How To Sign Over A Car Title In Pa? And Transferring a Car Title in Pennsylvania new for 2022

Pennsylvania residents who want to sell or give away their cars may need to sign over the title. The process of signing over a car title can be confusing, and there are specific steps that must be followed in order to complete the transaction.

Our guide walks you through the process of how to sign over a car title in PA, step-by-step. We’ll help make sure that the transaction goes smoothly and without any hiccups.

How To Sign Over A Car Title In Pa?

Where can sign a car title in Pennsylvania?

• Pennsylvania car titles must be notarized.
• Wait to sign until you are in front of a Notary.
• Back of the title, top right – sign name(s) on the line that says “Signature of Seller.”
• Back of the title, just below where you signed your name(s), print your name(s) on the line that says “Seller Must Hand Print Name Here.”

Multiple Owners

The title must be signed by all owners listed on the front of the title.

Back of Title

Title Lien or Bank Name

If your Pennsylvania title has a lien or a bank name printed on the front, the lien holder must sign it or a separate lien release letter must be obtained.

 Person Duplicate Time

The same day

Cost Duplication

$53

DMV in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is located at 1101 South Front Street in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Transferring a Car Title in Pennsylvania

What You’ll Need to Transfer a Title in Pennsylvania?

Many of these requirements are similar to those in other states, but Pennsylvania has its own documents, fees, and steps to take. Examine the documents you’ll need after purchasing or selling a vehicle in Pennsylvania. If you’ve sold or bought a vehicle in another state, you may be familiar with much of the process.

Title with Notarized Signatures

Bring the Pennsylvania title or request that the vehicle owner bring a certificate of title. This must be signed before you can receive a new title. If you buy or sell through the PrivateAuto platform, the title will already be verified for your peace of mind.

Vehicle Identification and Ownership Documents

A Pennsylvania driver’s license or another acceptable Pennsylvania photo ID should suffice for personal identification. To complete the application for a certificate of title transfer in PA, both the buyer and seller must bring proper identification and vehicle ownership documents.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognizes the following documents as acceptable proofs of ownership:

• Pennsylvania title certification
• Title from another state
• Manufacturer’s certification
• Origin Statement
• In certain circumstances, a salvage court order is issued.
• Taxes and Fees

You will also be required to pay taxes and fees in order to title and register the vehicle. Fees vary, so check the current rates as you prepare to buy a vehicle from a private party.

Insurance Documentation

The Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles, or DMV, requires proof of insurance for license plate or temporary license plate transfers. Before legally registering the vehicle and completing the transaction, the vehicle buyer must provide one of these proofs:

• Declaration page of an insurance policy
• Insurance ID card Copy of insurance application to the Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan
• Insurance policy number and other required information

Buyers will be unable to register their vehicle without proof of insurance, so check with your local post office or garage before making an appointment.

Clean Vehicle Program in Pennsylvania

The Clean Vehicle Program covers the purchase or sale of a vehicle manufactured in 2008 or later. The California Air Resources Board must certify qualifying vehicles. There are numerous exceptions to this program, but you must ensure that the vehicle passes if it is not excluded.

Purchasing and Selling in Pennsylvania

Documents Acceptable as Proof of Ownership

“Proof of ownership” refers to vehicle ownership documents issued by vehicle manufacturers and titling jurisdictions that provide specific vehicle information and are used as the legal document to transfer ownership of a vehicle. Receipts, invoices, and title deeds are examples of acceptable proof of ownership documents:

• Manufacturer Certificate/Statement of Origin (MCO or MSO)
• Pennsylvania Certificate of Title
• Out of State Certificate of Title
• Certificate of Salvage
• Court Order

Purchasing a New Vehicle

If you are titling and registering a 2008 or newer vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds or less, the California Air Resources Board must certify your vehicle (CARB). Visit the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program page to learn more about this program.

Selling a New Car

On the proof of ownership document, the seller must sign and handprint their name. If the vehicle is owned by a company, the person acting on its behalf must be an authorized individual. The mileage of the vehicle must be indicated by the seller in the appropriate spaces provided on the ownership documents.

Purchasing a Used Car with an Out-of-State Title

Out-of-state titles are applied for using Form MV-1, “Application for Certificate of Title.” This form is only available from PennDOT authorized agents. An Affidavit of Gift must be attached to the title application if the vehicle is being given as a gift.

Do both parties need to be present to transfer a title in PA?

You must appear at the DMV together with both the giver (owner) and receiver. The same documents are required, with the exception of an Affidavit of Gift. You will also have to appear in person before the DMV if you’re bringing an inherited automobile.

How do you sign over a car title to a new owner in PA?

How to Successfully Transfer a Car Title in Pennsylvania

1. Obtain a valid, signed title and bill of sale from the seller.
2. The seller should remove the license plate.
3. You’ll need to have your auto insured before you can add it to your insurance policy.
4. Receive your Clean Car Certification (if applicable)
5. Complete an Application for Title Transfer.
6. Be sure to register the car in your name.