PA Dealer Title & Registration Guide
In This Guide
PennDOT requirements that come up in dealer transactions most often. Each section links to a dedicated reference page.
MV-1 vs MV-4ST
Which PennDOT form to use for each transaction type. Decision tree included.
Common Rejections
The 12 reasons PennDOT sends title applications back, and how to prevent each one.
Out-of-State Dealers
Selling to PA customers from another state. VIN verification, in-transit tags, and MV-1 requirements.
Electronic Lien & Title
PA's mandatory ELT program. Lien recording, FIN numbers, OLRP integrators, and the fee schedule.
Our Dealer Services
What Commonwealth Auto Tags handles for PA and out-of-state dealerships.
PennDOT Dealer Forms
| Form | Name | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| MV-1 | Application for Certificate of Title | New vehicles (with MCO/MSO) and out-of-state vehicles entering PA |
| MV-4ST | Vehicle Sales & Use Tax Return / Registration | Used vehicles with an existing PA title |
| MV-13ST | Affidavit of Gift | Gift transfers claiming sales tax exemption (Exemption 13) |
| MV-38D | Duplicate Title Application (Dealer) | Obtaining a replacement title for a lost or damaged original |
| MV-120 | Agent Transaction Form | Processed alongside MV-1 or MV-4ST by authorized agents |
| MV-37 | ELT Participation Application | Lienholders joining the Electronic Lien and Title program |
Which form? If the vehicle is titled in PA, use MV-4ST. If not, use MV-1. See the full decision guide.
PennDOT State Fee Schedule
These are PennDOT's fees. Messenger and agent service fees are additional and vary by provider. Contact us for a quote.
Title & Registration
| Original title | $72 |
| Duplicate title | $72 |
| Passenger registration (annual) | $48 |
| Local use fee (annual) | $5 |
| Temporary registration plate | $20 |
| Dealer notification | $6 |
| Replacement plate | $14 |
Lien Processing
| Record lien (title issued) | $108 |
| Satisfy lien (title issued) | $72 |
| Renew lien (title not issued) | $36 |
| Renew lien (title issued) | $108 |
| Lienholder name change | $72 |
Fees as of July 1, 2025. Source: PennDOT fee schedule at pa.gov/agencies/dmv/resources/payments-and-fees
PA Vehicle Sales Tax
6%
Most PA counties
7%
Allegheny County
8%
Philadelphia
Trade-in credit reduces the taxable amount by the trade-in vehicle's value. Dealer-to-dealer wholesale transfers are exempt as sales for resale. Gift transfers are exempt with Form MV-13ST.
Tax is collected via MV-4ST for PA-titled vehicles and via MV-1 for new and out-of-state vehicles.
The 20-Day Submission Rule
Title 75, Section 1111(b)
Dealers must submit title applications to PennDOT within 20 days of the notarized assignment. The clock starts when the seller signs the title before a notary.
Penalties for Late Submission
| First offense | $100 |
| Subsequent offenses | $300 - $1,000 |
A rejected application restarts the clock. If PennDOT sends back your submission for missing insurance documentation or a VIN verification error, you lose the days spent waiting. See the 12 most common rejection reasons.
Dealer Acquisition Notification
Separate from the 20-day title rule: dealers must notify PennDOT within 7 days of acquiring a vehicle for resale (Title 75, Section 1113). The notification fee is $6. Penalty for missing this deadline: $50 per violation.
We Handle the Paperwork
As a PennDOT Full Agent and Online Messenger, Commonwealth Auto Tags processes dealer title and registration transactions at six PA locations.