Pennsylvania Car Title Notarization: Buyer and Seller Rules
Yes, for both parties. In Pennsylvania, the seller and the buyer must both appear and sign the title in front of a notary public or an authorized PennDOT agent (tag/messenger service). The buyer must apply for title within 20 days (PennDOT: Buying or Selling a Vehicle; 75 Pa.C.S. §1111).
Practical tips
- Go together. Both signatures happen at the same visit.
- Bring photo ID, the title and proof of insurance (the buyer needs it to register).
- Many tag services do the notarization and the registration paperwork in one stop. They charge their own service fees.
In person vs online
| Notary / PennDOT agent | Online | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard route | Yes | Not the standard route for PA titles; ask PennDOT first |
Need a power of attorney so someone can sign for you? See power of attorney.