Motorists are required to obtain a vehicle title and car registration in Pennsylvania if they want to operate a motor vehicle legally on public roads within the state. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) issues vehicle registration documents for all types of motor vehicles. However, prior to registering in PA, motorists will have to satisfy certain eligibility criteria and requirements.
The car registration requirements in Pennsylvania include preparation of the mandatory documentation and payment for the applicable fees. Moreover, the requirements may also mandate motorists to provide proof of car insurance and to inspect their vehicles before driving them. Therefore, drivers are encouraged to learn more information about registrations prior to beginning the application procedure. To discover more details about this process, continue reading the sections below.
When registering a car in Pennsylvania, motorists will have to prepare certain documents and satisfy several requirements. For instance, you cannot register without getting car insurance first. Moreover, to register a used car, motorists will have to get it inspected first.
Prior to performing an application procedure for used a car registration in Pennsylvania, motorists are required to inspect their vehicles within 10 days of the purchase. This requirement is not needed when a valid inspection sticker is displayed on the vehicle. The purchasers of the motor vehicles will have to have their vehicles inspected at a PA certified inspection station. Vehicles may be also required to have an emissions inspection if they are registered in an area of the commonwealth participating in the Emissions Inspection Program.
The Pennsylvania car registration procedure may vary based on whether the vehicle being registered and titled is new or used. Motorists are required to provide many of the same documents for both new and used vehicles. However, some of the requirements may vary.
The PennDOT issues either a one-year or two-year DMV registration, and after that period motorists will have to perform the corresponding registration renewal procedure.
When getting a new car registration in Pennsylvania, motorists need to first satisfy certain criteria. To title and register car which is from 2008 or newer, has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds or less, and has less than 7,500 miles on the odometer, it must be certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The state of Pennsylvania partners with this California agency to certify clean fuel vehicles.
New PA residents need to apply for a vehicle registration in Pennsylvania within 20 days of their move to the state. The new car registration procedure for them is the same as for a regular PA resident. New residents must surrender their out-of-state titles to the PennDOT and apply for a PA vehicle title.
Note: If registering a leased vehicle, motorists will have to complete an Application for Lessee Information form and a Power of Attorney from the leasing company.
Maintain car registration and be eligible to renew their registrations after one or two years.
Print a permanent registration credential after renewing online.
Maintain valid and current registration and present the registration card to law enforcement, if needed.
Have the vehicle inspected within 10 days of returning to Pennsylvania.
Active duty service members will have to satisfy different requirements depending on whether they are stationed in PA or out of the state and whether they are PA residents or not.
At the end of the Pennsylvania vehicle registration application procedure, the PennDOT will issue license plates to motorists so that they can place them on their motor vehicles. The PennDOT issues standard car registration license plates as well as Special Fund, Military and Special Organization registration plates.
Most of the license plates may be personalized, according to the driver's needs. Prior to applying for a personalized license plate, make sure to check the availability of the plates online.