PA Title and Registration: Your Trusted PennDOT Partner
At John’s Auto Tags, we understand that vehicle registration and titling can seem complex. We’re here to simplify the PA Title and Registration process. As a PennDOT Authorized On-Line Service Center, we handle a vast array of Vehicle Registration and Titling requests daily, ensuring things are processed quickly, accurately, and hassle-free. Serving Lower Bucks County and Philadelphia since 1980, we bring decades of trusted local experience and are fully bonded, licensed, and insured for your peace of mind.
Whether you’ve just bought a car, need to renew your registration, or are navigating a unique situation like transferring an inherited title, we’ve got you covered. We specialize in fast, walk-in/walk-out service and pride ourselves on providing the convenience and personal, one-on-one guidance that helps you avoid long lines and confusing paperwork.
Below are some of the most common Vehicle Registration and Titling requests and/or issues that we work with on an everyday basis; however, we are educated and authorized by PennDOT to do so much more! If you are looking for something that is not explained here or you would like more details, please contact us at your convenience and we will be more than happy to assist you.
– *Please note: We have done our best to explain our services and what is required in detail, however as everything in life, every service/situation has different requirements; therefore further documentation or representation may be needed!
PLEASE REMEMBER WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PENNDOT DELAYS
Our Core Vehicle Services
Vehicle Registration & Titling | Registration Renewal | Duplicate Title | Change Of Name | Change Of Address | Duplicate Registration Card | Duplicate License Plate | Vanity Plate | Special Fund Plates | Additional Services
PA Vehicle Registration and Titling
– Did you purchase a car, motorcycle, truck or trailer? Let us do your title and registration work!
You will need to bring:
- The Title – OR – Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
– *If it is an out of state title the state requires a VIN Verification.
MV-41 Application for Correction of Vehicle Record or Verification of Vehicle Record or Verification of Vehicle Identification Number
– *If the title is a PA title or an out of state title that needs to be notarized the seller(s) must also come with their valid DL/ID so we can notarize the title OR it must be notarized before coming in to do the transfer!
– *Certificates of Origin need to be notarized under the Odometer Statement AND Customer Assignment. - Your valid PA Driver’s License.
– *If your address differs from that on your driver’s license we will need your amendment card as well or we will need to change your address with the state.
– * If your address needs changed/updated we will most likely be able to change your address at the same time as your transfer. - Your valid PA Automobile Insurance Card or Declarations Page
– *Make sure your name is listed on the ID card, if not we must have a VIN specific card or the Declarations Page showing you are listed as a driver.
– *Please review acceptable Proof of Insurance
– * Please note: If the buyer has a registration/plate in his or her name that plate is most likely transferable and in most situations will save you money! Just bring in the registration card for that license plate with you!
Cars:
– The average fees for a title transfer w/new plates and registration is: $282.00 + sales tax on the purchase price and the $5.00 fee for local use if applicable.
– The average fees for the transfer of a title and plate/registration is: $205.00 + sales tax on the purchase price.
– The average fees for the transfer of a title and plate/registration w/renewal is: $253.00 + sales tax on the purchase price and the $5.00 fee for local use if applicable.
Motorcycles:
– The average fees for a title transfer w/new plates and registration is: $259.00 + sales tax and the $5.00 fee for local use if applicable.
– The average fees for the transfer of a title and plate/registration is: $205.00 + sales tax on the purchase price.
– The average fees for the transfer of a title and plate/registration w/renewal is: $230.00 + sales tax and the $5.00 fee for local use if applicable.
Trucks and Trailers:
– The average fees for a title transfer w/new plates and registration is as follows: $234.00 + PA state GVWR Registration fee + sales tax on the purchase price and the $5.00 fee for local use if applicable.
– The average fees for the transfer of a title and plate/registration is as follows: $205.00 + sales tax on the purchase price + any applicable increase fee.
– The average fees for the transfer of a title and plate/registration w/renewal is as follows: $205.00 + PA state GVWR Registration fee + sales tax on the purchase price + any applicable increase fee and the $5.00 fee for local use if applicable.
– Please review: Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles schedule of fees.
– Please review: Fee for Local Use – Participating Counties .
