'll register a new car if you buy it from a dealership and are the first owner. If you're not the vehicle's first owner, it's considered a used vehicle, and you'll follow a slightly different registration process.
Gather Required Documents for New Car Registration
When registering a new car, you must complete the process in person at a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation office or with a PennDOT-authorized agent. There are several items you'll need:
Certification From the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
Pennsylvania's Clean Vehicles Program requires vehicles with a model year of 2008 or newer, a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less, and fewer than 7,500 miles to comply with CARB rules. The dealership should submit the compliance certification to the PennDOT and the vehicle's title.
Form MV-1
If you finance a vehicle from a dealer, they will submit information for Form MV-1, "Application for Certificate of Title," to PennDOT on your behalf. If you buy the car outright from the dealer, you'll receive the vehicle title in your name and complete Form MV-1 at PennDOT. The form is not available online.
Pennsylvania Driver's License or Photo Identification
You must show your valid Pennsylvania driver's license or Pennsylvania Photo ID card to the PennDOT agent.
Proof of Insurance
You'll need to provide proof of auto insurance in Pennsylvania. PennDOT will accept your insurance identification card or the declaration page of your insurance policy.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Tracing
If you buy a new vehicle from an out-of-state dealer, you must share a tracing of the vehicle's VIN. You can use tracing paper and a lead pencil to obtain a tracing or request a notary public employed by a dealership or a certified inspection mechanic to verify it.
Safety and Emissions Inspection
Your new vehicle must undergo a safety inspection within 10 days of registration. If you purchased the car from a dealership, it may already have the required inspection. Some Pennsylvania counties also require an emissions inspection.
Gather Required Documents for Used Car Registration
If you plan to register a used Pennsylvania vehicle, you may share the following documents with an authorized PennDOT representative.
Pennsylvania Certificate of Titles
Used cars bought within Pennsylvania should have a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title. The dealership or seller's agent performs title transfers to PennDOT on your behalf. If you finance the vehicle, the bank will hold the title until you satisfy the loan. It will send the appropriate documentation directly to PennDOT so you can register the car.
Form MV-1
If you purchase a used vehicle outside Pennsylvania, you'll use Form MV-1 to title and register the car. You'll provide a copy of the title to an authorized PennDOT agent and complete the form. If the vehicle is still under a lien, you may need to arrange for the bank to send a copy of the title directly to PennDOT.
Pennsylvania Driver's License or Photo Identification
Drivers must share their current Pennsylvania driver's license or photo ID during registration.
Proof of Insurance
PennDOT will request verification of current Pennsylvania car insurance that meets state requirements.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Tracing
VIN tracing is required for used vehicles purchased from an out-of-state resident or dealership. You can do the tracing yourself or request a certified inspection mechanic or notary public employed by a dealership to validate the VIN for you.
Safety and Emissions Inspection
You may need to provide evidence of a safety inspection within the previous 10 days. Some Pennsylvania counties also require emissions testing.
Sales Tax
If you purchased the vehicle out of state, you may need to remit sales tax based on the vehicle's purchase price. The sales tax only applies if you owned the car less than six months before moving to Pennsylvania.
Learn About Registration Fees
The Pennsylvania car registration fee for passenger vehicles is $45. The cost includes a set of basic license plates. You'll need to pay extra if you prefer personalized plates. If you're applying for a two-year registration, you'll pay $90.
Step-by-Step Process for Registering a Vehicle
There are five basic steps to register a new or used vehicle in Pennsylvania.
1. Visit a PennDOT Office or Use Online Services
If registering a vehicle in Pennsylvania for the first time, you must visit your local PennDOT office. You can't complete the process online. However, you can use online services if you renew a car registration in Pennsylvania.
2. Complete the Application Form
Initiating a registration starts with Form MV-1, "Application for Certificate of Title." Form MV-1 transfers the vehicle's ownership to you or names you as the driver if you finance the car. The form is only available at PennDOT.
3. Submit Required Documents
Gather your proof of ownership documents, Pennsylvania ID, and insurance certificate before starting the registration process. You may also need to submit a VIN tracing if you bought the car outside Pennsylvania.
4. Make Payment for Registration Fees
You'll pay the appropriate registration fees to PennDOT. It accepts credit and debit cards, checks, and money orders. The department cannot accept cash payments.
5. Receive Registration and License Plates
You'll receive your registration and license plates through the mail. You can print your registration through PennDOT's website if you're completing a Pennsylvania car registration renewal online. Pennsylvania no longer requires registration stickers.
New Car? Don't Forget Car Insurance
You must share proof of insurance if you plan to register a new or used car in Pennsylvania — and EverQuote can help you find insurance at a great rate. When you fill out our online form, you'll receive a customized comparison of options from car insurance companies in Pennsylvania. It's free and it can save you money, so get started with EverQuote today.