How to Fill Out a Bill of Sale in Pennsylvania
A step-by-step guide to every field on a Pennsylvania vehicle bill of sale — with a free filled-in example you can download instantly.
Pennsylvania's fill-out sequence is different: you complete the paperwork, but you do NOT sign it at the kitchen table — signatures happen in front of an authorized agent, notary, or messenger service, because Pennsylvania requires notarized title transfers. So the workflow is: fill out everything in advance (parties, vehicle, VIN, odometer, price, date), leave every signature line blank, and bring photo ID to the appointment. The agent witnesses both parties sign the title, and Form MV-4ST — the combined Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return and registration application — is completed in the same sitting. The buyer pays 6% sales tax (7% in Allegheny County, 8% in Philadelphia) on the spot, calculated on the purchase price or the vehicle's current market value. The 20-day filing window is generous, but in practice the notary session IS the filing — one appointment completes the whole transfer.
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State rules change. We check these requirements against official state sources, but details can go out of date. Confirm with your state's motor vehicle agency before you rely on them. If you notice anything wrong or outdated, email support@billofsale.app.
Step-by-Step: Every Field Explained
Seller Information
- Full legal name
- Current mailing address
- City, state, ZIP code
- Phone number (optional but recommended)
Buyer Information
- Full legal name
- Current mailing address
- City, state, ZIP code
- Phone number (optional)
Vehicle Description
- Vehicle year (4-digit)
- Make (manufacturer — e.g., Ford, Toyota)
- Model (e.g., F-150, Camry)
- Body style (e.g., sedan, pickup, SUV)
- Color
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) — 17 characters, found on the dashboard or door jamb
- Odometer reading at time of sale
Sale Details
- Sale price in US dollars (write out both numerals and words — e.g., "$8,500 — Eight thousand five hundred dollars")
- Payment method (cash, check, electronic transfer)
- Date of sale (month / day / year)
- Note: the buyer pays Pennsylvania tax at registration (6% sales tax)
Seller Signature
- Seller's signature (must match title)
- Printed name
- Date signed
Buyer Signature
- Buyer's signature
- Printed name
- Date signed
Get a Pre-Filled Pennsylvania Example
Use the generator above to create a filled-in Pennsylvania bill of sale example in under 60 seconds. Fields are set up for Pennsylvania — a notary acknowledgment section included, PA sales tax at 6%, and 20-day title transfer deadline noted.
Other Forms Required in Pennsylvania
Along with the bill of sale, you may need these additional documents for a Pennsylvania vehicle transfer:
- Form MV-4ST (Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration)
- Form MV-3 (Motor Vehicle Verification of Fair Market Value by the Issuing Agent) — notarized, e.g. when the price is below 80% of fair market value
- Form MV-38O (Application for Duplicate Title) — only if the title is lost
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't we just sign the Pennsylvania paperwork ourselves?
What is Form MV-4ST and who fills it out?
What should each party bring to the notary appointment?
Which county rates apply on top of the 6% tax?
Pennsylvania Bill of Sale Hub
All requirements, tax rates, deadlines, and forms for Pennsylvania.
View Pennsylvania guide →MV-4ST
Serves as Pennsylvania's vehicle sales tax return and title application. Documents the private sale and calculates the 6% state sales tax due from the buyer on the purchase price or current market value.
MV-4ST guide →