Selling or buying a vehicle in Pennsylvania? Both buyer and seller must sign the title in front of a notary public — that is when legal transfer of ownership officially occurs.
This free template is formatted for Pennsylvania’s requirements and works alongside Form MV-4ST at any authorized PennDOT agent location.
Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.
For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →
On this page:
- What Is a Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
- Is a Bill of Sale Required in Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania-Specific Requirements
- Free Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
- How to Fill Out the Template
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Pennsylvania
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Pennsylvania motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.
Pennsylvania uses the title itself as the primary ownership transfer document — used in conjunction with Form MV-4ST (Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration). Form MV-4ST is only available from authorized PennDOT agents, not available for download online. A separate bill of sale is recommended to document the purchase price and protect both parties.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not require a separate bill of sale for standard private party vehicle transfers — the title and Form MV-4ST together constitute the required ownership transfer documentation. However, a bill of sale is strongly recommended to document the purchase price, especially since the purchase price determines the sales tax calculation.
Pennsylvania-Specific Requirements
1. ⚠️ Both Parties Sign the Title Before a Notary
Legal transfer of vehicle ownership in Pennsylvania occurs when both the seller and the buyer sign the Pennsylvania title in front of a notary public. The seller’s signature must be notarized; the buyer also signs.
The seller must sign and handprint their name exactly as it appears on the front of the title — any discrepancy (e.g., “Robert Smith” vs “Bob Smith”) will cause PennDOT to reject the paperwork.
2. Form MV-4ST — Only From Authorized Agents
Form MV-4ST (Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration) must be completed by an authorized PennDOT agent. It is not available for download from PennDOT’s website — it must be obtained in person from an authorized agent such as a notary/tag agency, auto dealership, or AAA office. The buyer completes the purchase price and mileage disclosure on this form.
3. Sales Tax
Pennsylvania charges sales tax on private vehicle purchases. The purchase price declared on Form MV-4ST is used to calculate the tax. Tax is paid at the authorized PennDOT agent at the time of title transfer.
4. License Plates
Pennsylvania license plates stay with the seller. Remove your plate and return it to PennDOT (by mail to the Return Tag Unit in Harrisburg) or transfer it to another vehicle. The buyer will receive a new plate through the authorized PennDOT agent.
5. Odometer Disclosure
The seller must indicate the vehicle mileage in Section A on the back of the Pennsylvania title. Federal odometer regulations prohibit an individual from giving a limited power of attorney to a dealer to complete Section A on 1989 or newer titles.
6. No Deadline — But Register Promptly
Pennsylvania does not impose a specific deadline for title transfers, but the buyer cannot legally operate the vehicle on public roads until it is titled and registered in their name. Register as soon as possible after the sale.
Free Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.
How to Fill Out the Template
Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the front of the Pennsylvania Certificate of Title — even a slight name variation will cause rejection. Enter the buyer’s name exactly as they want it on the new title.
In Section 3, copy the VIN character by character. Enter the full agreed purchase price in Section 4 — PennDOT uses this to calculate sales tax on Form MV-4ST.
Both parties sign Section 11 in front of a notary public. Do not pre-sign. Also sign the back of the title (Sections A and D) before the same or a different notary.
For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →
How to Transfer a Car Title in Pennsylvania
For the Seller
Sign and handprint your name on Sections A and D on the back of the Pennsylvania title before a notary. Your name must match exactly as it appears on the front.
Remove your license plate and either return it to PennDOT by mail (Return Tag Unit, P.O. Box 68597, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597) or transfer it to another vehicle.
For the Buyer
Visit an authorized PennDOT agent (notary/tag agency, AAA office, or auto dealership) with the notarized title, this bill of sale, proof of Pennsylvania insurance, valid Pennsylvania ID, and payment for sales tax and title/registration fees. The agent will complete Form MV-4ST and process the transaction.
Lost Title
Apply for a duplicate title through any authorized PennDOT agent before proceeding. Contact PennDOT at pa.gov/dmv or 717-412-5300.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Legal transfer of ownership in Pennsylvania occurs when both buyer and seller sign the Pennsylvania title in front of a notary public. The seller’s signature must be notarized, and both parties must sign. Do not pre-sign the title.
Form MV-4ST (Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration) is the form used to apply for title and registration of a PA-titled vehicle. It is only available from authorized PennDOT agents — it cannot be downloaded from the PennDOT website. The buyer completes the purchase price and mileage disclosure on this form.
Pennsylvania plates stay with the seller. Remove your plate before handing over the vehicle. Return it to PennDOT by mail (Return Tag Unit, P.O. Box 68597, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597) or transfer it to another vehicle. The buyer receives a new plate through the authorized PennDOT agent.
Pennsylvania does not impose a specific deadline for title transfers. However, the buyer cannot legally operate the vehicle on public roads until it is titled and registered in their name. Register as soon as possible after completing the notarized title signing.
At an authorized PennDOT agent — a notary/tag agency, AAA office, or licensed auto dealership. The authorized agent completes Form MV-4ST and processes the transaction. PennDOT itself does not process title transfers directly from the public.
Yes, as a supplemental document alongside the notarized title and Form MV-4ST. Pennsylvania does not require a separate state-issued bill of sale form. A bill of sale is strongly recommended to document the purchase price and protect both parties.
This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Contact PennDOT at pa.gov/dmv or 717-412-5300 to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.