What you need to register a car in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania requires you to register any vehicle you own and keep on public roads. You'll register through your county's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), not a state office. The process is the same whether you're registering a new purchase, a vehicle you've moved into the state, or renewing an existing registration.

To register a vehicle in Pennsylvania, you need: the vehicle's title (or proof you own it), proof of Pennsylvania insurance, a completed process form, your driver's license or ID, and payment for registration fees. If you're registering a vehicle you just bought, you'll also need the bill of sale or purchase agreement. If someone else is on the title with you, both owners should be present or one should have a notarized power of attorney.

Pennsylvania does not require an emissions test statewide, though some counties in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas do. Check your county's BMV website to see if your area is covered. If it is, you'll need to pass an emissions test before you can complete registration.

Key Takeaways

  • Register your vehicle at your county's Bureau of Motor Vehicles office, not online or by mail for new registrations.
  • You need the vehicle title, proof of Pennsylvania insurance, a completed process, your ID, and the registration fee.
  • Registration fees depend on the vehicle's weight and age; a new car costs more than an older one of the same weight.
  • Your registration is valid for one or two years depending on the type of vehicle, and you can renew by mail or online before it expires.
  • Some counties require an emissions test before registration; check your county BMV website to learn about yours does.

Where to register and what documents to bring

Find your county's Bureau of Motor Vehicles office on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website. Each county runs its own office, and hours and locations vary. Some counties offer appointments; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead or check online before you go, because wait times can be long during peak hours.

Bring originals of your title, insurance card, and ID. If the title is in someone else's name or if there are multiple owners, bring documentation showing you have the right to register the vehicle—a bill of sale, purchase agreement, or court order. If you're registering a vehicle you inherited, bring the will or probate paperwork. The BMV staff can tell you if you need anything else once you're there, but having these documents ready will speed up the process.

If you cannot go in person, you can mail your registration renewal (not a new registration) to your county BMV office. Include the completed form, your check or money order, and a copy of your insurance card. Mail it at least two weeks before your current registration expires.

Registration fees and how they're calculated

Pennsylvania registration fees are based on the vehicle's gross weight rating (GWR)—the maximum weight it can safely carry, not what it actually weighs. A heavier vehicle costs more to register than a lighter one. The fee also depends on whether the vehicle is new (first registration in Pennsylvania) or a renewal.

For a typical passenger car, registration costs between $36 and $51 per year, depending on weight. A light truck or SUV might cost $51 to $76. These are base fees; your actual cost may be higher if your county adds local fees. Some counties charge an additional $5 to $10 for county services.

You can find the exact fee for your vehicle by entering its weight into the fee calculator on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website, or by calling your county BMV office. If you're unsure of your vehicle's GWR, check the driver's side door jamb or your vehicle's manual—manufacturers are required to list it there.

How long your registration lasts

Most passenger vehicles in Pennsylvania are registered for one year. Some vehicles—including certain commercial vehicles and those registered under specific programs—may be registered for two years. Your registration card will show the expiration date.

Your registration expires on the last day of the month shown on your card. You can renew up to 60 days before expiration. If you let it expire, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads, and you risk a fine if you're stopped. Renewing before expiration is much simpler than registering a lapsed vehicle.

Renewing your registration by mail or online

You can renew your registration online through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website if your vehicle is in good standing and you haven't had any changes to ownership or title status. You'll need your registration number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method. Online renewal takes a few minutes and you'll receive your new registration card by mail within two weeks.

If you prefer to renew by mail, send your completed renewal form, a check or money order for the fee, and a copy of your current insurance card to your county BMV office. Mail it at least two weeks before expiration. Do not send cash.

If your vehicle's title has changed (you added or removed an owner, for example), you cannot renew online or by mail. You'll need to visit your county BMV office in person to update the title before you can renew the registration.

What to do if you move to Pennsylvania or buy a used car

If you move to Pennsylvania from another state, you have 30 days to register your vehicle with a Pennsylvania title. Bring your out-of-state registration, your title, proof of Pennsylvania insurance, and your ID to your county BMV office. You'll pay the registration fee for Pennsylvania and receive a new Pennsylvania title and registration card.

If you buy a used car from a dealer or private seller in Pennsylvania, the seller should give you the title and a bill of sale. Take both to your county BMV office within 10 days of purchase. If the seller doesn't give you the title, contact the BMV—the seller is required by law to transfer it. You cannot legally drive the vehicle without registering it, even if you have insurance.

If you buy a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer and have it shipped to Pennsylvania, register it within 30 days of arrival. Bring the title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and your ID. If the title is from another state, you'll need to explore for a Pennsylvania title at the same time.

Emissions testing in your county

Pennsylvania requires emissions testing in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh area) and the Philadelphia area (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties). If you live in one of these counties, your vehicle must pass an emissions test before you can register or renew registration.

You can take your vehicle to any state-licensed emissions testing station. The test costs about $20 to $30 and takes 10 to 15 minutes. Bring your registration card or proof of ownership. Once you pass, the testing station will give you a receipt showing the test date and results. Bring this receipt to the BMV when you register or renew.

If your vehicle fails the emissions test, you have 30 days to fix the problem and retest. The testing station can tell you what repairs are needed. Some repairs are covered under your vehicle's warranty if it's new enough. If you cannot afford repairs, ask the testing station about the Repair information Program, which may help pay for emissions-related fixes in some cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my car online in Pennsylvania?

You can renew an existing registration online through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website. New registrations and registrations with title changes must be done in person at your county Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.

What happens if my registration expires?

You cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. If you're stopped by police, you'll receive a citation and fine. Renew as soon as possible by visiting your county BMV office or, if you're within 60 days of expiration, by mail or online.

Do I need to register a vehicle if I only drive it on private property?

No. Pennsylvania registration is required only for vehicles driven on public roads. If you keep a vehicle on private property and never drive it on public roads, registration is not required.

How do I register a vehicle if the title is in someone else's name?

You'll need written permission from the title owner. This can be a bill of sale, a notarized power of attorney, or a court order transferring ownership to you. Bring the original title and your permission document to your county BMV office. If the title owner is deceased, bring probate paperwork or a will.

What if I buy a car from a private seller and they won't give me the title?

Contact your county Bureau of Motor Vehicles when ready. The seller is legally required to transfer the title to you. The BMV can investigate and may be able to force the transfer or help you recover the vehicle or your money.