What to Bring When Buying a Used Car in Pennsylvania

Buying a used car in Pennsylvania? Before you meet the seller, make sure you have everything you need to avoid delays, prevent scams, and walk away with a clean title and valid registration.
​
Here’s the ultimate checklist of what to bring when buying a used car in PA.

1. Your Driver’s License
PennDOT requires a valid, non-expired driver’s license or state id for:

• Title transfer
• Registration
• Getting new PA plates

2. Proof of Insurance
You must show proof of active insurance before you can register the vehicle.

Accepted forms:

• Insurance ID card (paper or digital)
• Insurance declaration page
• Binder from your insurance agent

If you don’t have coverage yet, Mars Tag & Insurance Agency can set you up instantly on the spot so you can complete your purchase smoothly.

3. The Vehicle Title (From the Seller)
Make sure the seller brings the original, physical title.

Check that:

• The owner’s name matches their ID
• The VIN matches the vehicle
• There are no open liens
• There are no erasures or white-outs

Titles cannot be transferred with mistakes — it will cause rejection and delays.

4. Bill of Sale (Recommended)
Pennsylvania doesn’t require a bill of sale, but it’s smart to have one.

Include:

• Buyer and seller names
• Sale price
• Date
• VIN
• Signatures

This helps protect both parties and is useful for tax purposes.

5. Funds for Purchase & Fees
Bring a payment method the seller accepts:

• Cash
• Cashier’s check
• Money order
• Zelle/Venmo (confirm with seller)

Also bring extra for title transfer, registration, and plates. 

6. Odometer Reading
The seller must provide the exact odometer reading on the title.

You should double-check it matches the dashboard.

7. VIN Check or Vehicle History Report
Highly recommended:

• CARFAX
• AutoCheck
• Free VIN check tools

Look for:

• Accidents
• Flood damage
• Mileage discrepancies
• Salvage or rebuilt titles
• Multiple owners in a short time

8. License Plate Options
In Pennsylvania:

• You can get new plates on the spot at an authorized PennDOT agent (like Mars Tag & Insurance Agency).
• You can transfer plates from your old car (same owner, same type of vehicle).

Bring your old plate if transferring.

9. Emissions/Inspection Information
If the car is already inspected:

• Check the inspection stickers
• Get documentation if available

If not, you will need to get the vehicle inspected after registration.

Quick Checklist to Bring With You
✔Driver’s license
✔ Proof of insurance
✔ Seller’s original title
✔ Bill of sale (optional but helpful)
✔ Payment for the vehicle
✔ Money for PennDOT fees
✔ VIN check / history report (for you own information)
✔ Old PA plates (if transferring)
✔ Inspection info

After You Buy the Car — Come to Us
At Mars Tag & Insurance Agency in Philadelphia, we handle:

✅ Title transfers
✅ Registration
✅ Instant license plates
✅ Notary
✅ Same-day auto insurance
In and out in 15 minutes. 

If you’re buying a used car in Pennsylvania and want fast, hassle-free paperwork, visit Mars Tag & Insurance Agency today. We’ll help you transfer the title, register the vehicle, get new plates, or secure an insurance policy—all in one stop.