How To Transfer A Vehicle Into Your Name

"I'm getting a new vehicle. How do I put it into my name?"

Congratulations on your new vehicle! When getting a new vehicle, you have to transfer the title of the vehicle into your name and get your plates/registration. 

To do so, please head down to our office (located at 811 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19147) with the following documents:

• Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License or Pennsylvania Photo ID

  • Before you can title and register your vehicle, you'll need to have a valid Pennsylvania driver's license or photo identification card. 

• Certificate of Title

  • The seller must sign their title document and give it to you. Depending on the state of origin, the seller's signature may need to be notarized. If this is the case, you can bring the seller in with you (with valid ID) and we'll notarize it in the office. 

• Pennsylvania Insurance ID Card

  • If you plan to register your vehicle in Pennsylvania, you’ll need a valid PA insurance identification card. The card must include the name of the purchaser (you), and it needs to be current at the time of registration.

• Bill of Sale (if applicable)

  • If you have a bill of sale, please bring it with you.

"I'm getting the vehicle as a gift. Does that change anything?"

To process a gift transaction, we need a few additional documents. If the vehicle currently has a PA title, the gift giver/receiver both have to fill out and sign Pennsylvania's Affidavit of Gift form (MV-13ST), which is available online.

If the vehicle's current title is out-of-state, the PA Gift form (MV-13ST) has to be filled out and we need proof that sales tax was paid by the gift giver in their home state. Documents that prove this could include a bill of sale from the dealership they purchased the vehicle from or registration documents from the prior state that show the amount of sales tax that was paid. 

"Do I need to get plates and registration?"

If you're planning on driving or parking in a public area, you must get a plate and registration card for your vehicle. Otherwise, it's possible to only transfer the title to your name.  

"How long does the process take?"

Transferring your new vehicle's title, plate and registration at our office is simple and only takes about 15-20 minutes if you come in with all of your documents. You will receive your plate and registration card right here in the office, on the same day.

"I'm not a PA resident, but I'm buying a car with a PA title. What do I do?"

If you head down to our office with the seller, your valid ID, and an active insurance ID card from your home state, we can notarize your title and assign you a transit plate that's valid for 2 months. This will allow you to drive the vehicle to your home state and get it registered there.

Need Help with the Process?

Navigating PennDOT paperwork can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the state. Our locally owned and operated title, registration, and insurance agency has been helping PA residents for over 20 years, and we can make sure your vehicle title transfer is completed correctly and quickly. If you have any questions about the process, our team is here to help!

Please feel free to stop by our office or give us a call at (215)-790-0203 for more information.