Pennsylvania title transfer cost
Transferring a car title in Pennsylvania costs $72.00 in title fees, but the sales tax is the big part: on a $15,000 private sale you pay about $1,020 in tax and fees.
Title fees
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of title | $72 | |
| Lien recording | $36 | Recording a lien when a new title is issued costs $108 in total ($72 title + $36 lien). |
What to know about a title transfer in Pennsylvania
- A Pennsylvania title costs $72.00; when the car is financed, recording the lien adds $36.00 ($108.00 in total).
- In a private sale the transfer is done at a notary or tag service, which collects the 6% sales tax (7% Allegheny County, 8% Philadelphia) and the fees for PennDOT. Agents may add their own service charge.
Total cost of a private-party purchase
Sales tax, title, registration and plate fees.
| Price | Sales tax | Title & registration | Total due |
|---|---|---|---|
| $8,000 | $480.00 | $120.00 | $600.00 |
| $15,000 | $900.00 | $120.00 | $1,020.00 |
| $25,000 | $1,500.00 | $120.00 | $1,620.00 |
Title transfer costs in other states
Title fee alone, and the total tax and fees on a $15,000 car bought from a private seller.
| State | Title fee | Tax + fees, $15,000 private sale |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $72.00 | $1,020.00 |
| Texas | $33.00 | $1,066.00 |
| Florida | $75.25 | $1,323.85 |
| New York | $50.00 | $1,542.75 |
| California | $15.00 | $1,846.00 |
Pennsylvania title transfer and tax calculator
Estimate based on Pennsylvania rules checked 2026-10-26. Your dealer or county office has the final figure.
See also: Pennsylvania car sales tax calculator · Pennsylvania registration fees
Questions
How much does it cost to transfer a title in Pennsylvania?
$72, or $108 with a lien recorded for a financed car.
Where do I transfer a title in Pennsylvania?
The buyer pays tax to PennDOT through a notary or tag agent when the title is transferred. Agents may charge a service fee on top of the state fees.
What sales tax rate applies?
6%, or 7% if you live in Allegheny County and 8% in Philadelphia.
Sources
Rates and fees checked on 2026-10-26. Official pages for Pennsylvania:
Spotted an outdated number? Email hi@carsalestax.com — corrections are checked against the official source and published within a few days.