How to Sell a Car in Pennsylvania (Private Party)
Pennsylvania requires a notarized title signature and a completed MV-4ST form. The buyer has 10 days to transfer the title and pays 6% sales tax at the DMV.
Required Documents
- Pennsylvania Certificate of Title — seller's signature must be notarized on the assignment section
- Form MV-4ST (Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration) — completed by the buyer
- Odometer disclosure — included on the back of the PA title
- Bill of sale — recommended to document the sale price for tax calculation purposes
- Valid government-issued ID
Title Transfer Process
- Seller signs the back of the PA title in front of a notary public — notarization is legally required
- Buyer completes Form MV-4ST and submits it with the notarized title to PennDOT within 10 days
- Submissions can be made at a PA DMV (Driver and Vehicle Services) center or by mail
- If the title shows a lienholder, a notarized lien release is required before sale
Taxes and Fees
- 6% Pennsylvania sales and use tax on the purchase price
- Philadelphia adds 2% local tax for a combined 8% rate in the city
- $58 title fee paid by the buyer to PennDOT
- Sellers do not collect or remit the tax — the buyer pays it during registration
Timeline
- Buyer must submit MV-4ST and the notarized title within 10 days of purchase
- Notarization is available at PennDOT centers, banks, and UPS Stores — typically $5 or less
- Processing at a PennDOT center is same-day for most transactions
Seller Tips
- Do not sign the title until you are in front of a notary — signing without a notary invalidates the transfer
- Pennsylvania plates stay with the seller — remove them before handing over the vehicle
- Notify PennDOT of the sale by completing the seller section on the MV-4ST or by calling 717-412-5300
- Keep a notarized copy of the sale transaction for at least three years
How to create a bill of sale
- Gather the PA title and confirm no liens are outstanding; if there are, obtain a notarized lien release.
- Visit a notary public and sign the assignment of title on the back of the PA title in the notary's presence.
- Complete a bill of sale with both parties' names, VIN, sale price, and sale date.
- Hand the notarized title and bill of sale to the buyer.
- Remove your Pennsylvania license plates — they remain yours.
- Advise the buyer to submit Form MV-4ST and the notarized title to PennDOT within 10 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a notary to sell a car in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires the seller's signature on the title assignment to be notarized. You can use a notary at PennDOT centers, banks, UPS Stores, or AAA offices.
What is Form MV-4ST in Pennsylvania?
MV-4ST is the Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration. The buyer completes it and pays the 6% sales tax to PennDOT when transferring the title.
How long does title transfer take in Pennsylvania?
The buyer has 10 days from the date of purchase to submit the notarized title and MV-4ST to PennDOT. Processing is typically same-day at a Driver and Vehicle Services center.
What is the sales tax on a private car sale in Pennsylvania?
6% statewide. Philadelphia residents pay an additional 2% local tax for a combined 8% rate.
Generate your Pennsylvania bill of sale
Create a PA-ready bill of sale to document the sale price for MV-4ST tax reporting — instant PDF.
Create Bill of Sale