What Is a Pennsylvania Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Pennsylvania vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that records the details of a car sale. It proves that the vehicle ownership has changed hands. A properly completed vehicle bill of sale helps confirm details such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, and odometer reading, all of which can be helpful when:
- Registering a vehicle at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
- Paying sales tax
- Proving prior ownership
This document also protects both the buyer and seller in the event of a disagreement regarding the sale price or ownership of the vehicle.
When Do You Need a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale in Pennsylvania?
PennDOT highly recommends using a motor vehicle bill of sale when transferring a vehicle title in Pennsylvania. Under Pennsylvania Code Title 75, Section 1103.1, a title application is the legal document that transfers ownership of a vehicle. However, a Pennsylvania vehicle bill of sale can help confirm the sale and support the title transfer.
You can use a vehicle bill of sale anytime you are:
- Completing a private vehicle sale
- Transferring the car between family members
- Selling a vehicle “as-is” with no warranties
According to Pennsylvania Code Title 75, Section 1111, both parties are required to document the ownership transfer properly. While you can write a vehicle bill of sale yourself, it must include all of the key details.
To make the process easier, you can create one using a customizable Pennsylvania vehicle bill of sale template from Legal Templates, which ensures your form includes every detail required under state law.
Does a Pennsylvania Vehicle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?
No, you do not need to notarize your vehicle bill of sale for it to be valid in Pennsylvania. While optional, notarizing the bill of sale adds protection by verifying both parties’ identities and confirming that they signed willingly.
How a Vehicle Bill of Sale Affects Taxes and Title Transfer in Pennsylvania
A Pennsylvania vehicle bill of sale helps the PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue verify the sale price and determine if tax is applicable. The price on your bill of sale should match the amount on your title transfer form to avoid delays when changing ownership.
Recording a Gifted Vehicle
If you are gifting or transferring a car to a family member, list the sale price as “$0.00 (Gift)” on your vehicle bill of sale. You will also need to include the Form MV-13ST (Affidavit of Gift) to confirm the transfer is exempt from tax.
Sample Pennsylvania Vehicle Bill of Sale
View a free sample Pennsylvania vehicle bill of sale template below to see how to complete your form correctly. Then, use our step-by-step questionnaire to create your own PA bill of sale for your car and download it in PDF or Word format.
