The Driver and Vehicle Services section of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) states that individuals are required to have a valid form of Pennsylvania identification in order to make application to title and register a vehicle in PA.
PennDOT notes that the Department of Driver Services will only allow agents to issue title and registration documents to customers who provide one of the following credentials for identification purposes:
- a valid Pennsylvania Photo Driver's License
- a valid Pennsylvania Photo Identification Card
- a valid Pennsylvania Photo Exempt Driver's License
- a valid Pennsylvania Photo Exempt Identification Card
- a valid U.S. Armed Forces Common Access Card - Dependents of Armed Forces Personnel must provide a valid United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (DD Form 1173)
So you do not need a PA driver's license but you will need to show a valid form of ID from the list above so that you can title and register a car in this state. So if you are unable to get a PA driver's license for some reason you may need to check into getting a PA identification card to show was an authorized type of ID to register your car.
PennDOT states that besides showing an accepted form of identification you will need to bring the following items with you in order to register your vehicle(s):
- A valid title for all of the vehicles you want to register in Pennsylvania, issued in your name, from your previous state; and
- Proof of Pennsylvania insurance, such as a valid insurance identification card, declaration page of an insurance policy, a copy of a valid binder or a copy of an application for insurance to the Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan for all of the vehicles you will be registering. These documents must indicate both effective and expiration dates.
- Completed Form MV-1. Forms MV-1 and MV-4ST are not available online. These forms must be completed by an authorized agent of the Department. You will need to contact a notary or dealer for assistance with the completion of these forms.
- A tracing of the vehicle identification number (VIN) or the verification of the VIN by an inspection mechanic or notary public at a dealership or issuing agent.
- Appropriate title, lien, registration fees and sales tax (if applicable). Make checks or money orders payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Please do not send cash.
- If you are titling and registering a leased vehicle, the leasing company will also be required to complete Form MV-1L. A Power of Attorney may be required from the leasing company.
To find out more about what is required of you to register and title a car in the state of Pennsylvania, contact PennDOT directly.
Remember that when registering a car you must show proof of Pennsylvania auto insurance. This means all motor vehicles subject to registration such as cars, vans, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, trucks and buses must have liability insurance. You are in compliance with the PA law if you have Liability insurance in the following amounts:
- $15,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident
- $30,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident
- $5,000 for damage to property of another person
This insurance is referred to as 15/30/5 and you may want to get higher limits to better protect yourself and your assets. Also if you have a lien holder on your vehicle they will normally require you to have Physical Damage coverages of Collision and Comprehensive on the vehicle as well.
While PA may only require an accepted form of ID for you to get a car registered and titled most all insurance companies require you to have a valid driver's license to insure a vehicle since your driving record is one main rating factor. Also without a valid driver's license an insurance carrier will not normally want to insure you since you should not be driving a car. If you have a reason for not obtaining a driver's license you may be able to find an insurer what will exclude you as a driver and list the person that will be driving the vehicle as the primary driver.
You will need to keep continuous car insurance coverage on your PA vehicle. Failure to maintain liability insurance on a PA registered vehicle may result in a three month suspension of your vehicle registration privilege.
To get started shopping for Pennsylvania car insurance click here for free auto insurance quotes.
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