To register a car in Pennsylvania (PA), the process generally involves gathering required documents including proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and a completed application form, then submitting these in person at a PA DMV office, online, or by mail. New vehicles bought through dealerships often have some paperwork submitted by the dealer, while private and used vehicle registrations require the buyer to bring documents and pay applicable fees, including title, registration, and taxes. PA requires vehicles to have annual safety inspections completed within 10 days of purchase. Fees vary depending on the vehicle and county, with a typical registration fee around $37 and a title fee of about $53-58. Registration stickers are no longer required on license plates.
Key steps to register a car in PA:
- Gather documentation: vehicle title signed over to you, proof of Pennsylvania auto insurance, valid PA driver's license or ID, completed application for title/registration (form MV-1 for new vehicles, MV-4ST for used), proof of vehicle inspection, and odometer disclosure if applicable.
- Pay registration fees, title fees, and applicable state sales tax (generally 6% but higher in some counties).
- Submit the documents and payment either in person at a PennDOT office or authorized agent, by mail with the MV-140 form, or online for renewals.
- After submitting, you receive the registration card and license plate (or use existing plates if applicable).
Registration Requirements:
- Title and ownership proof
- PA auto insurance
- Valid PA driver’s license/ID
- Vehicle inspection within 10 days of purchase
- Payment of fees
- Odometer statement for vehicles under 10 years old
Registration must be done within 30 days of vehicle purchase. The process includes paying state taxes based on the purchase price. This is a summary of the process; exact steps and fees may vary slightly by situation and county.
