how to transfer a car title in pennsylvania if i have power of attorney

by Edythe Champlin PhD 9 min read

To transfer a car title, you will need to set up a financial power of attorney that only covers that one transaction. The type of document you need is a limited power of attorney, which states that your agent or attorney-in-fact is only mandated to act on your behalf to complete the title transfer for the vehicle.

The person named on a General Power of Attorney is permitted to sign the Secure Power of Attorney Form when necessary, and all other documents required to properly transfer the vehicle's ownership. A General Power of Attorney must be notarized and include the signatures of two witnesses.Oct 1, 2020

Full Answer

How do I transfer an out of State Car title in PA?

To transfer an out of state car title in PA, motorists will be required to submit the necessary documents and fee payments through a motor vehicle office of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

How do I transfer ownership of a car in Philadelphia?

Tax for City of Philadelphia residents is 8%. Registration fees. If you buy a vehicle titled in a state other than PA, you'll go in person to a PennDOT agent to complete the auto title transfer. To transfer ownership of the vehicle, you need: The out-of-state title, assigned to you by the seller.

How do I transfer a car title with a power of attorney?

You can even check your local DVM’s website for their own power of attorney form for car title transfers. You’ll have to fill out your personal identification as well as your agent’s (who you’re appointing) information. Make sure everything matches ID and that your name matches the exact spelling on your title.

How do I transfer a vehicle as a gift in PA?

If the vehicle is being given as a gift, the Form MV-13ST (PDF), “Affidavit of Gift” must be attached to the title application. This form must be completed by all transferees and transferors and attached to Form MV-1 or MV-4ST for any transfer for which a gift exemption (Exemption 13) for purposes of Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax is claimed.

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Do both parties need to be present to transfer a title in PA?

Yes, both parties need to be present to sign the title and have it notarized by a licensed Pennsylvania notary public. Conceivably, the signing and notarization could be done separately, with buyer and seller consecutively appearing before the notary with the title.

What documents are needed to transfer a car title in PA?

The title transfer requirements in Pennsylvania include: An original and valid Certificate of Title. Proof of Identification. Payment of fees....These include:A valid Pennsylvania driver's license.A valid Pennsylvania ID card.A valid U.S. Armed Forces Common Access Card.

Can you do a title transfer online in PA?

eTags PA is licensed by PennDOT, but instead of filing in-person, our titles services are processed online saving you time, with no appointment needed. Our Title Specialists require: The current PA title, completely filled out and including mileage. A valid, state-issued ID such as a driver's license.

Can you transfer a title in PA without a notary?

Selling a New Vehicle When selling a vehicle, the seller must sign and handprint their name on the proof of ownership document. The seller's signature is required to be notarized or verified on the Pennsylvania title.

Does the car have to be present to transfer title in PA?

Transferring a NEW OR OUT OF STATE Title and Registering (license plate) into Pennsylvania (Car or Truck) Need not be present BUT if the Title requires a Notarized signature Please make sure it is completed.

Can a notary transfer a car title in PA?

When you sell a car in Pennsylvania you must go through a PA car title transfer. However, the state of Pennsylvania requires a notary title transfer, which means when you sign your title a notary must be present.

Can you gift a car to a family member in PA?

In the state of Pennsylvania, you can gift a vehicle to a family member, as long as you have the proper documentation. If you received a vehicle as a gift, or the vehicle is being transferred from a family member, you must complete a vehicle title transfer at your local PA DOT office.

How do you transfer a car title when someone dies in PA?

Transferring Vehicles With Joint Owners Submitting a completed DMV Form MV-39 Notification of Assignment/Correction of Vehicle Title Upon Death of Owner, the original death certificate and ​$50​ title fee suffice to get a new title showing the surviving owner's name.

How much is it to transfer a title in PA?

$58What is the Pennsylvania title transfer fee? According to PennDot, it costs $58 to do a Pennsylvania title transfer. The fee is the same whether getting an original title, duplicate title, or at a registered dealer. If there's a lien on the vehicle, the cost will be $86.

Can any notary notarize a title in PA?

Any Pennsylvania notary public may notarize state documents and titles.

What do I need to transfer a title?

The most common documents that you need to have with you are the following:Deed of Absolute Sale (DAS), original copy and photocopies.Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) or Condominium Certificate of Title (TCT), duplicate copy and photocopies.More items...•

How much does it cost to notarize a car title in PA?

