How to Get a Vehicle Title Transfer Notarized in PA

Buying or selling a vehicle in Pennsylvania? You'll need to transfer the title, and that means getting signatures notarized. Whether you're dealing with a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, or RV, the process can seem confusing if you've never done it before.

I'm Christian Nichols, a licensed Pennsylvania notary who handles vehicle title transfers daily throughout Western PA. Let me walk you through exactly what you need to do, what to bring, and how to avoid common mistakes that delay registration.

Does Pennsylvania Require Notarization for Title Transfers?

Yes and no - it depends on the situation:

• Standard title transfers (most sales) - Do NOT require notarization in Pennsylvania. Seller signs the back, buyer takes it to PennDOT.
• Power of Attorney for title transfers - DOES require notarization if someone other than the owner is signing.
• Out-of-state titles - May require notarization depending on the state that issued the title.
• Gifted vehicles - Generally don't require notarization, but gift certification (Form MV-13ST) should be notarized for best protection.
• Boats and off-road vehicles - May have different requirements; check with Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission or DCNR.

The most common situation where I notarize title-related documents is when someone is signing on behalf of the owner using a power of attorney.

When You DO Need Notarization: Power of Attorney

You need notarization when:

• The vehicle owner cannot be present to sign (deployed military, hospitalized, out of state)
• Someone is selling a vehicle on behalf of an elderly or incapacitated owner
• An estate executor is transferring a deceased person's vehicle
• A business representative is signing for a company vehicle

In these cases, Pennsylvania requires a notarized Power of Attorney (Form MV-1849) that specifically authorizes someone to transfer the vehicle title. Both the owner (principal) and the agent must sign this form, and the owner's signature must be notarized.

Standard PA Title Transfer (No Notarization Needed)

For most private vehicle sales in Pennsylvania, here's the process:

Seller's Responsibilities

1. Complete the back of the title (seller section)
2. Sign exactly as your name appears on the front of the title
3. Fill in the odometer reading (required for vehicles less than 10 years old)
4. Fill in the sale date and price
5. Provide a bill of sale (recommended but not required)
6. Remove your license plates (they stay with you, not the vehicle)

Buyer's Responsibilities

1. Check that seller's signature matches the name on the title
2. Complete the buyer section on the back of the title
3. Sign the title
4. Take the title to a PennDOT notary office within 20 days to transfer
5. Pay title transfer fee ($58) and registration fees
6. Obtain new license plates (or transfer your existing plates)
7. Get insurance before driving the vehicle

Important: While the title transfer itself doesn't require a notary, I recommend having a notarized bill of sale for your protection, especially for high-value vehicles.

Getting a Bill of Sale Notarized (Recommended)

Although Pennsylvania doesn't require a bill of sale for title transfers, it's smart to have one - and even smarter to get it notarized. Here's why:

• Proof of transaction - Legal evidence of the sale price and terms
• Warranty documentation - Shows whether vehicle was sold "as is" or with warranties
• Tax purposes - Proves sale price for sales tax calculation
• Dispute protection - If the buyer later claims you misrepresented the vehicle
• Liability protection - Proves when you sold the vehicle if buyer commits violations before registering

What a Bill of Sale Should Include

• Date of sale
• Buyer and seller names and addresses
• Vehicle description (year, make, model, VIN)
• Odometer reading
• Sale price
• Payment method
• Condition statement ("as is" or warranties)
• Both parties' signatures

I can notarize your bill of sale at the time of the vehicle sale, providing legal verification for both buyer and seller.

Out-of-State Titles: Check the Requirements

If you're buying a vehicle with an out-of-state title, the rules from that state may require notarization. States that require notarized title transfers include:

• Ohio - Requires seller signature to be notarized
• West Virginia - Requires notarization
• Kentucky - Requires notarization
• Louisiana - Requires notarization
• Montana - Requires notarization
• And several others

Even if you live in Pennsylvania, if the title is from a state requiring notarization, you must follow that state's rules. Check the back of the title - it will usually say "Signature must be notarized" if required.

I can notarize out-of-state title transfers as long as the notarization takes place in Pennsylvania. I'll verify the seller's identity, witness their signature, and complete the notarial certificate as required by the title's state.

