How to register a vehicle in
Pennsylvania
as a non-US resident
State Overview and Advice
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 Registration Process
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).
Taxes and Fees
Sales Tax
State sales tax
Average local sales tax
Average combined sales tax
Registration fees
Light Vehicle
Fees: $91
RV
Trailer Fees: $66 - $143
RV Fees: $123 - $178
Motorcycle
Fees: $73
$15,000 car
$50,000 RV
$5,000 motorcycle
Total taxes and fees
Registration Requirements
Prior owner's title
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.
Identification
A Pennsylvania driver's license is required to register a vehicle in Pennsylvania.
Bill of sale
A bill of sale is not required to register a vehicle in Pennsylvania, although signing one with the vehicle's seller is recommended.
Application
MV-1 - Application for Certificate of Title (Can only be obtained at a PennDOT office)Inspection
Emissions (smog)
An annual emissions inspection is required prior to registration for 25 of 67 counties in Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas.
Safety
An annual safety inspection is required in Pennsylvania, which must be completed within 10 days of registration date.
VIN
VIN checks are part of Pennsylvania's annual safety inspections.
Insurance
Pennsylvania's minimum liability insurance limits are 15/30/5.
Residency
Pennsylvania does not require proof of residency to register a vehicle.
Local Address
Vehicles registered in Pennsylvania must be registered to a Pennsylvania address.
The Alternative
Company Formation
Vehicle Purchase
The seller will list your LLC and its address as the buyer on the vehicle's title, and visitor.us will arrange for it to be couriered to us for processing.
Insurance
Vehicle Registration
- MT sales tax: 0%
- Inspections not required in MT
