Free Pennsylvania VIN Check

What to know when buying used cars in Pennsylvania

Before buying a car, it’s crucial to gather information about it. A Pennsylvania VIN check can give you insight into the car’s history, such as if it was in an accident or previous ownership. This knowledge can you avoid problematic cars and guarantee that you only go with a smooth ride.

As per the CBS42 report, Pennsylvania is one of the most affordable states to buy used cars. You can spend less money if you read a Pennsylvania vehicle history report and learn which option can get you a good bargain.

Pennsylvania Vehicle History: If you want to buy a car in Pennsylvania, it’s a good idea to do a Pennsylvania free VIN check. This will give you access to a Pennsylvania vehicle history report, which will help get up to speed about the car’s background and overall status. This information will help you make a decision about whether or not to buy the car. You can also find out more about the car by checking with NMVTIS.

A Pennsylvania vehicle history report by Pennsylvania VIN lookup may show the following details:

• Vehicle specifications – basic features, dimensions, performance, and appearance of a car. 
• Accident history – data on past accidents or damages the vehicle has sustained previously
• Title information – shows whether a car possesses a clean title record or if it was branded as salvage, reconstructed, total loss, or others in the past. 
• Ownership history – details on past ownership and the length of time they legally owned the car as well as the dates and frequency of ownership transfer.
• Mileage history – the distance tracked by the odometer since a vehicle was first driven; it can help identify any manipulation of a vehicle’s mileage.
• Vehicle use – checks if a car has past personal or professional purposes, and whether it has ever served as a rental, taxi, or transport car.
• Manufacturer recalls – displays recall data initiated by the car manufacturer, along with a brief description of a defect and proposed solutions (if there is any). 
• Theft record – shows any status that the vehicle has been marked as stolen or if it is connected to a theft recovery effort. 
• Liens and finance history – shows if a car has outstanding debts or liens that are not yet paid off, or if it has been confiscated for non-payment of loans.
• Others – information on active and expired warranties as well as car insurance policies.

Required Documents: If you’re planning to purchase a used car in Pennsylvania, be sure to look at the title, registration, and bill of sale. This will help you make a smart decision and avoid any problems down the line. 

Lemon Law Protections: The Pennsylvania Automobile Lemon Law keeps people safe by making sure they don’t get stuck with unsafe or broken brand-new cars. It only applies to new cars bought or leased in Pennsylvania for personal, family, or household use. This law doesn’t cover commercial vehicles, motorcycles, motor homes, or off-road vehicles.

Discover Your Car’s Story: Do a Pennsylvania VIN Check

Do you want to be sure the car you’re buying is in good shape? You can check its history by doing a Pennsylvania or PA VIN check and getting a Pennsylvania vehicle history report. This will let you know if the car has been in any accidents, had issues, or has been stolen. It’ll help you find a trustworthy car that meets your needs and makes you feel at ease.

Pennsylvania DMV

The Pennsylvania DOT serves as Pennsylvania’s main DMV agency. It helps with processing vehicle registration, title, and license plates. New residents must apply for Pennsylvania title and registration of their vehicle(s) within 20 days of moving to the state. Likewise, the same grace period applies to owners of newly-purchased vehicles. 

Here is a short list of Pennsylvania DMV services car buyers and owners can avail of:

• Title and registrations for vehicles
• Title/registration transfers
• Replacement/Renewals of titles and registrations
• Issuance of Pennsylvania license plates
• Vanity or Personalized License Plate Requests
• Motor Vehicle Records

DMV FAQs

How to register and title a vehicle in Pennsylvania?

Here is a general overview of the process in Pennsylvania:

1. Obtain insurance: To drive in Pennsylvania, you have to get insurance that abides by the state’s regulations.

The minimum insurance coverage required in Pennsylvania is as follows:

• $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

2. Get a vehicle inspection: Pennsylvania needs cars to undergo safety inspections to make sure they are safe to use. Safety inspections can help avoid car accidents on the road and protect people from getting hurt or killed.
3. Apply for a vehicle title and registration: As a start, an applicant may submit a completed registration form to an authorized Pennsylvania DMV office.
4. Pay the fees: Don’t forget to pay the fees to Pennsylvania DOT, so you won’t face any trouble.
5. Submit the documents: When you deal with the Pennsylvania DMV, make sure to follow their instructions and provide all the necessary documents for your transaction.
6. Get the DMV materials: If you provide the correct documents, the Pennsylvania DMV will give you essential paperwork, including a certificate of ownership, registration, and other significant documents.

In Pennsylvania, you don’t need to have a front license plate on your car. You only need to have a valid rear license plate (or registration plate) to drive. The state stopped requiring front license plates on cars in 1952.

How much does it cost to register and title a vehicle in Pennsylvania?

The amount you need to pay for registering and titling your vehicle in Pennsylvania depends on how old it is, what kind of vehicle it is, and where you are located. To get an idea of the cost, you can look at the standard fees.

Registration: $39.00 – $45.00 (passenger cars)

Title: ​$58.00

License Plate: ​$11.00

Car Sales Tax: 6%

For other fees and charges, click here. 

What are the usual requirements when registering or titling a vehicle in Pennsylvania?

The standard documentation needed for registering and titling a vehicle in Pennsylvania includes:

• Proof of ownership: Bill of sale, past registration, and past title qualify. Provide a bill of sale and/or title with signatures from both parties (buyer and previous owner/seller) if transferring ownership. 
• Proof of identity and/or address: Driver’s license or any government or company-issued ID/paper
• Completed application form(s): Document(s) required for the official Pennsylvania DMV recognition of ownership. 
• Insurance: Proof of liability insurance, such as an insurance card, might be required by DMV agents.
• Smog/Safety/Odometer certification: This may be required by an attending agent.

Payment of fees/taxes: Fees and taxes must be settled to complete the process.

Other Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Motor vehicle review websites can give you information on different types of cars. They can tell you if the cars work well, if they’re safe, and if people like them. If you want to buy a car, you can visit sites like Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend for help.

Vehicle safety rating websites can help you know how safe a car is during an accident and what safety features it has. NHTSA and IIHS have lots of information about vehicle safety in general.

Vehicle market value websites specialize in vehicle market values that can help you determine the fair price of your car. They consider the car’s make, model, age, and mileage to give you an estimate. You can try using well-known websites like Kelley Blue Book and NADA Guides for this purpose.

Pennsylvania crash report. If you want to avoid buying a car that has been in a really bad accident, you should look at the Pennsylvania crash report before making your purchase. In 2019, there were 1,060 crashes and 1,129 deaths in Pennsylvania, according to the 2019 FARS report. Some of those cars might still be available for purchase. So, to be safe, always check the report before buying any car in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania crime report. The latest FBI Crime Report for Pennsylvania shows that 12,390 cars were stolen in 2019. If you’re buying a used car, be careful so as to not get your hands on a stolen unit. You can check the car’s history by getting a Pennsylvania vehicle history report from a Pennsylvania VIN check to ensure it’s safe to buy. This report can provide you with almost all the information you need to know about the car.

Pennsylvania natural disasters. As confirmed by Primal Survivor, Pennsylvania experiences various natural disasters such as freezing rain, winter storms, and heavy snowfall. These can be risky for vehicles in the region.

Before buying a car in Pennsylvania, it’s a good idea to read a Pennsylvania car report. This report shows any hidden problems that you might not notice initially. It’ll help you feel more certain about your decision and choose a better car for yourself.

Run the Pennsylvania VIN Check to generate a full Pennsylvania vehicle history report.