Updated April 14, 2023
A Pennsylvania vehicle bill of sale is a legal document formalizing an agreement between a buyer and seller when a vehicle changes ownership. The form provides information about, and a record of, the legal sale and purchase of a motor vehicle in the state. It should provide information about the buyer, the seller, the nature of the transaction, and the vehicle itself. This document will require notarization and may be required for registration.
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Registering a Vehicle
A motor vehicle must be registered to operate on Pennsylvania roadways. When you purchase a vehicle from a dealer in PA, they will usually submit all of your titling and registration for you. If you purchase from a private party, you will be required to register on your own. Because Pennsylvania requires almost all transfers of vehicle ownership to go through authorized Department of Transportation agents, the agent will typically submit a new registration application when processing the title exchange. Initial registration may be for either one year or two years, except for certain kinds of trucks, which are only available for one-year registration. Registration renewal may be done online.
Where to Register
If you need to register your vehicle, you must gather all of the appropriate information and take it to one of the PennDOT Locations, near you.
Required Documents
- A Bill of Sale
- Odometer Disclosure Statement, or listing of the mileage on the title form
- Certificate of title
- If purchasing a new car, the dealer will provide this
- If purchasing a car with an existing Pennsylvania title, or a car from out of state and bringing it to Pennsylvania, this will require Form MV-1. Form MV-1 is not available online, and the title exchange must be completed in cooperation with an authorized Department of Transportation agent, which includes most dealers and notaries public
- Except for new vehicles purchased from authorized Pennsylvania dealers, a tracing or verification of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- In some cases, the buyer will be able to make the tracing by finding the VIN by finding the VIN plate and making a rubbing with a sheet of paper and a lead pencil
- If this is not possible, consult a certified mechanic or dealership to complete Form MV-41
- Valid Driver’s license
- Proof of auto insurance; Pennsylvania’s minimum insurance requirements are:
- $15,000 for single death or injury
- $30,000 for multiple deaths or injuries
- $5,000 for property damage
- Proof of payment of all taxes and fees
- The statewide sales tax is six percent of the purchase price or fair-market value, seven percent in Alleghany County, and eight percent in the City of Philadelphia
- A schedule of fees is available on Form MV-70S
- For used vehicles, the buyer must obtain a valid inspection sticker within 10 days of purchase. Inspections are available at certified inspection stations
- If you’ve purchased a vehicle under 80% under the fair market price, you will require a completed Motor Vehicle Verification of Fair Market Value by the Issuing Agent (Form MV-3)
- If the vehicle has been provided to you as a gift, you must complete an Affidavit of Gift (Form MV-13ST)
- If the vehicle is a mobile or manufactured home that has been anchored to the ground in Pennsylvania, a tax status certification from the Tax Claim Bureau of the county where the vehicle is situated, or a Certification for Exemption
- If an agent is buying or selling the car on another party’s behalf, a Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney Form.