PennsylvaniaCAR REGISTRATION

Easy Guide

5th Edition

Licensed by: Car-Registration.org

Bonus Features

24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance BenefitsCustomers are covered for emergency road service throughout the U.S. and Canada.

24-Hour Towing ServiceCustomers are entitled to emergency towing service at no out-of-pocket cost for any tow up to 75 dollars. One service per 7 days, 2 services per contract. Extended distance will be an additional expense covered by the customer.

24-Hour Mechanical First AidCustomers are entitled to any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available.

24-Hour Tire Change ServiceCustomers may have their at tire changed with their inflated and functional spare tire.

24-Hour Emergency DeliveryA service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil, or other necessary supplies. Customers pay only for the cost of the supplies.

24-Hour Emergency Battery ServiceCustomers are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road.

24-Hour Lost Key ServiceIf keys are locked inside a customer’s vehicle, the customer will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle’s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at the customer’s expense for labor and key making.

Rental Car DiscountsCustomers are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates which are honored at thousands of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Map Routing ServiceWe will, at no charge, provide customers with a 4-color mapping and travel route information to destinations they specify.

Theft And Hit & Run ProtectionA $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Hit & Run damages or stealing customers’ vehicles.

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When out on the road, you‘ll know that you are covered and protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available

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Table of contents

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Vehicle Registration

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Getting a vehicle is always an exciting adventure. It doesn’t matter if it is your first car or if you have already purchased many vehicles in the past, making the decision to obtain a car is a big step and it must be taken carefully to avoid any inconveniences.

Whenever you purchase a car, whether it is new or used, it must be registered to be legally driven in your state of residence. Also, when you change your residential address to another state, you will have to follow the procedure to transfer your registration.

The entire process looks very complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Our Easy Guide will provide you step-by-step information on how you can register your vehicle. Learn how you can also transfer your out-of-state registration and renew proper credentials at the appropriate time. Additionally, we will make sure you have all the necessary documents and forms on your person, so you do not experience any delay to your car registration process. Sit back and relax while we guide you towards getting your vehicle registration in no time.

Registration Insurance Requirements

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Before you start the whole registration process, you should know that every car in Pennsylvania is required to have liability insurance in order to be driven on any PA road or highway. This is vital since you must carry proof of it all the time and you may be requested to show it by a law enforcer or if you have a traffic accident, and you will definitely need it in order to register your car or renew your registration.

Why do you need insurance? The PennDOT needs to ensure that you are protected in case you are part of an accident that may cause you injuries, damages or death.

There are several types of insurance you can choose from but the following are mandatory in Pennsylvania:

• Medical Benefits: The minimum coverage is $5000.

• Bodily Injury Liability: The minimum coverage is $15000/$30000.

• Property Damage Liability: $5000 is the minimum limit.

• Limited or Full Tort: You may choose between limited or full tort which will offer different premiums.

You will also find these optional PA auto insurance coverages:

• Uninsured Motorist (UM)

• Underinsured Motorist (UIM)

• Stacking of UM or UIM

• Funeral Benefit

• Income Loss

• Collision

• Comprehensive

• Extraordinary Medical Benefits

• Accidental death benefit

TipDo not risk yourself to drive without an insurance coverage! The PennDOT has severe punishments for those who are caught doing so.

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• Rental reimbursement coverage

• Towing coverage

• Gap coverage

However, as long as you have the required minimum coverage, you are good to go. To find out more about auto insurance in PA, read the insurance guide in the PA portal.

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Congratulations! If you are reading this is because you are just about to use that car for the first time and you are only one step closer to being able to freely drive it in any PA street. No matter if your car is new, used or if you are out-of-state or on active duty, here you will find all the information you need to register you vehicle. Simply gather some documents, stick to the following steps according to your specific situation and you will have your registration in no time!

REGISTER A NEW VEHICLE Usually, if you bought your new car at a dealership, you will not have to worry about titling it since the dealership should take care of all the process; therefore, they will submit most of the required documentation. However, you will have to register it on your own.

Just follow the below steps:• Visit your closest PennDOT office • Obtain the Form MV-1 “Application for Certificate of Title from an

authorized agent of PennDOT.• Provide proof of insurance. • Provide a copy of your current PA driver license or ID.• Pay the required fees.

REGISTER A USED VEHICLEIf you bought your car from a private party or from an individual, you will have to register it within 20 days of the purchase. If your car is used but has never been registered in PA, you will need to:

Registering your Vehicle in Pennsylvania

Important dates or timeframesYou have 20 days to register a new vehicle after you buy it.

TipAny vehicle that is 2008 or newer and has less than 7500 miles, is considered to be a new vehicle and must be certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Find out more here

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Documents• Visit your closest PennDOT office.

