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Motoring in Pennsylvania

How To Register Your Motor Vehicle:

You will need to obtain the necessary forms to get your Pennsylvania vehicle registration. Messenger services are conveniently located throughout the Commonwealth. If you use a messenger service, you will be charged a service fee, which is over and above the fees you will be charged for the products you are purchasing. You can also get the forms at automobile clubs, notary services or auto dealerships.

In order to register your vehicle(s), you will need to bring the following with you:

  • Valid title for all vehicles you are registering in Pennsylvania, issued in your name, from the state you left
  • Proof of Pennsylvania insurance (One of the following)§ Valid insurance policy
    • Copy of a valid binder
    • Copy of an application for insurance to the Pennsylvania assigned Risk Plan for all of the vehicles you will be registering
      Documents must indicate both effective and expiration dates.
  • Form of personal identification
  • A tracing of vehicle identification number (VIN) or verification of the VIN by an inspection mechanic or notary at a dealership

Fees:

  • Title fee:
    • $22.50 (Additional $5.00 if there is an unpaid loan on your vehicle)
  • Registration fee:
    • $36.00 for passenger vehicles
    • $58.50 for trucks (based on truck weight)

When you pay the annual registration fee, you will be issued a Pennsylvania registration plate, registration card and sticker.

Vehicle Safety Inspection:

  • Newly registered vehicles in Pennsylvania must be safety inspected within ten (10) days of registration date.
  • Inspections are preformed at official inspection stations (usually a repair garage or a service station with a repair shop.)
  • Equipment checks include:
    • lights, brakes, horn, tires, safety belts, exhaust system, mirrors, tag mounting, suspension, turn signals, steering, glazing, wipers, and other major parts of your vehicle.
  • Inspection fees are posted at official inspection stations. These fees do not include repairs to correct vehicle defects.

To Obtain Your PA Driver’s License:

  • New residents must obtain a Pennsylvania driver’s license within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in Pennsylvania.
  • To apply, appear in person at one of our Driver License Centers.
    • Complete the necessary forms (provided at the Driver’s License Center) with the correct classification(s) and endorsement(s)
    • Take a vision-screening test
    • Bring your valid driver’s license from your prior state or a recently expired (six [6] months or less) but otherwise valid license
    • Social security card (if your number is not on your license)
    • Check or money order for the cost of your PA Drivers License
  • If your out-of-state driver’s license has expired more than six (6) months ago, you will be required to:
    • Apply for a Pennsylvania Learner’s Permit
    • Complete all testing prior to receiving your Pennsylvania Driver’s License.
  • When you are issued a Pennsylvania Drivers License, the driver’s license from your prior state must be surrendered to the examiner.
  • If you don’t have a valid or expired photo license,
    • Bring your birth certificate and social security card
    • Other acceptable forms of identification and information regarding how to obtain an initial license are addressed in the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual and the Commercial Driver’s Manual.

Copies of the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual are available at Driver License Centers, most messenger services, notaries and auto clubs.

If you have an out-of-state license and you are under 18, you will need to meet additional requirements or provide additional documentation before you can receive a Pennsylvania Driver’s License.

To Register to Vote:

  • When asked if you want to register to vote:
    • Answer a series of questions, and confirm the information you selected
    • PennDOT will forward your application to the Pennsylvania Department of State
    • The PA Department of State will forward it to your county voter registration office
    • The county voter registration office will notify you whether your application had been accepted or rejected.
    • If accepted, your county voter registration office will send you a voter registration card in the mail.

Organ Donor:

  • Upon your initial visit to have your photo taken at a photo center, and every time you renew your driver’s license, or identification card, you will be asked if you want to be an organ donor. The words “Organ Donor” will be permanently placed on your driver’s license or identification card at the Photo Center when you say “yes” to be designated as a donor.

If you need other information, please call one of the telephone numbers listed below:

  • PennDOT’s Customer Care Center:
    • 1-800-932-4600 or 1-717-391-6190 (for out of state calls)
    • 1-800-228-0676 (for people using TDD equipment)
    • 1-717-391-6191 (for out of state calls using TDD equipment)
      Customer Call Center hours are Monday thru Friday 7am to 9pm (except holidays)

Additional information is available on the state’s Web Page at http://www.state.pa.us/

All Content © 2008 Williamsport Lycoming Chamber of Commerce
100 West Third Street · Williamsport, PA 17701 | (570) 326-1971