I know this state has some weird rules, but this is blowing my mind. I have to swap two car titles. The fee for this on the PA DMV is $67 per car. Every auto tag place is charging at least triple the price and I have been told that the only other way to do this is to drive to Harrisburg.
This seems extremely unreasonable. I renew my registration online, get my license online, and it's a set fee, people can't just charge whatever they want. Other people must do this all the time, I can't believe I'm he only one bothered by this. So, can anyone tell me: 1. Is this accurate? There is no way to transfer a car title unless you drive to Harrisburg or go through an auto tag place and pay whatever they want? and 2. Is there any way around this? I tried calling the DMV but there is zero transparency about who has this information or can help (PennDot customer service thinks I'm nuts).
Question about the cost of transferring a car title in PA
Transferring a motorcycle title?
This is going to vary state by state. In the past ten years Ive bought/sold about 10 bikes (Im in PA).
Here is my best bit of advice -- Call your local notary and ask them. They are oftentimes most expensive, but you can at least use them for information...
In PA you need BOTH buyer/seller present at the notary to sign the title over to the new owner.
At the notary you will both need your drivers licenses, and the original title.
IF you are REGISTERING and getting plates for your new bike then you will need proof of insurance! This is simple enough and you can call up your insurance company with the bikes VIN # and have it insured within 15-30 minutes.
Again, this is how it works in PA. There are variances like buying from someone in a different state....The above situation is when both buyer and seller are from PA.
Im actually on bike 11 right now and heres what I did to save money...
I got the title notarized at The UPS Store -- buyer/seller both need to be present with their VALID drivers licenses and current title. Cost = $7
I am fortunate to have a friend who works at a car dealership so I will be doing the actual title transfer there for about 50 bucks.
I will then register the bike at the notary once I am ready to put her on the road.
These are all situations in PA...Fees and laws are going to vary so go with my first suggestion -- call your local notary and ask them what you will need to transfer/register a bike you are buying from someone.
Figured Id give you some examples from personal experience...sorry for the wordy response!
EDIT: Words.
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