• Obtain the MV-4ST Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration Form, from an authorized agent of PennDOT.

• Provide proof of insurance.

• Provide a copy of your current PA driver license or ID.

• Pay the required fees.

If the car is a gift, you will also need the Form MV-13ST Affidavit of Gift, which must be completed by all the transferees and transferors.

REGISTER AN OUT-OF-STATE VEHICLEIf you bought a new vehicle in a different state or a used vehicle that was previously registered in another state or country, you will need to register within 20 days of the purchase. Just follow these simple steps:

• Visit your closest PennDOT office.

• Obtain the Form MV-1, “Application for Certificate of Title, from an authorized agent of PennDOT.

• Verify that the title has the seller’s signature and the car’s odometer reading on the back.

• Provide proof of insurance.

• Provide a tracing of the vehicle identification number (VIN) or the verification of it.

• Provide a copy of your current PA driver license or ID.

• Pay the required fees.

TipFind more information on registration and out-of-state registration as well as checklists in the Buying or Selling your vehicle in PA and the Title and Register your Out-of-State Vehicle in PA fact sheets.

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FeesOriginal Registration $36

Fees for other vehicle types will vary, please confirm your fees at the fee schedule.

REGISTRATION FOR MILITARY MEMBERSRegistering a car in Pennsylvania will follow the same process. You just need to read the instructions below for new, used or out-of-state vehicle. In case you car is already registered in PA you must make sure to renew the registration on time and have the vehicle inspected 10 days before your return to PA. You may find very detailed and accurate information on how to obtain your driver’s license and how to register your vehicle in Pennsylvania if you are armed forces personnel in the military section of the PennDOT.

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Renewing your Vehicle Registration

Is it time to renew your vehicle registration? As it happens with many things in life, such as your driver license and even food products, your vehicle registration might be at risk of expiring which will mean that your vehicle will be deemed invalid to drive legally. Of course, this can be avoided by simply making sure you renew your vehicle’s registration before the expiration date is due. Luckily, we have created a walkthrough for you to follow and have your registration renewed in no time. Just follow the below steps according to your preferred renewing method and the process will be a piece of cake.

Before you registration expires, the PennDOT will mail you a renewal notice. This notice contains a description of the various fees included in your annual vehicle registration payment, which documents you will need to submit and the application to renew.

RENEWING ONLINE

Thanks to technology, maintaining your important vehicle-related documents and procedures updated is simpler than ever before. Internet allows us to do everything without the need of leaving our house!

You may renew your registration online as as long as you have your auto insurance and your name and address are presently on file with PennDOT. In case you have a truck, it must weigh less than 54,999

TipIn case you don’t receive the notice, you may download a Request for Registration/renewal form or request it at a PennDOT office.

Documents• The first eight digits of your title number.• Your license plate number.• All your insurance information.• The odometer reading.• Your driver’s license number (if you want to change your address).• A printer.• A valid credit or debit card.

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Once you have gathered all what you need, you are all set to renew online. Just follow these steps:

1. Access the online vehicle registration renewal system.

2. Enter your title and plate number and click on “login”.

3. Enter all the required information.

4. Print your temporary registration card.

5. Pay the fee.

Once you finish renewing, you will receive your registration card within 10 days.

RENEWING IN PERSON

Sometimes, you will not be eligible to renew online, so there is always the option to renew in person. If you owe any delinquency fees or have any unpaid traffic tickets, your renewal notice will indicate that you must renew in person. To do so, just follow these simple steps:

• Visit your closest PennDOT office or Online Messenger.

• Present your renewal notice application or a complete Request for Registration/renewal form.

• Pay the fees.

RENEWING BY MAIL In case you are out of state and you cannot renew online or in person, the PennDOT allows you to renew by mail. Doing so is very simple if you stick to the below process:

• Collect your registration renewal application which comes with your registration renewal notice. If you didn’t receive it, use the Request for Registration/renewal form.

• Make a check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with the required fee amount.

• Collect any additional forms or documents required.

TipOnline Messengers (OLMs) are third-party providers which service customers via online connection. The usually charge the normal fee plus a service fee.

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• Send the documents, form and fee to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles,

1101 S. Front Street,

Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516

FeesRegistration Renewal $36

Retired Person Renewal $10

Fees for other vehicle types will vary, please confirm your fees at the fee schedule.

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Replacing your Vehicle Registration

Something’s happened to your registration card! What can you do now? No worries! You can always ask the PennDOT to give you a replacement as soon as possible. Remember that driving without your plates, registration sticker or card is a huge risk, for you may be pulled over and receive a traffic ticket. Also, take into account that if your registration card is damaged and cannot be read, you must also request a replacement. Just stick to the process you will find below.

REPLACING REGISTRATION Replacing a registration online is a really simple process if you follow these steps:

• Complete a Duplicate Registration Form MV-44.

