Military Personnel Assigned Outside PA or Deployed Overseas

When completing Section A of Form MV-1, the vehicle identification number (VIN) must be verified to ensure that the number listed on the out-of-state title matches the number on the vehicle's VIN plate. A VIN plate tracing must be attached to the reverse side of the white copy of all MV-1 applications for PA certificates of title for the following vehicles:

1. All trucks or truck tractors - VIN plate tracings of trucks should contain the:

   • Complete Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

   • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

   • Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

2. All motor homes

3. All vehicles previously titled in another state.

A tracing is obtained by placing tracing paper against the VIN plate and applying pressure with a lead pencil, stroking left to right across the entire surface of the VIN plate to produce on the paper an image of all information which has been embossed on the plate. If you are unable to locate your vehicle's VIN plate or you are unable to secure a legible tracing of the plate, contact a certified inspection mechanic or notary public at a motor vehicle dealership. These individuals are authorized to inspect and verify the VIN when a tracing of the plate is not possible. The certified Pennsylvania inspection mechanic or notary public employed by a dealership must list their name, DIN or mechanic's number and signature in Section A. 

NOTE: A photograph of a vehicle's VIN plate is acceptable if the photograph is signed and dated by a Pennsylvania certified inspection mechanic or a notary public employed by a dealership.) The certified inspection mechanic or notary public's signature indicates that he/she visually inspected the VIN on the vehicle and it matches the VIN on the out-of-state title. If the vehicle is located outside of Pennsylvania, the VIN must be verified by a police officer, a mechanic employed by a motor vehicle dealership or an armed forces installation provost marshal or motor officer.

The vehicle must be inspected at a safety inspection station(opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab)within ten (10) days after the registration plate is issued.

Pay applicable title and registration fees and PA sales tax (if applicable).

• Title fee
• Fee to record a lien
• Registration fees will vary depending on vehicle type. Please refer to Form MV-70S (PDF), “BMV Schedule of Fees.”
• Fee for each additional registration card.
• Fee to transfer a Pennsylvania registration plate (if applicable.) Increase or replacement fees may be required.

• Your county may impose an annual fee of $5 for each vehicle registered in that county. The $5 fee is collected by PennDOT at the time a vehicle is initially registered and annually when the registration is renewed. The fee is based on the number of years a customer wants to register their vehicle. Customers who register their vehicle for multiple years will pay the annual $5 fee for every year of registration. This means customers will pay a fee of $10 for a two-year or $25 for a five-year vehicle registration. For a listing of counties that participate in the local use fee, refer to the “Fee for Local Use - Participating Counties(opens in a new tab)” (PDF) Fact Sheet.

• If the vehicle is purchased overseas and you want to bring the vehicle into the United States, you will need to read the Import/Export Vehicles Frequently Asked Questions for instructions on registering in Pennsylvania.

If you owned the vehicle for more than six months prior to applying for a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title and your home of record was Pennsylvania at the time of purchase, sales tax will be 6% (7% for residents of Allegheny County or 8% for City of Philadelphia residents) of the vehicle's fair market value at the time of first entry into Pennsylvania, less credit for tax paid in a reciprocal state.

If you owned the vehicle for less than six months prior to applying for a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title and your home of record is Pennsylvania, sales tax will be 6% (7% for residents of Allegheny County or 8% for City of Philadelphia residents) of the vehicle's purchase price or on the fair market value at the time of first entry into Pennsylvania, less credit for tax paid in a reciprocal state to the application for title.

All states are reciprocal except Alaska, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon and West Virginia.