In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, when anyone buys or sells a vehicle (of any sort), a bill of sale form is strongly recommended. This bill serves as a proof, for both parties, of a legal sale and purchase of vehicles.
The vehicle bill actually is a simple document that acts as a legal receipt from the purchaser to the seller documenting purchase price and change of ownership as well. It provides information about the buyer, seller, and identifying information about the vehicle and change of its ownership.
Not only this document is needed for the sale-purchase purpose, but it is also required in the registration process of a vehicle. The documents must be authenticated by any lawyer for the purpose of legal verification and for the prevention of future crises.
How to Register a Vehicle in Pennsylvania?
The vehicle registration in Pennsylvania is not much difficult. All you require are some documents to bring with you to the Department of Transportation (DOT). There are two categories:
If You Are Newly Moved into PA
If you've purchased your car from outside PA, and moved into PA recently, don't forget to register your vehicle within 20 days after you move in. The documents required (in addition to fees and taxes) are:
- Driver's licence issued from PA.
- Proof of car insurance and Bill form of car purchase.
- Vehicle identification number.
- Title of the vehicle.
If You Are Already a Resident of PA
If you are already living in PA and purchase the car from a private dealer, the documents required are:
- Driver's licence issued from PA.
- Proof of car insurance and bill form of car purchase.
- A copy of the paperwork that the car has been inspected.
- Application of Title's certification.
What Is Included in a Pennsylvania Vehicle Bill of Sale?
Seller's and Purchaser's Info
In the vehicle bill form, both parties provide necessary information on identification on top. The details include names, contact numbers, company (if any) names, and addresses.
Description of Vehicle
Below necessary details, the details of the vehicle being sold/purchased are provided. This contains the following info:
- Make, Model and Year
- The VIN (Vehicle's Identification Number)
- An exact odometer reading and stating if there is any discrepancy
Price of Purchase
The price of the vehicle being sold is stated, both in numerals and in words. The date of the payment is also written along-with, depending upon which time is decided for payment.
Either the seller is paid on the date of trade, or both parties agree on some different date, and that date is then written in the form. If the vehicle is being given as a gift, the respective box is checked.
Payment Methods
This part includes the payment methods that both seller and buyer agree. Some bill forms don't have this part, yet there are many states in which vehicle bill form includes this section as well. Either a cheque is handed to the seller, or he's paid in cash.
Vehicle Defects
The seller provides information regarding any defect present in the vehicle being sold. It is mandatory to write down all known defects if any agreement regarding this term has been made before.
Signatures
The signatures of both parties, along with the witnesses involved in the trade, are put down in this part. Witnesses must write their basic info in addition to the signatures themselves. This is the last part of any vehicle bill and it, thus, finalizes the deal.
How to Sell a Vehicle in Pennsylvania?
When selling any vehicle in PA, there are some guidelines one must follow. The buyer and the seller should contact each other prior to any deal.
They should then meet at the office of an authorized agent or motor vehicle dealer to ensure the title application is completed correctly and is error-proof. If the seller has financed the vehicle being sold, the certificate of title in his name would be held by his lienholder.
The seller would have to obtain the certificate of title from the respective lienholder in order to sell the vehicle. Next, he should include his signature and handprints his name on the proof of ownership document.
The seller's signature is required to be verified in Pennsylvania or some out-of-state title. The proof of identification is must regarding the process. If the vehicle is owned by a business, company, an authorized person should come and sign in the documents for legal trade.
Additional information regarding authorization, if required, is provided in the Department of Transport. The licence plate of the vehicle should be removed by the seller after the ownership is transferred successfully.
The license plate, if not transferred to another vehicle by the seller, should be returned to PennDOT at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Return Tag Unit, Harrisburg.
Conclusion
The vehicle bill of sale is hugely recommended during any trade of a car in Pennsylvania. It must include all the components mentioned above and authorized by the respective department of transport for a successful legal deal of any vehicle.
The motor should be appropriately registered, and its documents must be verified by legal authorities to avoid any future crises or tax problems. The Department of Transport, Pennsylvania is the administrative department carrying out all these processes thoroughly.
CocoSign provides a great diversity in bill forms for vehicle trade depending upon the vehicle type and the state. You will have free access to download, print and save any customizable templates.