Pennsylvania vehicle — quick answer
In Pennsylvania, a vehicle bill of sale is not required and notarization of the title transfer is required. The state form used for titled vehicles is MV-4ST. Titling and registration are handled by the PennDOT.
Is a vehicle bill of sale required in Pennsylvania?
Not required. There is no standalone state bill of sale; the notarized title assignment and Form MV-4ST (completed through an authorized agent) govern the transfer.
Seller signs the title before a notary/agent; the transfer is processed through an authorized PennDOT agent (messenger/notary/tag service).
Does a Pennsylvania vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Required. Pennsylvania is a title-notary state: the seller's signature on the title assignment must be notarized or completed before an authorized PennDOT agent.
Because Pennsylvania requires notarization for the title transfer, do not sign the title until you are in front of a notary.
What to include on a Pennsylvania vehicle bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses of the buyer and seller
- Year, make, model, color, and body style
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — 17 characters
- Exact odometer reading on the date of sale
- Sale price (or "gift") and payment method
- Date of sale and signatures of both parties
How to transfer a vehicle in Pennsylvania
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, odometer, and date. Sign the title before a notary, as Pennsylvania requires.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs the title before a notary/agent; the transfer is processed through an authorized PennDOT agent (messenger/notary/tag service).
- 3Register with the PennDOT.
The buyer titles and registers the vehicle, bringing Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return / Application for Registration. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure when title is transferred for vehicles less than 20 years old. As of 2026 that means model year 2011 and newer; model year 2010 and older are generally exempt. Record the exact mileage — never round it. See the NHTSA rule.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the PennDOT before you sign. Not legal advice.
Pennsylvania Vehicle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a vehicle bill of sale required in Pennsylvania?
A bill of sale is not required in Pennsylvania. There is no standalone state bill of sale; the notarized title assignment and Form MV-4ST (completed through an authorized agent) govern the transfer.
Does a Pennsylvania vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Yes. Pennsylvania is a title-notary state: the seller's signature on the title assignment must be notarized or completed before an authorized PennDOT agent.
Do I need a bill of sale to register a car?
It depends on your state. Many states accept the signed-over title alone, while others require a bill of sale to confirm the purchase price for sales tax. Our state pages tell you exactly what your DMV expects.
Does a vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
In most states, no. A handful of states require the title assignment to be notarized for a private sale: Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Kentucky. A few others require notarization only in specific tax situations.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.