Updated June 23, 2023
A Pennsylvania bill of sale is both a receipt and legally binding document holding both a buyer and seller liable for a transaction. The exchange commonly refers to a vehicle or personal property being sold. Once the items are exchanged (i.e. cash for the property sold), the bill of sale should be signed by both parties.
After the sale, the buyer will need a copy to register with a PennDOT office.
Forms (4)
 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale – This document is used in the state of Pennsylvania as proof that a motor vehicle has been legally sold and purchased, it is also usually needed as part of the registration process.
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 Boat Bill of Sale – Provides proof that a boat has been legally purchased and sold.
Download: PDF |
 General Bill of Sale – This form is usually used to provide a basis for the purchase and sale of personal property.
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 Gun Bill of Sale -This document will be used to provide legal proof of sale and purchase of a firearm
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Vehicle Registration Forms
- A Bill of Sale
- Odometer Disclosure Statement, or listing of the mileage on the title form
- Certificate of title
- If purchasing a new car, the dealer will provide this
- If purchasing a car with an existing Pennsylvania title, or a car from out of state and bringing it to Pennsylvania, this will require Form MV-1. Form MV-1 is not available online, and the title exchange must be completed in cooperation with an authorized Department of Transportation agent, which includes most dealers and notaries public
- Except for new vehicles purchased from authorized Pennsylvania dealers, a tracing or verification of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- In some cases, the buyer will be able to make the tracing by finding the VIN by finding the VIN plate and making a rubbing with a sheet of paper and a lead pencil
- If this is not possible, consult a certified mechanic or dealership to complete Form MV-41
- Valid Driver’s license
- Proof of auto insurance; Pennsylvania’s minimum insurance requirements are:
- $15,000 for single death or injury
- $30,000 for multiple deaths or injuries
- $5,000 for property damage
- Proof of payment of all taxes and fees
- The statewide sales tax is six percent of the purchase price or fair market value, seven percent in Alleghany County, and eight percent in the City of Philadelphia
- A schedule of fees is available on Form MV-70S
- For used vehicles, the buyer must obtain a valid inspection sticker within 10 days of purchase. Inspections are available at certified inspection stations
- If you’ve purchased a vehicle under 80% under the fair market price, you will require a completed Motor Vehicle Verification of Fair Market Value by the Issuing Agent (Form MV-3)
- If the vehicle has been provided to you as a gift, you must complete an Affidavit of Gift (Form MV-13ST)
- If the vehicle is a mobile or manufactured home that has been anchored to the ground in Pennsylvania, a tax status certification from the Tax Claim Bureau of the county where the vehicle is situated, or a Certification for Exemption
- If an agent is buying or selling the car on another party’s behalf, a Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney Form.
Boat Registration Forms
- An Application for Pennsylvania Boat Registration and/or Boat Title (Form REV-336);
- A Bill of Sale;
- Payment of all registration fees, a schedule for which is included on Page 2 of Form REV-336;
- Proof of payment of state sales tax, and supplemental local sales tax if the buyer is a resident of Alleghany County or the City of Philadelphia;
- If the boat was purchased used from a private party, the existing Pennsylvania title should be signed over to the buyer;
- If the boat is purchased from a state that does not title boats, the registration statement from the previous owner; and
- If the boat was purchased from a Pennsylvania dealer, the manufacturer’s certificate of origin.