FEE SCHEDULESERVICEFEESAGENT SERVICE FEETitle Transfer Only$58.00$60.00Transfer Title & Issue New Plate$58.00+ Registration$90.00Transfer Title & Existing Reg. Plate$67.00$60.00Transfer Reg. Plate, Same Owner$9.00 + County Fee$60.0030 more rows•Aug 9, 2022

How do you transfer a car title in Pennsylvania?

In most cases, you will need the services of an authorized PennDOT agent or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to assist you in transferring the title. The authorized PennDOT dealer, agent, or online title/registration processor must send the title application directly to PennDOT.

What do I need to transfer a title?

The most common documents that you need to have with you are the following:Deed of Absolute Sale (DAS), original copy and photocopies.Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) or Condominium Certificate of Title (TCT), duplicate copy and photocopies.More items...•

How do I gift a car to a family member in PA?

In the state of Pennsylvania, you can gift a vehicle to a family member, as long as you have the proper documentation. If you received a vehicle as a gift, or the vehicle is being transferred from a family member, you must complete a vehicle title transfer at your local PA DOT office.

How much is a title transfer and registration in PA?

It costs $53 to transfer a car title in Pennsylvania. But you won't need to worry about the fee if you're selling. The buyer is responsible for paying the title fee. The only extra costs the seller incurs are notary fees and taxes.

How to transfer a car title in Pennsylvania?

When transferring a car title in Pennsylvania, both the sellers and the purchasers need to appear together at a notary public, tag service or at a motor vehicle dealer’s office and complete the title application form correctly. A process of car title transfer requires both the seller and the purchaser of the motor vehicle to perform their own part of the procedure.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Pennsylvania?

To perform a Pennsylvania vehicle title transfer is a procedure that must be performed when transmitting the ownership rights over a motor vehicle to another legal entity. Moreover, a car title transfer process may be required in various situations. For instance, transferring a car title is a process that individuals need to perform when selling or purchasing a motor vehicle.

How to transfer a car title?

Therefore, the steps of a vehicle title transfer procedure that a seller must complete are the following: 1 Sign and write their name on the proof of ownership. 2 Notarize or verify their signatures on the certificate of title. 3 Provide an appropriate proof of ownership.

What happens after a car title is transferred?

After the auto title transfer process is finished, sellers need to remove the license plates from the motor vehicle. On the opposite side of the car title transfer procedure, purchasers have different obligations to satisfy.

When do you need to transfer a title?

Drivers usually need to perform a title transfer procedure after purchasing or selling a motor vehicle to another person. However, title transfers may also be mandatory when inheriting or receiving a vehicle as gift.

What is a PA title?

A car title is a legal document issued by the PA DOT, which may serve as proof of ownership over a motor vehicle. A bill of sale can also act as proof of ownership and may be required for title transfer in some cases.

When do you need to order a new car title in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires vehicle owners to order a new car title immediately after purchasing a new vehicle or after moving from another state. If purchasing a vehicle from a dealership, the dealer must complete the title application procedure in the name of the buyer.

How to transfer a vehicle with a power of attorney?

To transfer a vehicle with a power of attorney document, you need to draw up that document first. Some people hire lawyers, while others get an online template they can customize. Every state has a different power of authority form, but generally speaking they work in the same way and typically have to be notarized.

How to get a power of attorney for a car title?

You can even check your local DVM’s website for their own power of attorney form for car title transfers. You’ll have to fill out your personal identification as well as your agent’s (who you’re appointing) information. Make sure everything matches ID and that your name matches the exact spelling on your title. You’ll have to fill out the vehicle’s info such as make, color, license plate number and the like. Finally signing under penalty of perjury and before a notary.

What is a power of attorney?

Generally speaking, a power of attorney assists you in making decisions when you’re unable to make them yourself. It can be used to give another person (called the Agent or Attorney-In-Fact) the authority to make health care decisions, do financial transactions, or sign legal documents that the Principal (i.e. You) can’t do for one reason or another.

How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Pennsylvania?

Therefore, keep in mind that in addition to the standard $53 titling fee, you will also be required to pay for new license plates.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in Pennsylvania?

A cross state car title transfer is a titling procedure reserved for vehicle owners who have transported an out of state vehicle into Pennsylvania. After completing the procedure to re-title a car in another state DMV’s database under such circumstances, the invalid title will be converted to a title certificate issued by the PennDOT, which will qualify the vehicle for a new car registration and allow the owner to operate the vehicle legally within the state.

What paperwork do you need to transfer a car title?

In such cases, motorists will need a properly reassigned title bearing the seller’s signature and the odometer disclosure statement, as well as a valid bill of sale to prove that the transaction took place. If the vehicle was received as a gift , on the other hand , applicants will also need to fill out a gift affidavit and proof that they are the new owner of the vehicle.

