The legal document that officially declares you the proprietor of your automobile is the car title, one of the most crucial documents. Whether you buy a new or old automobile from a dealer or a private person, you will obtain a title.
When an automobile is purchased, the lender often holds the certificate of title, which must be released to the buyer once the payment is made.
Main steps involved in a PA car title transfer
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The contracting parties will travel to a DMV title office jointly to complete the back of the title.
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The buyer will submit the title, form, identification, and evidence of insurance.
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The buyer is responsible for all title transfer, purchase, and registration fees.
Car Transactions and Title transfer in detail
Both the parties are involved and responsible for carrying out a DMV title transfer through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in a private car sale. To finalize the car title transfer, both the contracting parties will go to a PennDOT representative together. After registration and title transfer, Pennsylvania Auto Tags will be provided once and then again during re-registration.
NOTE: When you purchase a car in Pennsylvania, the vendor will generally take care of the title transfer and licensing paperwork for you to ensure that you have Pennsylvania vehicle insurance, as it is essential for registration.
Process of PA Car title transfer for sellers
For transferring a Penn car title, you must accompany the buyer to a PennDOT office. You should carry with you a form of identification, most suitably your Pennsylvania driver's license, in case the agent requires evidence.
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The first thing to keep in mind is to record the vehicle's mileage on the backside of the title.
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In the presence of the DMV agent, print and sign your name.
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You are required to remove your license plates from the car after the title transfer. Your license plates can be transferred or surrendered.
You are not supposed to give the buyer your license plates. Finally, as evidence that you accomplished the title transfer and supplied the vehicle, you also might want to obtain formal recognition from the buyer.
Process of PA Car title transfer for buyers
Again, as a buyer, you would have to go to a PennDOT representative and the seller to have a Pennsylvania car title converted into your name. While transferring the title, you'll also need to register the vehicle. The registration of the vehicle would lead to you receiving Pennsylvania Auto Tags.
To finish the car title transfer process, buyers must fill out the backside of the title with their name, address, and signature in the presence of a PennDOT official.
Note: To sign the current title at the PennDOT office, all owners mentioned on the new title must be available.
Things you'll need as a buyer during the car title transfer:
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Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Registration Application (Form MV-4ST)
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If you purchased the car from a non-resident or if the vehicle is a truck or other large vehicle:
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A trace of the vehicle identification number (VIN) should be attached to your request.
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Your Pennsylvania driver's license or ID card
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Proof of car insurance, such as an insurance card, a copy of a valid insurance binder, or a copy of your insurance policy declaration page
Conclusion
Many other processes are involved for an out-of-state transfer, including some of the basic steps as routine car title transfers. But to properly know the process, you can view the PennDOT website for details.
