I Just Moved to Pennsylvania. How Do I Get My Driver's License and Vehicle Registered?

by Joshua on April 26, 2022

Tags: PA license Pennsylvania drivers license Pennsylvania DOT

Moving to a different state can be exciting for your personal life and professional career. It’s a good idea to have your affairs in order to ensure the moving process is as easy as possible. When you’re ready to make the Keystone State your new home, you need to transfer your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Here’s what you need to know about transferring these documents to Pennsylvania.

When Do You Need to Transfer Your Driver’s License to Pennsylvania?

As a new resident of Pennsylvania, you are required to transfer your driver’s license to Pennsylvania 60 days after you establish residency in the state. You are considered to be a PA resident once you are physically present in the state for at least half of the year and have made Pennsylvania your permanent residence at any time during the tax year.

How to Transfer an Out-of-State Driver’s License to Pennsylvania

There are different steps you need to follow to successfully transfer your out-of-state driver’s license.

Visit A Pennsylvania DOT Location

The first step you need to take to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to PA is to visit your local PA DOT office. The good news is that you don’t need to set an appointment. You need to complete a DL-180R Form when you visit the PA DOT office.

Required Documents to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Pennsylvania

You need different documents to successfully complete the process of transferring your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Pennsylvania. The documents you need are:

(2) Proofs of residency in Pennsylvania
Proof of identity
Valid out-of-state driver’s license
Social security card
Payment for all applicable PA vehicle transfer fees

Pass the Pennsylvania Vision Test

You will take a vision test when you apply to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Pennsylvania. You can take the vision test at your local PA DOT office or have a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist complete the eye examination report (Form DL-102) and take it with you on your visit to the PA DOT office. You must have a score of 20/40 to pass the PA vision test.

Have Your Picture Taken

In order to receive your new PA driver’s license, you must take a new picture. There is no need to dress in fancy attire, but you do need to look presentable because this picture will last many years, and your picture goes on file with the state of Pennsylvania.

Receive Your Temporary License

Once you complete the above steps, and the PA DOT accepts your documents and payment(s), you will be able to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Pennsylvania. You will receive your temporary PA driver’s license before you receive your physical driver’s license, which is your permanent driver’s license.

You can use your temporary PA driver’s license as proof of identity. Your permanent PA driver’s license will arrive in the mail at the address you provided on the application a few weeks after you are approved to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license.

What If You’re From Another Country?

If you possess a valid driver’s license from a foreign country, you are allowed to drive in the state of Pennsylvania for one year from the date of your entry into the U.S. or upon the expiration of your foreign credentials, whichever occurs first. You can utilize an international driving permit, but it is not mandatory in order to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Pennsylvania. Once the one-year period expires, you must apply for a new PA driver’s license.

What Happens If You Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License Late?

If you are stopped by the authorities, such as a law enforcement officer, who notices you have been in Pennsylvania for over 60 days without transferring your out-of-state driver’s license, you may have to pay fines and citations.

Congratulations! You now know how to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Pennsylvania. Now we can talk about transferring your out-of-state vehicle registration to Pennsylvania.

How to Register Your Out-of-State Vehicle In Pennsylvania

In the state of Pennsylvania, you are required to register your vehicle in person at a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) office. If you have moved to PA from a different state, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Pennsylvania. Be prepared to pay all applicable PA vehicle titling fees and have your vehicle inspected as part of this state’s vehicle registration process.

UPDATE: As of December, 31, 2016, PennDOT offices will no longer issue vehicle registration stickers as part of the registration/renewal process.

Transferring Your Out-of-State Vehicle Registration as a New Resident of Pennsylvania

As a new resident of Pennsylvania, you have 20 days to title and register your vehicle with PennDOT once you establish residency in the state.

Before you can register your vehicle, you need:

A PA driver’s license or ID card, unless you have a U.S. Armed Forces Common Access Card or a U.S. Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card
A valid PA auto insurance policy

Verification of your vehicle identification number (VIN) - You can use tracing paper and a pencil to trace your vehicle’s VIN yourself or take your vehicle to a certified inspection mechanic or notary for verification.
Register your vehicle in person at a PennDOT office. Make sure you have the following:
- The vehicle’s title (the vehicle title must be in your name)
- Proof of a valid PA auto insurance policy
- Your VIN verification
- Payment for all applicable PA fees

You will also be required to complete an Application for Certificate to Title (Form MV-1), which is only available at a PennDOT office. Be advised, that if your vehicle is leased, you will be required to complete an Application for Lessee Information (Form MV-1L), which must be completed by the lessor.

Registering Your Vehicle in Pennsylvania

Whether you purchase a new or used vehicle, you must title and register your vehicle your vehicle with the PA DOT. If you purchased your vehicle from a dealer, the dealer usually handles the registration paperwork on your behalf. If you purchase a vehicle from a private party, you need to complete the required PA vehicleregistration paperwork and submit it on your own.

You can pick up a Pennsylvania vehicle registration application in person at your local PennDOT office. The required documentation is as follows:

Proof of ownership:
- New vehicle: The Manufacturer Certificate of Origin (MCO) or Manufacture Statement of Origin (MSO)
- Used vehicle: The current vehicle title signed over to you and an odometer statement
Your valid PA driver’s license or ID card

Proof of a valid PA auto insurance policy
Have your vehicle inspected and an emissions test performed within 10 days of purchasing the vehicle (if applicable)
Payment for all applicable PA vehicle registration fees

You will also be required to complete the appropriate application form depending on how you purchased your vehicle. For a new vehicle purchased from a dealership, you must complete an Application for Certificate of Title (Form MV-1). This form is only available at a PennDOT office. For used vehicles purchased from a private seller, you need to complete a Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration (Form MV-4ST). This form is only available at a PennDOT office.

Be advised, you may also be required to submit:

The Motor Vehicle Verification of Fair Market Value by the Issuing Agent (Form MV-3) - if you purchased the vehicle for a price that is under 80% of its fair market price.

The Affidavit of Gift (Form MV-13ST) if you received the vehicle as a gift
Your license plate IF you are transferring the vehicle’s plate from your previous vehicle

Pennsylvania License Plates

Once you register your vehicle, you will receive a PA license plate. PennDOT issues standard vehicle license plates as well as different types of special vehicle license plates. Specialty PA license plates often required additional forms and fees.

PA Vehicle Registration Fees

There are different fees associated with the registration process in the state of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania vehicle registration fees are as follows:

Passenger vehicle: $39
Motorcycle: $21
Truck: based on the truck’s weight
Per year PA county fees

You will also be required to pay PA vehicle title fees:

Vehicle title: $58
Title with a lien recorded: $86

If you purchased a vehicle from a dealer, you will usually pay sales tax. However, you purchased a vehicle from an individual (private sale), you will pay sales tax to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania when you register your vehicle:

If you live in the City of Philadelphia: 8%
If you live in Allegheny County: 7%
Residents of the rest of Pennsylvania: 6%

Keep in mind that some PennDOT agents may also charge a transaction fee.

Required Pennsylvania Vehicle Inspections

PennDOT offices require that all vehicles in the state of Pennsylvania have a current safety inspection or are inspected within 10 days after purchasing the vehicle in PA or 10 days of registration if you purchased the vehicle in a state other than Pennsylvania.

In addition to the vehicle inspection, emissions inspections are required for PA residents in certain counties.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Locations

There are different Department of Transportation locations in Pennsylvania where you can transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and vehicle registration.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation - Bridgeville Office

1025 Washington Pike

Bridgeville, PA 15017