Pennsylvania Bill of Sale

What Pennsylvania requires for a vehicle sale

• The seller completes Section A on the back of the title with the buyer's name, address, and odometer reading, and signs in the presence of an authorized agent.
• The buyer completes Section D on the front, including lien information, and signs in front of an authorized agent. A dealership may verify in lieu of notarization.
• The seller should get the Buyer's Acknowledgement of Delivery of Vehicle & Title at the sale as evidence of delivery.
• The seller removes the plate and never gives it to the purchaser. Return it to PennDOT unless moving it to another vehicle.
• Sales tax is 6% of price or market value, 7% in Allegheny County, 8% in Philadelphia. With a trade-in, tax applies to the difference.
• Inspection is due within 10 days of sale unless a valid sticker is displayed. Contact your insurer within 14 days to extend coverage.
• Form MV-3 is required if the vehicle is sold for 80% less than its fair market value.

Pennsylvania bill of sale: what to include

Whatever Pennsylvania requires, a signed bill of sale protects both sides. It proves the price, the date and that the car was sold as-is. Include:

• Seller's and buyer's full names and addresses
• Year, make, model, color and VIN
• Odometer reading on the day of sale
• Sale price and date of sale
• As-is wording, plus a statement that the seller owns the vehicle and any lien is paid off
• Signatures and dates for both parties

Sample as-is wording

I, the seller, sell the vehicle described above to the buyer for the price shown, as-is, with no warranty, express or implied. The seller confirms they are the owner and that the odometer reading is correct to the best of their knowledge. This sale is made under the laws of Pennsylvania.

Seller checklist (Pennsylvania)

• Complete Section A on the back of the title with buyer details and odometer reading.
• Sign and print your name in front of an authorized agent.
• Get the Buyer's Acknowledgement of Delivery of Vehicle & Title.
• Remove your plate and keep it. Return it to PennDOT or move it to another vehicle.

Buyer checklist (Pennsylvania)

• Complete Section D on the front of the title and sign before an authorized agent.
• Apply to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for title and registration with ID and proof of insurance.
• Pay fees and sales tax by check or money order to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Get the vehicle inspected within 10 days unless it has a valid sticker.

Things to watch in Pennsylvania

• The fact sheet we read does not say whether a bill of sale is required and lists no bill of sale form. Check with PennDOT.
• The fact sheet states no seller deadlines and no buyer title application deadline. Check with PennDOT.
• Some out-of-state titles may require notarization of the seller's signature.

About this page

We checked this page against the PennDOT sources listed below in November 2026. Where an agency page did not say something, we say so and suggest you check with the agency. Rules, forms and fees change, so confirm with PennDOT before you sign. This is general information, not legal advice.