Pennsylvania Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | Pennsylvania DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 20 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6% · Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Not required |
| Lien release form | MV-38L ↗ |
| Gift / family exemption | MV-13ST ↗ |
Pennsylvania title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (MV-38L) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Pennsylvania requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Check VIN inspection requirements — if the vehicle is from out of state, confirm whether Pennsylvania requires a VIN inspection (varies by origin state).
- 5Buyer files at Pennsylvania DMV — within 20 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Pennsylvania DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 6% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Pennsylvania DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Pennsylvania DMV the same day as the sale.
Pennsylvania lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form MV-38L (Lienholder's Release).
- Owner submits MV-38L with current title and MV-1 (Application for Certificate of Title) at a PennDOT-authorized center.
- Pay $58 title fee.
- Receive clean title by mail.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Pennsylvania estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Pennsylvania DMV. For family transfers without sale, Pennsylvania accepts MV-13ST for sales-tax exemption.
Need a Pennsylvania bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Pennsylvania DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Pennsylvania Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Pennsylvania
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Pennsylvania?▾
Pennsylvania requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 20 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Pennsylvania title transfer cost?▾
Pennsylvania charges 6% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Pennsylvania?▾
Yes — Pennsylvania requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Pennsylvania DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Pennsylvania?▾
In Pennsylvania, the lender must complete MV-38L (available at https://www.penndot.pa.gov/TravelInPA/Registration-Plates/Documents/MV-38L.pdf) confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Pennsylvania DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Pennsylvania?▾
Pennsylvania inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Pennsylvania DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party. For family transfers, Pennsylvania accepts MV-13ST to claim the sales tax exemption.
Source: Pennsylvania DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07