Northeast Philadelphia Auto Tags, Registration, Notary and Auto Insurance 

What is a Title Transfer?

A title is a legal document that indicates ownership of property, including vehicles. When a vehicle is bought or sold in the state, a title transfer must be done to allow the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to keep track of who owns the vehicle. These transfers may be done at our office.

Title transfers are involved with matters such as:

• Buying a vehicle
• Selling a vehicle
• Paying off a loan
• Transferring a vehicle to a family member
• Giving a vehicle to an individual
• Donating a vehicle to a charity
• Inheriting a vehicle
• Making a name correction

Buying a Vehicle

New Cars

In these situations, the dealer will take care of the title transfer. If the dealer fails to do so, however, contact PennDOT at (800) 932-4600 for instructions on how to proceed.

Used Cars

Vehicle purchases rank second only to housing purchases in terms of dollars spent. So, obviously, you'll want to proceed cautiously when buying a vehicle.

Once you've made your decision and purchased the vehicle, you'll need to transfer the title by:

1. Obtaining the title from the seller (be sure to do this).
2. Making sure the seller has properly completed the appropriate sections (see above section).
3. Bring a bill of sale if available (for in state transactions)
4. Bring the title into our office along with your PA ID and proof of insurance (if you will be purchasing a tag)
5. Paying the 6% use tax (7% in Allegheny County and 8 % in Philadelphia).
6. Leave the rest up to us! We will take care of all of the paperwork for you.

You should have the vehicle inspected within 10 days of purchasing the vehicle if the inspection and emission stickers have expired.

Inheriting a Vehicle

The proper way to handle a title transfer following the death of the vehicle owner varies tremendously according to a number of factors. You might want to consult a probate attorney for guidance, or at least be sure to read the PennDOT fact sheet that covers many scenarios.

But, here's how to handle the common situation of when the heir is named in the will, and the will isn't in probate:

1. Locate the title.
2. Make a copy of the will.
3. Come into our office
4. Provide proper photo identification.
5. Provide an original death certificate
6. Provide a state issues "short certificate" or complete form MV-39 in our office
7. If you wish to purchase tags or registration please bring your current proof of insurance
8. Leave the rest to us!