How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Car Title in Pennsylvania?


in Ownership
Pennsylvania countryside

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Transferring a car title is a process that might need to happen for various reasons. Whatever the case, it can be tricky to understand the pricing since it varies by location. Citizens of the keystone state might wonder – how much does it cost to transfer a car title in Pennsylvania?

According to the official PennDOT website, it will cost you $58.00 to transfer a car title in Pennsylvania. Of course, there are a few other items that you will need to shift your car title along with that sum.

Keep on reading to learn more about how much it costs to transfer a car title in Pennsylvania. By the time you’re done with this piece, you should have a solid understanding of this process and the price that comes with it.

Cost of Transferring a Car Title in Pennsylvania

How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Pennsylvania? As we mentioned above, the current price sits at $58. This can and has changed over time. For example:

The current price, as of 2021, is $58. Judging by the trend we can see in the examples above; this cost will continue to go up as the years go on. In a few years, the price to transfer a title in Pennsylvania might be up to $60.

It is critical to check the cost on the official PennDOT site before you head down to pay it. This measure will allow you to be prepared and not be confused if the price has gone up.

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Who Pays the Fee for the Car?

You might wonder who ends up paying the fee for the car title transfer. Is it the individual that is buying the car? Is it the one who is selling it? This question can cause unnecessary disagreements between the two individuals involved in this process.

In general, the seller is the one who will pay the transfer fee. This is because:

  • It is a respectful thing to do
  • Buyers handle all of the other fees
  • The transfer fee is not usually part of the price

Of course, the buyer can also pay the transfer fee for the car title. It would be best to discuss this with each other before you go to the DMV to take care of the payment. If you can avoid arguments over a simple $58 price tag, you should.

If you are selling the car and want the buyer to pay for the transfer fee, you should include that in your item description. This will put everything on the table beforehand.

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How Do You Submit the Payment?

With many payments, you can do them online. This is not the case for transferring a car title in Pennsylvania. You will both need to make your way down to the DMV so that you can work with a PennDOT agent to finalize everything.

Though it might seem more straightforward to take care of everything on the internet, an agent will make the process less confusing and quicker. Once there, you should be able to pay in almost any format that you prefer. The process might take a while, but it will be done right. Make sure you plan for this day ahead of time.

What Other Items are Needed to Transfer the Title?

The fee is the main item that you need to transfer the title of the car in Pennsylvania. When you go down to the DMV to do so, however, a few other items are critical to this process. You will not be able to complete the action without these items. Without them, the payment you have prepared is useless.

The other things you will need to have with you at the DMV, according to etags.com, includes:

  • Form MV-4ST, which is the Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration
  • A Pennsylvania driver’s license or another format of identification
  • A tracing of the VIN if you are the buyer and are getting the vehicle from a non-resident, or if it is a truck or motorhome
  • Proof of any car insurance, such as the card or policy number
  • Other fees you might need to pay, including taxes for the car and registration fees

You will need all of these items, along with the payment, to successfully transfer the title over to either you or the individual purchasing the car from you. If you buy a vehicle from outside Pennsylvania, you will also need Form MV-1.

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What Happens if You Skip this Payment?

This fee might seem like a bit of an annoyance. What if you don’t pay it? Is $58 going to make that much difference in the long run?

If you do not pay the fee to transfer the title, the ownership will remain unchanged. This means that the seller:

  • Will technically still be the listed owner of the vehicle and thus be held liable for tickets and fees earned by the new driver.
  • Could be held responsible for failing to pay the fees.

Skipping the payment is not worth it. This cost will officially solidify the exchange of ownership and push the vehicle from your life. You must pay it, even if you think there is no reason you should do so.

Conclusion

If you are selling a car in the keystone state, you might wonder how much it costs to transfer a car title in Pennsylvania. This process is affordable and straightforward. It will cost you about $58 when all is said and done.

By taking care of this process in person, you and the buyer should have little trouble transferring the car title. If you still feel confused about the process, the official PennDOT website has plenty of helpful material. The fees tend to change, so you must double-check their site before doing anything.

Car Title in Pennsylvania FAQs

What documents do I need to transfer car ownership in Pennsylvania?

There are several documents you’ll need for registration:

  • Pennsylvania Certificate of title
  • Pennsylvania Driver’s License (or any photo ID)
  • Copy of your insurance card
  • Form MV-4ST “Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration”

It’s worth noting that Form MV-4ST is only available from authorized agents of PennDOT.

If I sell my car, what steps should I take?

The legal transfer of a vehicle happens when the Pennsylvania car title is signed by both the seller and buyer in front of a notary public. Several details must be disclosed, including purchase price and mileage (not applicable to trailers) during the transfer time. The buyer must be able to submit the title transfer documents to PennDOT within 20 days after notarization.

What if I’m buying a vehicle titled from out of state?

In this case, check the front and back of the title. Look for the seller’s signature and your car’s odometer reading.

The best practice would be to consult with an authorized PennDOT agent or the Pennsylvania Bureau of Motor Vehicles about out-of-state car title transfers. These agents and services can help you through online processing.

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