You cannot register a car without insurance in Pennsylvania, as proof of insurance is required at the time of registration. In Pennsylvania, you are required to have $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, up to $30,000 per accident, along with $5,000 in liability coverage for property damage. You'll also need $5,000 in medical benefits. You have 20 days from the date of purchase to register a vehicle in the state of Pennsylvania, but you can't drive the car without insurance.
To register a car in Pennsylvania, you need the following documentation:
- Registration fees
- Driver's license
- Proof of insurance
- VIN number verification
- Completed application for certificate of title
- Proof of ownership
- Safety and emissions inspection (if applicable)
- Vehicle sales and use tax return/application for registration (if applicable)
The penalties for driving without insurance in Pennsylvania can be steep, so you should get insurance right away and have proof of coverage at all times.
This answer was first published on 06/21/23 and it was last updated on 10/27/23. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.
FAQs
PennDOT requires all motor vehicle owners to provide proof that they are financially responsible (have liability insurance) at the time of initial registration.
Can you register a car without insurance in PA? ›
All motor vehicles subject to registration such as cars, vans, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, trucks and buses must have liability insurance.
Can you transfer a title without insurance in PA? ›
The buyer can't obtain a temporary or permanent license plate or register the vehicle without showing proof of insurance to an authorized agent of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
What is needed to register a car in PA? ›
How to register a car in Pennsylvania?
- Proof of ownership in the form of Manufacturer Certificate of Origin (MCO) or Manufacture Statement of Origin (MSO) or Pennsylvania Certificate of Title.
- Application for Certificate of Title (Form MV-1 — not available online)
- Driver's license.
- Proof of insurance.
Otherwise, a lapse of insurance coverage results in the suspension of your vehicle registration privilege for three months, unless the lapse of insurance was for a period of less than 31 days and the owner or registrant proves to PennDOT that the vehicle was not operated during this short lapse in coverage.
What will PennDOT accept as proof of insurance? ›
Proof of Insurance
A copy of the insurance identification (ID) card issued by an insurance carrier or by a self-insured. A copy of the declaration page of an insurance policy issued when a policy is created or renewed and is generally received at the same time as the insurance ID card.
Do I need proof of insurance to buy a car in PA? ›
A copy of your current insurance identification card is required if registration is to be issued. VIN verification is required for out of state vehicles.
How long do you have to get insurance after buying a used car in PA? ›
It is the applicant's responsibility to contact their insurance agent or broker within 14 days of purchasing a vehicle to extend coverage to the newly purchased vehicle. (Items may be listed with the new vehicle's description.)
Is title insurance required in PA? ›
In Pennsylvania, title insurance is mandatory for real estate purchases secured by a mortgage. If you pay in cash, title insurance is optional. However, it's still wise to purchase title insurance as the risks remain regardless of how you pay for the home.
Do both parties have to be present to transfer a car title in PA? ›
Yes, both parties must be present for the title to be signed and notarized by a Pennsylvania notary public who is duly licensed. The seller can assign the title to the buyer by completing the necessary sections on the back of the title certificate and signing it.
Absolutely not!!! As a former resident of PA, I know that when you buy a car from a dealer, part of the process is getting a license plate from the dealer at the time the sale is finalized. You can transfer the plate from another car which is simple if you are trading it in.
How much does a PA vehicle registration cost? ›
Payments and Fees
| Motor Vehicle Services Fees | Amount |
|---|
| • One Year: | $41.00 |
| • Five Year: | $205.00 |
| • 13,001 or more: |
| • One Year: | $108.00 |
40 more rowsRenewing your vehicle and/or trailer registration can, in most cases, be completed online, at any of PennDOT's Online Messenger services or through the mail. Mailing instructions can be found on the back of the applicable forms.
Can you own a car in PA without insurance? ›
Pennsylvania law requires all Pennsylvania motor vehicle owners to maintain vehicle liability insurance (financial responsibility) on a currently registered vehicle. Vehicle liability insurance covers the property damage or injuries you may cause others in a crash.
Can you pause car insurance in PA? ›
You can temporarily suspend your insurance if you intend to store your car and not use it for a while. In Pennsylvania, you can file an affidavit to the Department of Transportation to avoid having to carry insurance during this time if you are not operating your car on public roads.
What is the state minimum car insurance in PA? ›
The minimum limits for Pennsylvania auto insurance are: Bodily injury liability coverage: $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident. Property damage liability coverage: $5,000. Uninsured motorist coverage: $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident*
Is car insurance required in PA? ›
Drivers must purchase and maintain car insurance in order to legally drive in Pennsylvania. Under Pennsylvania law, this is called maintaining “financial responsibility” on your vehicles.
Can you insure a car that is not registered in your name in PA? ›
Insuring a car not in your name in Pennsylvania usually requires "insurable interest," meaning you gotta be the owner (or at least named on the title). Becoming a named insured on the owner's policy is a possibility, depending on their kindness and your driving record.
Do permit drivers need insurance in PA? ›
Insurance is mandatory for anyone with a driver's license in Pennsylvania. If you are a learner driver and the car owner is with you while driving, you do not need insurance, and you may then use that person's car for your driver's test.