– *Please note: In most cases the actual registration can be issued the same day; however certain circumstances require the application to be sent by messenger to PennDOT. If so, this service generally takes about 4 to 6 weeks. If possible we will provide you with a 90-day temporary registration. The actual registration will be returned to our office and we will call you as soon as it comes in![/acc]
Contact Us To Register Your Vehicle
Registration Renewal
– Is it that time of year already? We know how busy life can be; it’s so easy to forget. Stop in and we can get you renewed and back on the road!
The owner of the vehicle needs to bring the following:
- The current insurance card for the vehicle you are renewing.
- The current mileage of the vehicle.
- And, if you have it, the current/expired registration card or renewal application from the state.
– Car Registration: $48.00 + Service Charge + the $5.00 fee for local use if applicable.
– Motorcycle Registration: $25.00 + Service Charge + the $5.00 fee for local use if applicable.
– Truck and/or Trailer Registration: The state registration fee is based on the truck/trailer GVWR + Service Charge + the $5.00 fee for local use if applicable.
– Please review: Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles schedule of fees.
– Please review: Fee for Local Use – Participating Counties . [/acc]
Contact Us To Renew Your Vehicle’s Registration
Duplicate Title
– Ordering a duplicate title is easy at John’s Auto Tags; in most cases we can get you a duplicate title in as little as 3 to 10 business days!
The owner(s) of the vehicle need to bring the following:
- Each owner must have his or her valid Driver’s License or valid Photo Identification.
- And, if you have it, the registration card, VIN, Title number or Plate number.
- And, if applicable, the lien release letter.
– *Please note: If PennDOT has a lien recorded in their system a lien release letter from the lienholder will be required to accompany the application to the state. In this case the processing will generally take about 4 to 6 weeks.
Duplicate Title: $72.00 + Service Charge[/acc]
Contact Us To Order A Duplicate Title
Change of Name
– Do you need to change your name on your vehicle record? We can help you get your title and/or your registration card updated!
The owner(s) of the vehicle need to bring the following:
- Each owner must have his or her valid Driver’s License or valid Photo ID.
- The vehicle registration card.
- The original marriage certificate, original divorce decree, or original court order.
- The title to the vehicle if you going to change the name on the title as well.
– *Please note: Changing the name on the title is not required. If you do not change the name on the title, when you decide to sell, trade-in, or scrap your vehicle you will simply need to provide the original above certificate, decree, or court order.
Registration Change of Name: $34.00 Service Charge
Title and Registration Change of Name: $72.00 + Service Charge[/acc]
Contact Us To Change The Name On Your Vehicle
Change of Address
– There are so many things to remember when you’re moving. If you already have Pennsylvania Registration, we can change your address right over the counter, on-line. Your revised registration card prints out right here in our office!
Registration Change of Address: $14.00 Service Charge[/acc]
Contact Us To Order A Duplicate Title
Duplicate Registration Card
– Have you lost or misplaced your registration card? Stop into our office and we can print out a new registration card in seconds!
Duplicate Registration Card: $7.00 + Service Charge[/acc]
Contact Us To Order A Duplicate Registration Card
Duplicate License Plate
– Have you lost your license plate? Stop into our office and we can issue you a new plate along with a registration card right over the counter!
The owner(s) of the vehicle need to bring the following:
- Each owner must have his or her valid Driver’s License or valid Photo ID.
Duplicate Registration Plate: $14.00 + Service Charge[/acc]
Contact Us To Order A Duplicate License Plate
Vanity Plate
– Looking for a vanity plate, something that will make you and your car stand apart from the rest?
– Personalized regular registration plates are available for:
- Passenger cars
- Motorcycles (may contain a combination of up to five letters and numbers)
- Trucks (under 14,000 lbs)
- Motorhomes
- Trailers
The owner(s) of the vehicle need to bring the following:
- Each owner must have his or her valid Driver’s License or valid Photo ID.
- The current vehicle registration card.
*Please Note:
- One hyphen or one space is permitted, but not both.
- Special characters are not available.
- A hyphen or space is not recognized as part of the plate configuration and does not count as one of the letters or numbers.
- The plate you request is not guaranteed. The state must approve the plate you request.
- Vanity plates are order in large groups therefore it may take 6 to 8 weeks, sometimes more, sometimes less.
- If your request is approved the plate and registration card will be returned to our office; we will call you when it comes in!
