Pennsylvania Bill of Sale Forms (5)
A Pennsylvania bill of sale document formalizes the transfer of ownership for a valuable item. An owner (seller) of a car, boat, firearm, or another item, completes and signs the form with the buyer (new owner). Although not required by the state of Pennsylvania, using a bill of sale is highly recommended as it demonstrates due diligence and acts as a receipt for the transaction.
Summary
|
Types (5)
Boat Bill of Sale – A legal form for buyers when purchasing a boat or watercraft from a private seller.
Firearm Bill of Sale – Documents the transfer of ownership for firearms.
General Bill of Sale – A form used when an item of high value is sold or given to another person.
|
Trailer Bill of Sale – Evidence that a buyer cooperated with a seller to obtain ownership of a cargo trailer.
Signing Requirements
Bill of Sale Type | Buyer Signature | Seller Signature | Notarization |
Boat | Required | Required | Not required |
Firearm | Required | Required | Not required |
General (others) | Required | Required | Not required |
Motor Vehicle | Required | Required | Not required |
Trailer | Required | Required | Not required |
What is a Pennsylvania Bill of Sale?
A Pennsylvania bill of sale releases a seller from ownership of an item, thus transferring possession to a purchaser. It encompasses all details of the sale to verify the acquisition.
For example, if a person sells their car to a family member, they would use the bill of sale to facilitate the process. After entering the car’s identifying information, such as its year, make, model, vehicle identification number (VIN), and title number, both parties fill in their contact information. Upon signing and dating the form, the original owner revokes all rights and interests for the vehicle, and the buyer becomes the new owner.
Having the bill of sale notarized legitimizes and authenticates the sale. This extra step protects both the buyer and the seller if the legality of the item’s ownership is questioned.
Registration Forms: Boats
Use the Pennsylvania Fishing and Boating Commission (PFBC) directory to file for vessel registration and title or contact an issuing agent.
|
Registration Forms: Firearms
In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to keep a record of registered guns, and therefore, residents do not need to undergo firearm registration. Nonetheless, they can get a concealed carry license, which allows them to hide their gun on their body in most public places. This process directs the person to present forms and payments to a local county sheriff’s office.
|
Registration Forms: Vehicles
Submit registration documents and fees to a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) office or agent.
|
Additional (Optional) Documents
- Application for Dealers for Duplicate Title (Form MV-38D) – Used by dealers to request a duplicate title.
- Application for Duplicate Title or Lien Release (Form MV-38L) – To request a duplicate title or handle lien-related matters. If the owner wants to record, renew, or remove a lien or correct information, they should use this form.
- Application for Lessee Information – For leasing companies to complete when an applicant registers and titles a leased car.
- Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney – Allows an individual to represent a vehicle owner when handling assigned tasks.
- California Air Resources Board (CARB) – Per the CARB, cars 2008 or newer weighing 8,500 or less with fewer than 7,500 miles require an inspection.
- Inspection – Required for new and used vehicles requesting a Pennsylvania registration. Includes emissions inspection.
- VIN Verification (Form MV-1) – For out-of-state vehicles, trucks, truck tractors, and motorhomes. Owners must use tracing paper and a lead pencil to trace over the VIN number. Use Form MV-41 if a professional mechanic or dealership has inspected and approved the VIN.
Registration Forms: Trailers
Pennsylvania trailer registration and titling happen at PennDOT offices.
|