A title is a legal document that certifies ownership of property, including vehicles. When a vehicle is bought or sold in the state, a title transfer must be done to allow the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) keep track of who owns the vehicle. These transfers may be done at our office​.

Title transfers are involved with transactions such as:

• Buying a vehicle
• Selling a vehicle
• Paying off a loan
• Transferring a vehicle to a family member
• Giving a vehicle to an individual
• Donating a vehicle to a charity
• Inheriting a vehicle
• Making a name correction

New Cars

In these situations the dealer will take care of the title transfer. If the dealer fails to do so, contact PennDOT directly at 1-800-932-4600 for instructions on how to proceed.

Used Cars

Vehicle purchases rank second only to housing purchases in terms of dollars spent. Obviously, you will want to proceed cautiously when buying a vehicle. Once you've made your decision and purchased the vehicle, you'll need to transfer the title by:

• Obtaining the title from the seller
• Making sure the seller has properly completed the appropriate sections
• Bring a bill of sale if available (for in-state)
• Bring the title into our office along with your PA ID and proof of insurance (if purchasing a tag)
• Paying the 6% use tax (8% in Philadelphia and 7% in Allegheny County)
• Leave the rest to us! We will take care of all the paperwork and processing for you.

*You should have the vehicle inspected within 10 days of the purchase date if the inspection and emission stickers have expired (Driver-side windshield)*

When completing a title transfer after you have received the vehicle as a gift, you do not have to pay sales tax. However, you must prove that sales tax was paid by the owner when that individual purchased the vehicle. Aside from that, you can complete the transfer by:

• Receiving the title from the seller
• Check that the seller has properly completed all applicable sections
• Bring the title to our office, along with both parties involved (current owner and new owner)
• We take care of the rest!

The proper way to handle a title transfer following the death of the vehicle owner varies greatly, depending on a number of factors. You may want to consult a Probate Attorney for guidance, or at least be sure to read the PennDOT Fact Sheet that covers many of these scenarios.

Here is how to handle the common situation of when the heir is named in the will, and the will isn't in probate:

• Locate the title
• Make a copy of the will
• Come into our office
• Provide proper photo ID
• Provide an original Death Certificate
• Provide a state issued "short certificate" or complete form MV-39 in our office
• If you wish to purchase tags or registration please bring current proof of insurance
• Leave the rest to us!