How to Register a Car in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a great state that is rich in both history and natural wonder. There is no mystery why so many people choose to make this state their home. If you are among the many that are moving to Pennsylvania, then you will need to make sure you register your vehicle. In order to avoid being fined, you will have to register your car at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation no later than 20 days after you move. Before you go to the DOT, you will need to collect a few things to make this process go smoothly. Here is what you will need to bring with you:

  • Pennsylvania issued driver’s license
  • Proof that you have car insurance
  • Produce your vehicle identification number
  • The title of the vehicle
  • Payment for the fees involved with registering the vehicle

If you are already a resident of Pennsylvania and have bought a new car from a dealership, you will probably be able to let them handle the registration process. If the car lot does handle this for you, be sure to get copies of all of the documents. This will make it a lot easier for you to get the license plate when the time comes.

For residents who have bought a new car from a private seller, here is what will need to happen for them to get the vehicle registered:

  • Produce either the title for the vehicle or the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Proof that you have car insurance
  • A copy of the paperwork stating the car has been inspected
  • A completed copy of the Application for Certificate of Title

The fees that you can expect to pay during the registration process are as follows:

  • Passenger vehicles will cost $36 to register
  • Motorcycles will cost $18 to register
  • Vehicle title fee is $51
  • If there is a lien on the car, it will be $75 to record the title

Your car will need to have an emissions inspection before you are able to get it registered. For most information on this process and more, visit the Pennsylvania DMV website.


The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

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