Does a title transfer charge sales tax in Pennsylvania?

Cross state car title transfer fees will also include a sales tax payment in the event that the out-of-state vehicle has been titled in your name less than six months before moving to Pennsylvania. If you are recording a lien on your vehicle when you perform a title transfer, you will also be charged an additional fee.

Do you have to transfer a title after buying a car?

Apart from completing an out of state title transfer after buying a car, you will also be required to initiate a title transfer if you have received a vehicle under other circumstances. For example, transferring an out of state vehicle title is also mandatory if you have inherited a vehicle form a deceased relative.

Do you have to transfer a title if you are a nonresident?

Therefore, you will only be required to complete a title transfer if you are a new resident with a nonresident vehicle or you have obtained a previously titled vehicle from an out of state seller. If you bring a new vehicle within the state on a manufacturer’s certificate of origin you will be required to apply for a new title with ...

Do you have to register your car in Pennsylvania when you transfer a title?

Note that, when finalizing the out of state car title transfer process, applicants will also be required to register their vehicles at the same time. Get more information on how to perform an out of state car title transfer in Pennsylvania by reading the following sections.

Where to get a title for a car in Pennsylvania?

The buyer and seller should meet at the office of a notary public, tag service, or motor vehicle dealer to ensure the title application is completed correctly. If the car is financed, the certificate of title in your name will be mailed to the lienholder. If the vehicle is not financed, the certificate of title in your name will be sent directly to you.

Who is responsible for submitting a title application to PennDOT?

The dealer where you purchased your new vehicle is responsible for sending the title application to PennDOT. More information can be found in the Buying or Selling Your Car in Pennsylvania (PDF) fact sheet.

What is proof of ownership?

Vehicle ownership documents issued by vehicle manufacturers and titling jurisdictions that provide specific vehicle information and used as the legal document to transfer ownership of the vehicle are known as “proof of ownership” documents. The following are the acceptable proof of ownership documents:

When buying a car (PDF) which has been titled in another state, should the purchaser check the back of?

When buying a car (PDF) which has been titled in another state, the purchaser should check the back of the title carefully. There should be a place for the seller’s signature and the car’s present odometer reading. The seller’s signature may be required to be notarized on some out-of-state titles.

What is the MV-1 form for out of state title?

Out of State titles are used in conjunction with Form MV-1, “Application for Certificate of Title.” This form is only available from authorized agents of PennDOT.

Where to return Pennsylvania license plate?

The license plate should be returned to PennDOT at Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Return Tag Unit, P.O. Box 68597, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597, unless the seller is planning to transfer the plate to another vehicle. More information may be viewed in our Buying or Selling Your Car in Pennsylvania (PDF) fact sheet.

Do you need a VIN for an out of state vehicle?

VIN verification is required for out of state vehicles.

How long does it take to report a new address to PennDOT?

Pennsylvania requires that you report any new address to PennDOT within 15 days of moving.

What is the form to change a trailer to a recreational trailer?

If the trailer or park model mobile home is designed or adapted and used exclusively for recreational purposes and you wish to change the body type from a trailer (TRL) or a mobile home (MH) to a recreational trailer (RECT) you must complete and submit Form MV-41, “Application for Correction of Vehicle Record or Verification of Vehicle Identification Number,” and indicate body type change to “RECT” in the body type field along with certificate of title and required fees.

What to do if you don't receive your registration card?

If you do not receive your registration card within days of date of issuance you will need to complete Form MV-44, “Application for Duplicate Registration Card, Replacement of Registration Plate, or Weight Class Sticker of Transfer of Registration”.

How to get a duplicate registration card?

To obtain a duplicate registration card and/or renewal sticker, you will want to complete Form MV-44, “Application for Duplicate Registration Card, Replacement of Registration Plate, or Weight Class Sticker of Transfer of Registration”.

What is the form for a duplicate title?

You must complete Form MV-38O, “Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title by Owner'. If you are the lien holder of the vehicle, you will need Form MV-38L, “Application for Certificate of Title by Lien holder.”

When is proportioned registration needed?

Apportioned Registration is needed when a vehicle (s) travels or is intended for travel in two or more of the member jurisdictions and is used for the transportation of persons for hire or is designed , used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property, and (1) is a power unit having a gross or registered weight in excess of 26,000 pounds, or (2) is a power unit having three or more axles regardless of weight, or (3) is used in combination when the weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.

Is there a minimum age to register a car in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law does not dictate a minimum or maximum age for owning/registering a vehicle. However, you should check with your insurance company to see if they have any restrictions regarding an owner’s age.

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