Title Transfers

Transferring Your Title if You're the Buyer

• Be sure to secure car insurance.

• Sign and print your name on the title in the presence of a notary public.

• Have the seller complete Section A on the title.

• Be sure an odometer reading is included on the title.

• Complete form MV-4ST (this cannot be downloaded).

• Pay a $22.50 title transfer fee as well as a 6% sales tax (7% in Allegheny county and Philadelphia).

Submit all information to:

• Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• P.O. Box 68031

• Harrisburg, PA 17106-8031

In addition, you must either transfer a plate from another car or apply for a new license plate. If you need to apply for a new one, you should obtain a temporary plate, valid for 90 days, while processing for your regular plate takes place.

You should have the car inspected within 10 days of purchasing if the current inspection and emission stickers have expired.

Transferring the Title if You're the Seller

• Complete section A on the backside of the title. In order to be official, you need to sign in the presence of a notary public.

• Be sure to ink in an odometer reading.

• Try to get some sort of receipt as proof that you transferred your title (a bill of sale signed by both you and the buyer should work).

• Remove your license plates from the vehicle.

If You Bought a New Car

The dealer will send your title transfer application to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Your title will then either be sent to you or, if you have a loan, to your lender.

Duplicate Title

If you lose your title, requesting a duplicate is a simple process. Simply complete form MV-38 O and pay a $22.50 duplicate fee. If you had a loan on your vehicle when you first had it titled and have since paid it off, you should have your lender also sign the form.

Name Change

To change a name on a title due to a marriage, divorce, or court order, simply complete an Application for Correction or Change of Name form.

Depending on the situation, you may be able to opt for an electronic name change, in which case a new paper title isn't issued and there's no charge. If not, you'll have to pay $22.50 to have a new paper title issued.

The form explains both types of situations.

Adding or Deleting a Name

If you wish to add or delete a name from a title, a new title transfer application will need to be completed at a driver license center. Be sure that the person whose name is being added or deleted comes with you to sign the form, and that you have the original title in hand.

Gift Transfer

When given a vehicle as a gift, complete an Affidavit of Gift form, signed by both the recipient and donor.

If claiming a gift exemption in regards to the state sales tax, you must also complete form MV-1 or MV-4ST. While these forms must be picked up at a driver license center, you can download the instructions on how to complete them.

Transfer Following Death of Owner

The proper procedure to transfer a title following the death of the vehicle owner varies tremendously according to a variety of factors, including the vehicle's recipient, if the will is being probated, or if a will is involved.

Fortunately, the state provides a helpful fact sheet guiding you through the many scenarios. Since this matter can be complicated, it may be wise to consult with PennDOT or a lawyer before proceeding.