How to register a car in Pennsylvania?
Whenever you buy a new or used car in Pennsylvania, you must be registered to legally drive it in your state of residence. Also, when you change your residential address to another state, you will need to follow the procedure for transferring the vehicle license plate. The process of register a car in Pennsylvania It may sound complicated, but it doesn't have to be, here we will tell you how to go through the process easily and quickly.
Buying your first new or used car is an important event. As you prepare to take this exciting first step, you begin to learn many other things you need to do as part of the process. However, there is no need to stress. Here we will guide you step by step, showing you what you need to do to register your car in Pennsylvania and what the applicable rates are.
The process for registering a vehicle in Pennsylvania differs depending on certain factors, such as whether the vehicle is new or used or whether you are registering a vehicle from another state.
By gathering the necessary documentation and knowing what steps to take for each process, you'll be ready to complete your vehicle registration with ease and convenience.
Requirements for registering a car in Pennsylvania
To legally drive your new vehicle on Pennsylvania roads and highways, you need to make sure your car is properly registered. If you are buying a new car, most of the registration process is usually done by the dealer. But if not, you will need the following information to register your car:
- Insure your vehicle: you have to take out an insurance policy for your car. To do this, it is recommended that the insurance company offer you new car replacement coverage so that you can get a replacement vehicle of equal value in case you have an accident where you are not responsible and your own. vehicle is damaged beyond repair.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): According to PennDOT, you must provide a "track" vehicle identification number (VIN). This verification can also be provided by an inspection mechanic or by a Notary at a retailer or issuing agent.
- Valid title: the title must be in your name or, if you are applying for a loan to buy your new caryour pledgee will provide it to you.
- Odometer reading: take a picture of the actual mileage on the odometer to check it. If your vehicle is 2008 or newer and has less than 7,500 miles on the odometer, it must be certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). An inspection mechanic or issuing agent can provide you with this documentation.
- Valid ID with photo: This could be a valid Pennsylvania photo driver's license, a Pennsylvania photo ID card, or a U.S. military joint access card.
- Payment: we will talk about this later. Please note that PennDOT accepts checks and money orders as valid forms of payment.
Register a new vehicle in Pennsylvania
Typically, if you bought your new car from a dealer, you won't have to worry about having it titled, since the retailer should take care of the process. However, you will need to register it yourself by completing section G on an application for the degree certificate (MV-1 module), which you can get by visiting a local PennDOT service center.
Also, it may be necessary send a registration request (MV-140 module) to obtain a first registration card. Proof of insurance, a copy of your driver's license or identification and payment of any required fees must be submitted with your application.
Please note that any 2008 or newer vehicle with less than 7,500 miles is considered a new vehicle and must be certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Register a used vehicle in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania used vehicle registration is different from new vehicle registration. Whether you bought the car from a used car dealer or a private seller, To register a used car, you will need to complete section F of your tax return / registration and vehicle sales application. However, the same requirements apply to proof of insurance, driver's license or copy of identification and payment of taxes. If the car is a donation, you will also need the Form MV-13ST: Declaration of donation, which must be completed by all assignees and assignors.
Vehicle registration for military members in Pennsylvania
If you are a military man with a Pennsylvania registered vehicle, regardless of whether you are overseas or stationed outside the state of Pennsylvania, state law requires you to maintain registration in Pennsylvania as usual.
In addition, they may be eligible for one or two year renewals. Upon returning to Pennsylvania, you must manage the inspection of your vehicles within the first 10 days.
likewise, Car insurance maintenance is required for vehicle registrationif it expires or is canceled while the vehicle owner is absent, the registration plates must be returned to PennDOT as soon as that date arrives.
How much does it cost to register a car in Pennsylvania?
The exact cost of registering a vehicle in Pennsylvania varies depending on the type of vehicle and your location. Most passenger vehicles cost $ 37 and motorcycles $ 19. Trucks and commercial vehicles are based on weight, and PennDOT has a tariff list separate for this type of vehicles.
In addition to registering your vehicle, you will also have to pay property taxes which are $ 53, unless there is a lien on the vehicle and then the property tax is $ 78.
There is a sales tax and this is where everything can get confusing. If you buy a vehicle from a dealer, you will generally pay sales tax directly. However, if you buy a car in a private sale, you will need to pay Pennsylvania sales tax at the time of registration.
What you will have to pay for sales tax varies depending on where you live in Pennsylvania. If you live in the city of Philadelphia, you will pay 8% sales tax. If you live somewhere in Allegheny County, it will be 7% and 6% in the rest of Pennsylvania.
Finally, it is important to keep in mind that your Pennsylvania vehicle registration must be kept with all current information.. Since some important life events, such as getting married or divorced, involve changes in your marital status and name, you will therefore need to update your new name with PennDOT to avoid future inconvenience of submitting documentation with an incorrect name.
Likewise, when you move to a new residence, you will also need to change your address on your vehicle registration in Pennsylvania.
If you want to discover other articles similar to How to register a car in Pennsylvania?, you can visit the Last News category.
DISCLAIMER: By reading this, you agree to the following: you understand that this is an expression of opinions and not professional advice. You are solely responsible for the use of any content and hold harmless ©INFOCARSUSA.COM and all members and affiliates from any event or claim. The information provided on the site may contain errors, both grammatical and contextual and/or information, and we recommend that you conduct your own research through the means you deem appropriate to satisfy your search intention. If you purchase something through a link, you should assume that we have an affiliate relationship with the company providing the product or services you purchase, and we will be compensated in some way. We recommend that you conduct your own independent research before purchasing anything.
Leave a Reply
Most Read Articles