• If your registration card is damaged, include it.

• If your card was stolen, report it to law enforcement and include a copy of the report.

• Make a check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with the required fee amount.

• Once you have everything gathered, visit closest PENNDOT office or mail it to:

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

1101 South Front St

Harrisburg, PA 17104

If you are requesting a duplicate because you never received your registration card, you will not have to pay the duplicate fee.

FeesDuplicate registration card $6.00

Duplicate registration card (during renewal) $2.00

Duplicate registration tags $11.00

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Updating your Vehicle Registration

Have you gone through big changes in your life that lead you to change your name or move neighborhoods? Either way, it is essential to keep this information updated in all your PennDOT documents, which include your registration card. In case you have never updated your registration card information and you are looking for guidance on how to do it, you have come to the right place. The only thing you will have to do is inform the PennDOT of these changes and ask them to update your information. To better understand the process and steps you have to take you must follow the steps that best fit your situation below.

CHANGING YOUR NAMEHave you gone through a divorce, marriage or just changed your name for any other reason? If so, your name has officially changed and, as a result, you will be required to change your name on all of your identification documents and cards, including your registration card. Doing this is very simple; all you must do is follow the steps below:

Changing the name on your registration card can be done either by mail or in person and regardless of which method you choose, it is a very straight forward process. All you need to do is:

• Complete an Application for Correction or Change of Name. • Either visit your closest PennDOT office (or)• Mail them to: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation 1101 South Front St Harrisburg, PA 17104

CHANGING YOUR ADDRESSIn the case that you may have recently moved to a new address, it is essential that you update the address on your registration card. All you must do is stick to the process and once you have completed every step properly, you registration card will be updated. Now, you may choose between changing your address online or by mail. Let’s review both processes below:

Important dates or timeframesYou must notify the PENNDOT within 15 days of your address change

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Online

Changing your address online is the simplest and fastest way, and you don’t even have to leave your house to do it! To be able to change your address online you will need:

• The first eight digits of your title number.

• Your license plate number.

• All your insurance information.

• The odometer reading.

• Your driver’s license number.

• A printer.

Now, once ready, you must only stick to the below process and your address will be updated in a blink of an eye:

• Go to the online change of address application.

• Enter your title and plate number and click on “login”.

• Enter all the required information.

• Print your temporary registration card.

You will receive an updated registration card at your address.

By Mail or in Person If you prefer to change your address by mail or you do not qualify to change it online, the process is easy too, so don’t worry and just follow these steps:

• Download the Change of address form. • Fill it out and submit it to: Bureau of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box 68287 Harrisburg, PA 17106-8287

• Or dropt it at a PennDOT office.

FeesThere is no cost to change your name or your address on your registration card.

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License Plates

Once you register your car in Pennsylvania, there is a main requirement for you to prove that your registration is current and valid: displaying your license plates with their current stickers. License plates are as important as your driver’s license since they identify your car from other cars. License plates and registration stickers are also issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT) when you register your car for the first time or renew your registration.

PA license plates are white with blue letters and all passenger vehicles must carry one on the front and one on the back of the car. The plates identify what type of registration you have and in case something happens to you or your car, they work as a means of locating it or you through the PennDOT. Your license plates may be replaced in case something happens to them, you may also get special interest plates and in case you are leaving the state, you may also need to surrender them.

REPLACING YOUR LICENSE PLATESIn the event that something happens to your license plates, you may rest assured that the PennDOT will provide you with all the means to replace it as soon as possible and get back on the road. You may request a replacement either online or in person; nevertheless, the process is the same. Just follow the below steps:

• Complete a Replacement of Registration Plate Form MV-44.

• If your registration card is damaged, include it.

• If your card was stolen, report it to law enforcement and include a copy of the report.

• Make a check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with the required fee amount.

If you are requesting them in person, visit a PennDOT office. If, on the other hand, you want to replace them by mail, send the fee and documents to:

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

1101 South Front St

Harrisburg, PA 17104

GETTING CUSTOM PLATESIn Pennsylvania, you will find a wide variety of custom license plates that will adapt to everybody’s needs. Personalized plates contain a combination of up to seven letters

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and numbers and five if it is a motorcycle plate. So far, Pennsylvania offers seven different plates which you are able to customize using your chosen numbers and letters. The available plates are:

• Commercial

• Dealer

• Military: plates with different designs created by participating military and veteran’s organizations.

• Specialty: plates for people with disabilities, vintage plates and vertical motorcycle.

• Special Fund: plates with special designs and support special causes such as wild resources or veterans.

• Standard: regular PA plates designed in blue, white and yellow with blue letters.

I want custom plates! How do I order them? Well, just click on the type of plate you want and you will find the process to order. However, if you are looking forward to customize the numbers on your plate, all you need to do is:

• Complete an Application for personalized plates.

