The following section provides step-by-step instructions on how to properly sign a Pennsylvania title. It’s important to complete the title accurately to ensure a smooth transfer and avoid delays with the donation process. Be sure to follow each step carefully—mistakes, such as using the wrong ink color or signing in the wrong spot, can render the title invalid.

Your Pennsylvania title is a legal document, and any errors in completing it could make it invalid—meaning you’d need to obtain a duplicate. To avoid delays or complications when donating, please carefully read all instructions and tips before signing.

Do Not Void Your Pennsylvania Title 

• Sign in front of a Notary Public
• Use only black or blue pen
• Do not use highlighter or white-out. 
• No scribbles, write-overs, strikethroughs, or tears
• Do not sing in the Dealer Reassignment section, unless you’re an authorized dealer

If your Pennsylvania title looks different from the example shown below, take a moment to review it closely before moving forward. The placement of the signature and printed name fields may vary, but you are still required to print and sign your name in the correct designated sections. A Pennsylvania title also requires a notary’s signature. 

The person(s) named on the front of the Pennsylvania title must follow these steps:

• The title must be notarized and signed in front of the Notary Public

1. Sign the Back of the title where it reads “SIGNATURE OF SELLER “
2. Print name(s) on the Back of the title where it reads “SELLER AND/OR CO-SELLER MUST HANDPRINT NAME HERE”
3. If there is a lien listed on the title, it must be released on the title or accompanied by a separate lien release letter.

Signature Tips

The name(s) used to sign the Pennsylvania title must exactly match the name(s) shown on the title. If you have changed your name since the title was issued, do not sign with your new name. Go ahead and sign with the name shown on the title. 

If there are two owners on the Pennsylvania title, one or both must sign, depending on how the names appear in the title. 

• Owner 1 OR Owner 2 – Only ONE owner must sign
• Owner 1 AND/OR Owner 2 – BOTH owners must sign (unless one is deceased)
• Owner 1 AND Owner 2 – BOTH owners must sign
• Owner 1 Owner 2 (No conjunction) – BOTH owners must sign
• Company-Owned Vehicles: A signature of a person who can sign on behalf of the company legally. Provide a letterhead or document stating who the signing person is to the company.

Don’t worry about the Buyer line; you should leave that blank.

Need a new title?

If you need a replacement Pennsylvania title before your car donation pickup, please visit your local Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. 

• https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/vehicle-services/title-and-registration/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle 

If the title was last titled in another state, you will need to get the duplicate title from that state.

Final steps to complete my Pennsylvania car donation.

What do I do with my license plates?

• Take the plates off your vehicle. Turn in your plates to your local DMV, destroy them, or transfer them to another vehicle 

Is there anything else I need to do?

• Complete a Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration and submit it to your local Motor Vehicle Division.