Car Registration

New Car Registration

When you buy a new car, the dealer will submit all the proper registration forms to PennDOT. You then must visit any Driver and Vehicle Service Center location and bring with you proof of car insurance and a check or money order for $36.

New Residents

The state requires you to register your vehicle within 20 days of moving to Pennsylvania. You must do this in person at any Driver and Vehicle Service Center location and bring with you:

• Your vehicle's title.

• Proof of Pennsylvania car insurance.

• Form MV-1, completed. This cannot be downloaded, so you'll need to pick it up when you arrive at the Driver License Center.

• A vehicle identification number (VIN) tracing. Or have the VIN verified by an inspection mechanic or a notary.

• If the vehicle is leased, your leasing company must submit an Application for Lessee Information.

• A check or money order for $36.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) annually mails registration renewal notices out to all drivers about three to four weeks prior to expiration. You have the option of renewing by mail, in person, or online.

Registering or Renewing in Person

Registrations are handled by any Driver and Vehicle Service Center location.

• If you are renewing the registration, complete a Request for Registration. This form will be mailed to you. If this is a first-time registration and you are transferring the title, you may apply for the registration at the same time on the title application form (not available online).

• Include your insurance information on the form. Your application will be immediately rejected if your insurance information is absent.

• Be sure to also ink in your vehicle's odometer reading.

• Write a check or money order for $36, or $18 if you're registering a motorcycle.

Renewing by Mail

• Complete a Request for Registration. This form will be mailed to you.

• Include your insurance information, otherwise your application will be rejected.

• Fill in your vehicle's odometer reading.

• Write a check or money order for $36, or $18 if you're registering a motorcycle.

Mail to:

• Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• 1101 South Front St.

• Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516

Registering Online

This is your fastest means of registering, but it's only available for renewals. Just go online and pay with a credit card (Discover, MasterCard, American Express, or Visa). Though not mandatory, it's best to do this on a computer with a printer. This way, in the event of any miscommunication, you will have a receipt to verify your payment.

Nonoperational Vehicles

PennDOT does not offer a registration specifically for nonoperable vehicles.

However, the state does offer this form for vehicles that will only be used on a seasonal basis.