How to own a vehicle in
Pennsylvania
as a non-US resident
Pennsylvania
Presence requirements
The US states, not the national government, control vehicle ownership in the United States.
In order to own a vehicle in any US state, you must establish a presence in that state.
These are the presence requirements to own a vehicle in this state:
Address
Pennsylvania address required to own a vehicle in Pennsylvania.
Proof of Residency at Address
None required.
Identity
A valid Pennsylvania photo driver license or ID is required to register a vehicle in Pennsylvania.
Cost of owning a vehicle
When you register a vehicle - apply for ownership and permission to drive it on public roads - two costs are due:
- Sales tax
- Registration fees
Sales tax and registration fees are due in the state in which the vehicle is registered, not where the vehicle is purchased.
These are the costs to own a vehicle in this state.
Sales tax is due where a vehicle is owned, not where it is bought - so owning a vehicle in Montana can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.
Sales tax (state + local average)
8% of the vehicle's value
Registration fees
$98
Inspection Requirements
In order to register a vehicle (or renew a registration in this state, the vehicle must meet the following inspection requirements:
Annual emissions inspection required prior to registration for 25 of 67 counties in Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas.
There are 38 states that
Don't require proof of residency.
There are 21 states that
Don't require proof of residency.
Don't require a US driver's license.
There are 7 states that
Don't require proof of residency.
Don't require a US driver's license.
Don't require vehicle inspections.
Montana is the only US state that
Doesn't require proof of residency.
Doesn't require a US driver's license.
Doesn't require vehicle inspections.
Doesn't have vehicle sales tax.
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Northeast
How to register a vehicle in other states in the region
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