Form MV-1849: Power of Attorney for Title Transfer

This is the most common title-related document I notarize. Use Form MV-1849 when:

• You're selling a vehicle but can't be present for the transaction
• You're helping an elderly parent sell their vehicle
• You're a military member deployed overseas
• You're handling a vehicle for an estate
• You're in a hospital or nursing home

How to Complete Form MV-1849

1. Owner (principal) completes Section 1 - Fill in your information and vehicle details
2. Agent information in Section 2 - Name the person authorized to sign on your behalf
3. Owner signs in front of notary - The owner must appear before a notary with valid photo ID
4. Notary completes certificate - I'll verify identity, witness signature, and seal the document
5. Agent signs Section 3 later - The agent signs when actually transferring the title (doesn't need to be notarized)

Critical: Only the owner's signature needs notarization, but it must be done before the title transfer. The agent cannot sign the POA and then have it notarized later.

Gifted Vehicles: Form MV-13ST

If you're giving a vehicle to a family member as a gift (no money exchanged), Pennsylvania requires Form MV-13ST (Statement of Transaction) to certify it's a gift and avoid sales tax.

While this form doesn't legally require notarization, I strongly recommend having it notarized because:

• PennDOT may question gifts of high-value vehicles
• Notarization proves the gift was legitimate, not a tax avoidance scheme
• Provides protection if tax authorities later investigate
• Creates a clear legal record of the transaction

For gifts between family members, bring both the giver and recipient to the notarization if possible. I'll verify identities and notarize signatures on the gift certification.

Common Mistakes That Delay Title Transfers

Avoid these common errors I see regularly:

1. Seller signs name differently than title
If the title says "Robert J. Smith" but you sign "Bob Smith," PennDOT will reject it. Sign exactly as shown on the front.

2. Missing or incorrect odometer reading
Required for vehicles less than 10 years old. Must be accurate - odometer fraud is a federal crime.

3. Unsigned title or missing dates
Every field on the back of the title must be completed. Blank spaces cause rejection.

4. Using POA without notarization
If you're signing for someone else, Form MV-1849 must be notarized. No exceptions.

5. Buyer waits too long to transfer
Pennsylvania law requires transfer within 20 days of sale. Late transfers incur penalties.

6. Title has a lien that wasn't released
If there's a lien listed on the front, you need a lien release from the lender before transfer.

7. Out-of-state title needs notarization but wasn't done
Check the title's requirements before the seller leaves. Can't fix it after they're gone.

What to Bring for Title Transfer Notarization

If you need notarization for a power of attorney or out-of-state title, bring:

Required for All Notarizations

• Valid government-issued photo ID - Driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID
• The actual document to be notarized - Form MV-1849 or the out-of-state title
• Vehicle information - VIN, year, make, model (have the title handy)

Additional Items to Bring (Recommended)

• Vehicle title (even if not being notarized)
• Bill of sale or purchase agreement
• Current registration card
• Lien release (if applicable)

I'll verify your identity, ensure you understand what you're signing, witness your signature, and complete the notarial certificate properly for PennDOT acceptance.

Mobile Notary for Vehicle Transactions

Vehicle sales often happen in driveways, parking lots, or at the seller's home. As a mobile notary, I can come to your location to notarize:

• Power of Attorney for title transfer (Form MV-1849)
• Out-of-state title transfers requiring notarization
• Bills of sale for buyer and seller protection
• Gift certifications (Form MV-13ST)

I serve all of Western Pennsylvania including Butler, Lawrence, Mercer, Crawford, Erie, Allegheny, Beaver, and Venango Counties. Same-day service is usually available.

Whether you're at home, work, or meeting the buyer/seller at a neutral location, I'll bring everything needed to complete proper notarization.

After Notarization: Next Steps

For Sellers

1. Give the signed title and any notarized documents to the buyer
2. Provide a bill of sale
3. Remove your license plates
4. Cancel your insurance (after confirming buyer has insurance)
5. Keep copies of all documents for your records

For Buyers

1. Verify all signatures and information are complete
2. Get insurance immediately
3. Take title and required documents to PennDOT within 20 days
4. Pay transfer fees and sales tax
5. Register vehicle and obtain license plates
6. Keep bill of sale and all paperwork