An in-transit registration plate is designed for certain people who purchase a vehicle in Pennsylvania but plan to title and register that vehicle outside Pennsylvania.
This is different from a normal Pennsylvania registration plate. If you are a Pennsylvania resident buying a vehicle that will be titled and registered in Pennsylvania, an in-transit plate is generally not the product you are looking for.
PennDOT specifically lists “issuance of in-transit registration plates to out-of-state residents who purchase a vehicle in Pennsylvania” as a service available through qualifying authorized agents.
What Is a Pennsylvania In-Transit Plate?
A Pennsylvania in-transit plate is a temporary credential used to allow an eligible vehicle purchaser to transport a vehicle from Pennsylvania to another jurisdiction where the vehicle will ultimately be titled and registered.
In practical terms, this commonly applies when:
You live outside Pennsylvania → you purchase a vehicle in Pennsylvania → you need to take the vehicle to your home state → you will title and register it there.
The in-transit plate should not be confused with a Pennsylvania registration plate issued for a vehicle that is going to be registered in Pennsylvania.
How Long Is a Pennsylvania In-Transit Plate Valid?
Pennsylvania’s current in-transit cardboard registration plate is issued for a limited period.
For the customer, the most important date is the expiration date shown on the in-transit credential.
Because PennDOT publications and regulations have been revised over time, customers should rely on the credential issued for their particular transaction and instructions from the issuing agent rather than information from older websites or articles.
What Documents Do You Need for an In-Transit Plate?
The exact documentation can vary depending on the vehicle and ownership documents.
The buyer should be prepared to provide:
- Valid identification
- proof of insurance
- Any additional documentation required for the particular transaction
Does the Seller’s Pennsylvania Plate Stay on the Vehicle?
No.
When a Pennsylvania vehicle is sold, PennDOT instructs the seller to remove the registration plate after the title is transferred.
That is particularly important for an out-of-state buyer.
Can a Private Seller Issue an In-Transit Plate?
No. In-transit registration plates are issued through qualifying PennDOT-authorized businesses. PennDOT specifically lists issuance of in-transit registration plates among authorized-agent services.
What If the Vehicle Has a Lien?
A lien can make the transaction more complicated.
If a bank, credit union or other lienholder has an interest in the vehicle, additional documentation or procedures may be necessary before ownership can be properly transferred.
How Much Does an In-Transit Plate Cost in Pennsylvania?
The total cost can vary depending on the transaction and the authorized agent providing the service.
Authorized agents are under contract to PennDOT and may charge a market driven service (delivery) fee. These are in addition to any PennDOT statutory fees for temporary, or in some cases, permanent motor vehicle registration plates and cards or other related products and services offered by the agent.
Taj Notary & Tags
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
484-951-1565
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are temporary in-transit tags valid for in Pennsylvania?
Standard temporary in-transit tags in Pennsylvania are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. This period is designed to give you enough time to complete the full vehicle registration process. You cannot renew a temporary registration once it expires. If your tag lapses, you will need to apply for a new one, which requires paying the fee again and may raise questions about why the first registration was not completed.