In order to register a vehicle in Pennsylvania, you need a Pennsylvania driver's license and a Pennsylvania address.
Getting a Pennsylvania driver's license is not an easy process. We recommend starting your visit in another state, or using visitor.us' services to register a vehicle that you buy in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) manages vehicle registrations in Pennsylvania.
If you buy your vehicle from a dealer, it will issue you a 90-day temporary tag. If you plan to register your vehicle in Pennsylvania, the dealer will apply for title and registration on your behalf.
If you buy your vehicle from a private party and plan to register it in Pennsylvania, bring the required items (below) to an authorized PennDOT agent to register your vehicle. Temporary registration plates, valid for 90 days, are available from authorized PennDOT agents for private party purchases.
For vehicles being registered in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania sales taxes are payable to the dealer upon sale, or the MVC upon registration (if purchased from a private party).
Fees: $91
Trailer Fees: $66 - $143
RV Fees: $123 - $178
Fees: $73
The vehicle's title must be signed by the owner(s) printed on the title, its odometer reading recorded (if less than 10 years in age), and be free of all liens in order for the prior owner's interest to be released. Pennsylvania titles must also be notarized to release the owner's interest in the vehicle.
A Pennsylvania driver's license is required to register a vehicle in Pennsylvania.
A bill of sale is not required to register a vehicle in Pennsylvania, although signing one with the vehicle's seller is recommended.
An annual emissions inspection is required prior to registration for 25 of 67 counties in Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas.
An annual safety inspection is required in Pennsylvania, which must be completed within 10 days of registration date.
VIN checks are part of Pennsylvania's annual safety inspections.
Pennsylvania's minimum liability insurance limits are 15/30/5.
Pennsylvania does not require proof of residency to register a vehicle.
Vehicles registered in Pennsylvania must be registered to a Pennsylvania address.