1. Current Title
You need the original vehicle title (in your name).
2. Complete PennDOT Form MV-1
- This is the Application for Certificate of Title
- You’ll list:
- New owner: Name of your trust
Example: “John and Jane Doe Revocable Living Trust dated 1/1/2026” - You (or both of you) will sign as seller
- New owner: Name of your trust
👉 Important: A PA notary or authorized agent must handle this form (you typically don’t fill it out alone).
3. Go to an Authorized PennDOT Agent
You cannot usually do this entirely online.
Go to:
- AAA
- Tag & title shop
- Notary with PennDOT services
They will:
- Prepare MV-1
- Notarize signatures
- Submit paperwork
4. Bring These With You
- Original title
- Driver’s license
- Copy or Certificate of Trust (not always required, but recommended)
- Odometer reading
5. Sales Tax (Important)
Good news:
👉 No sales tax if:
- You’re transferring to your own revocable living trust
- You are still the beneficiary
The agent will mark it as a tax-exempt transfer
6. Fees
- Title transfer fee: ~$67 (varies slightly)
- Agent/notary fee: ~$30–$100 depending on location
⚠️ Insurance Consideration
Before or right after retitling:
- Call your insurance company
- Make sure:
- Policy reflects trust ownership or
- You’re still listed as driver/insured
👉 This is where people sometimes run into issues if they skip it.
🤔 Should You Even Do It?
In PA, many estate attorneys will tell you:
👉 It’s optional for cars
Because:
- Cars can be transferred after death fairly easily
- They depreciate quickly
- Extra paperwork now vs. minimal probate impact later
✅ When It Does Make Sense
- High-value or collectible vehicle
- You want everything neatly inside the trust
- You’re avoiding any probate whatsoever
🚫 When Most People Skip It
- Older vehicles
- Cars likely to be replaced soon
- Simplicity is preferred
🧩 Bottom Line
- Yes, you can retitle a car into your trust in PA
- It’s done through a PennDOT agent using MV-1
- Usually tax-free
- But often not necessary unless you want everything fully aligned