Check Personalized License Plate Availability
Order your VANITY PLATE today: $103.00 + Service Charge[/acc]
Contact Us To Order A PA Vanity Plate
Special Fund Plates
– Pennsylvania’s DMV offers several Special Fund/Organization Plates. Below are the Special Fund plates that we can issue over the counter.
– Conserve Wild Resources: Proceeds from this plate support the management of the Commonwealth’s unique flora and fauna! Wild Resources Plate: $43.00 + Service Charge
– PA’s Zoological Council License Plate: Proceeds benefit the PA Zoological Council’s six member zoos: the Philadelphia Zoo, the Pittsburgh Zoo, the Erie Zoo, the Elmwood Park Zoo, the National Aviary, and the Lehigh Valley Zoo! Zoological Council Plate: $64.00 + Service Charge
– Preserve Our Heritage Plate: Proceeds from this plate help underwrite the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s educational and exhibit programs! Preserve Our Heritage Plate: $64.00 + Service Charge
The owner(s) of the vehicle need to bring the following:
- Each owner must have his or her valid Driver’s License or valid Photo ID.
- And, if you have it, the current vehicle registration card.
Special Fund Plate: State fees vary + Service Charge[/acc]
Keep in mind we can do so much more:
- On-Line Vehicle Registration Restorations
- Requests for Vehicle Information
- Salvage and Reconstructed Titles
- Vintage/Antique/Classic/Collectable Titles and Registrations
- Vertical Motorcycle Registration Plates
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in PA?
The current PennDOT fee for a car title transfer is $72.00. This is the state-mandated fee to change ownership. This cost is part of the total transaction, which also includes registration fees, sales tax (if applicable), and any service fees from the authorized agent.
How much does it cost to transfer tags and title in PA?
This is a combination of costs that varies depending on your situation. The total transaction includes:
- Title Transfer Fee: $72.00
- Registration Fee: The current standard passenger vehicle fee is $48.00 for one year.
- Sales Tax: 6% of the purchase price (plus any local taxes in your county).
- Transfer Fee for Existing Tags: If you are moving your current license plate from your old car to your new one, the transfer fee is $11.00.
- Authorized Messenger Service Fee: This fee is charged for the convenience and on-the-spot service.
Because of these variables, the total cost can range from approximately $200 and up, in addition to sales tax. We will provide a complete, itemized breakdown when you visit our office.
How long does it take to get a duplicate title in PA?
If you apply for a duplicate title by mail directly with PennDOT, it can take 4 to 6 weeks to receive it. However, by visiting an authorized agent like us, you can receive a temporary title card and a confirmed receipt immediately. The official duplicate title will be mailed directly to your home from PennDOT.
How much does it cost to get a license plate in PA?
The cost of a standard license plate is included in your vehicle’s initial registration fee, which is currently $48.00 for a passenger car. If you are replacing a lost or damaged plate, the fee is $14.00. Specialty or personalized plates have different fees and are an additional cost on top of the standard registration fee.
Do both the buyer and seller need to be present for a title transfer?
Yes, in Pennsylvania, both the buyer and seller (and all registered owners) must be present to sign the title in front of an authorized PennDOT agent or a notary. This is a crucial step to legally transfer ownership and prevent fraud.
What documents do I need for a title transfer?
For a standard title transfer, you will need:
- The original, properly signed Pennsylvania title.
- Valid PA Photo ID for all parties (buyer and seller).
- Proof of valid PA auto insurance for the buyer.
- The exact odometer reading of the vehicle.
- A method of payment for fees and taxes.
Do I need a notary to transfer a title?
Yes, Pennsylvania law requires that the signatures on a vehicle title be witnessed by a notary public or an authorized PennDOT agent. This ensures the transaction is legitimate and protects all parties from potential problems.
I lost my car title. What do I do?
You will need to apply for a duplicate title. The vehicle’s owner must be present with a valid PA Photo ID. We can process this request instantly and get you a temporary title card to use while you wait for the official one from PennDOT.
Do I need to get my car inspected before I register it?
A safety and emissions inspection is a separate requirement from registration. In Pennsylvania, all newly registered vehicles must pass a state inspection within 10 days of registration. You can visit any certified inspection station to get this done.