To transfer an auto as a gift in Pennsylvania (PA), you will follow the same steps that you take to transfer a regular car title in Pennsylvania (PA).  The one exception is that you will likely not have to provide lienholder information on the auto title (unless the vehicle is not paid off).

Requirements to Transfer the Title on a Gifted Car in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) mandates that motor vehicle buyers and sellers in the state work with a notary public, tag service, or authorized PennDOT agent to complete the title transfer process.

Documentation that you will bring to the agent’s office includes:

• PA photo drivers license.
• Recent bank statement, paycheck stub, or utility bill (if you recently moved to PA).

You can also present your valid military photo ID to the authorized agent.

Auto Gift Giver Title Transfer Steps

Ask the person who you are giving the auto to as a gift to accompany you to the agent’s office. There are areas on the title that you both must complete. As the person gifting the motor vehicle, you will:

1. Print your first and last names in Section A on the back of the title.
2. Write the odometer reading on the back of the title.
3. Sign the title.
4. Complete the transferor section of Form MV-13ST (Affidavit of Gift).

You must remove the license plates and return them to the Pennsylvania (PA) Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The only time that you are permitted to keep the license plates is if you plan to transfer them to another auto that you own.

Motor Vehicle Gift Recipient Title Transfer Steps

The person that you give autos to as gifts must:

1. Print his name and street mailing address in Section A at the back of the title.
2. Sign the title.
3. Complete the transferee section of Form MV-13ST (Affidavit of Gift)
4. Pay the $22.50 fee to transfer titles (of course, you can pay the fee for them if you like).

Make your check or money order out to the PA Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Required Auto Inspections and Insurance Coverage for Title Transfers

The person who receives an auto as a gift has up to 10 days after the transferred auto title is signed to have the vehicle inspected. Check the yellow pages for a list of authorized auto inspection centers near you.

Get adequate liability insurance on the vehicle. Driving a car without auto insurance in PA could cause you to receive a ticket or have your license suspended.

PA auto dealers are required to pay tax (six percent) on motor vehicles before they give them as gifts. They must also pay tax on autos that they donate for raffles and other fundraisers.