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