• Have a valid registration plate and sticker.

• Confirm your desired plate’s availability.

• Submit the documents and fees to a PennDOT office or by mail at the address on the top of the form.

SURRENDERING PENNSYLVANIA LICENSE PLATESIn most of the scenarios, you will not need to surrender you PA license plates to the PennDOT because every time you sell a car, the license plates will stay with it. However, there are some situations in which you will need to surrender one or both license plates to the DMV. No worries, the process is really straightforward and we will guide you through it.

You may choose to surrender your plates in person by visiting your closest PennDOT office or if you prefer, you may surrender them by sending them together with the Surrender of Registration Plate Form over the mail to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles Return Tag Unit P.O. Box 68597 Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597

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The special license fees and replacement costs will vary depending on the type of plate you have. Consult the fee schedule according to the plate you want.

FeesReplacement license plate $11

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Vehicle Safety Tips

The most important thing before you begin driving any vehicle is that both you and the vehicle are well prepared for any trip you make. This means checking and making any changes to your vehicle or your behavior to make sure that you are able to drive safely at all times.

EMERGENCY KITOne of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include basic items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid kit, matches, a whistle, etc. During winter months it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks, and a shovel.

WINTER DRIVINGOne of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that snows. Therefore, it is best to consider these tips to drive safely during the winter.

• Don’t Rush! Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows, so instead

of driving fast and risking an accident in your rush to get to your destination try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and help to avoid rushing other drivers by not tailgating them if they are going slower.

• Don’t Panic If You Skid or Slip In the case that your vehicle does ski or slip while driving make sure

you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead all you need to do is apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control.

• Check Your Vehicle Before you even leave your house make sure your vehicle’s controls,

brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze, exhaust, etc. are all working properly. It is also important that you remove all ice and snow from your car before you begin driving; this prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive.

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DRINKING AND DRIVINGEvery year thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. This is something that is very easily prevented; it only requires that you plan ahead of time by taking these steps.

Even before you begin drinking you should arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. In the case that they also become intoxicated, it is important that you arrange to take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive, instead take away their keys and call for alternative transportation.

If you see someone who you suspect is drunk, and they exhibit signs of intoxication while driving such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, braking erratically, turning abruptly, etc. call 911 and contact authorities immediately. Also make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety.

USING YOUR PHONEDriving while using your cellphone is one of the most dangerous things you can do because during those few seconds your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. So, make sure you don’t text, use of the Internet on your phone, or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible.

THINGS TO AVOIDDriving isn’t always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while on the road driving. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps towards preventing them, as well as stopping them after you discover them to be occurring.

Car Accidents The best way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and will not cause you any problems. To do this you only need to regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and not worn out, and that the steering and suspensions are checked by a mechanic and will not fail while you drive, especially at high speeds.

Wasting Gas As the price of gas goes up you may begin to start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Well, saving on gas is something that is possible if you take a few steps towards ensuring that you waste less gas.

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Some of the ways you can start saving gas are: not using air conditioning, not leaving your engine running, or speeding above 60 mph. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive, therefore you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste.

Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly, you can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well tuned, and check that your octane level is the correct amount to your vehicle’s needs.

Aggressive DrivingAggressive driving and drivers are both things that should be avoided to prevent any on-road aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, verbal or physically harassing another driver, preventing another driver from merging or passing.

However, if you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you do any of the above behaviors. If you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment to breathe and relax before moving on.

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PennDOT Hours and Locations

There are countless PennDOT offices in the state of Pennsylvania, so it is important that you find one that is closest to your location to ensure you are not required to travel far for any business with the PennDOT. If you would like to find the address and information regarding the nearest PennDOT office, click here.

In the case that you may need to contact the PennDOT, you can call the following numbers during business hours:

In State: 1-800-932-4600Out of State: 1-717-412-5300

Hearing Impaired (In State): 1-800-228-0676 TDD

Hearing Impaired (Out of State): 1-717-412-5380 TDD

The automated response system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can talk to a customer representative for additional information during business hours, except on holidays.

You may also email them through the online contact form.

All Pennsylvania PennDOT offices observe and are closed during the following 2016 holidays:

Important dates or timeframesJanuary 1 New Year’s Day

January 16 and 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February 13 and 15 Presidents Day

May 28 and 30 Memorial Day

June 2 & 4 Independence Day

September 3 & 5 Labor Day

October 8 and 10 Columbus Day

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November 11 Veterans Daya

November 24 Thanksgiving Day

November 25 Day after Thanksgiving

December 24 & 26 Christmas Holiday

DON’T WASTE TIME AND MONEY DRIVING TO THE LICENSING OFFICE.