Frequently Asked Questions: 

What do I need to bring with me to the office for a title transfer? 

From the seller we will need: Current State Issued ID Card or Driver’s License, the exact odometer reading, and the vehicle title. If two people are listed on the front of the title they both must be personally present in the office unless a valid POA or Limited Vehicle POA has already been signed by the other party. 

From the buyer we will need: Current State Issued ID Card or Driver’s License, current insurance, and payment. 

Can you accept cards?

Yes we can. The bank/payment processor charges us a 3% fee to accept them so unfortunately this must be passed on. We accept cash & Zelle at no additional cost. Please note that your bank may have a limit on how much you can transfer using Zelle.

Do you accept personal checks?

We generally do not accept personal checks. If desired, we can send your personal check to the state for the state fees and you can pay our fees via cash or Zelle. This does result in longer processing times and may result in errors from PennDOT on your title or registration. 

What does it mean if my title has to be processed “manually” or “on paper”?

This means that because of an issue with PennDOT’s online processing system, a weight issue if a truck, or an issue with the title, we cannot put your transaction through our online system and issue an instant registration. When this happens, you will be informed of this and issued a pink slip. The pink slip is valid for 90 days. It is crucial that you contact us within 60 days if you do not receive your title and registration back from PennDOT. This could mean multiple different things so we need to be able to contact PennDOT and figure it out as soon as possible to ensure you continue to have valid registration. 

What if I bought a vehicle and the seller’s signature wasn’t notarized?

If the seller’s signature wasn’t notarized on the back of the title and it’s a PA or other state that requires titles to be notarized, you must contact that seller as soon as possible to get it notarized or get a new title and get that one notarized. We cannot notarize the signature of anyone who is not personally in front of us. Copies or photos of driver’s licenses are NOT acceptable forms of identification and do not waive the personal appearance requirement. 

What if I bought a trailer in Ohio or a state that doesn’t title trailers?

When buying trailers out of state please be cautious. When there is no title and that state doesn’t title trailers, we can use the registration card as long as it has a VIN on it.

There must be a clear VIN sticker or stamp on the trailer itself as well so that we can perform a VIN verification.

You will also need a signed bill of sale from the owner of the trailer. It must have the VIN, their address & phone #, your address & phone #, and both of your signatures. The bill of sale does not need notarized but it doesn’t hurt.

If you have any questions about what is acceptable please contact us BEFORE making your purchase. We have had many customers be unable to register their trailer because the seller failed to provide the proper paperwork. 

We can be reached via call or text anytime at 724-790-6766

Why was my plate reissued when I wanted to transfer mine?

Certain plates such as those starting with G, H, J & K, are being reissued by notaries at the direction of PennDOT. This is because these plates are old and likely to be illegible. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to override this process and if your plate is part of the program we must replace it per PennDOT regulations. To learn more about this please visit: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/faqs/motor-vehicle-faqs/registration-plate-reissuance-faqs#accordion-cf87b2d017-item-bb59bce282. 

Since the new style (freedom bell) plates have been released, do I need a replacement? 

As long as your plate is legible and current, it is not necessary to get it replaced. The old style plates are still valid. If you would like to get a new style plate, we can process paperwork with PennDOT to get your plate replaced with the new style and a number. 

Can you issue a temporary authority (TA) for semi trucks?

Yes we can! We can also file 2290 forms. We offer flexible appointments including on evenings and weekends to ensure you’re able to get and stay on the road.
Currently we only issue TA’s and transfer apportioned plates. We don’t offer DOT compliance services, IFTA filings, or out of state weight permits. 

What if my TA is about to expire and I haven’t received my plate and cab card? 

The commercial registration unit at PennDOT has a significant backlog and may not always process your title work timely.

Don’t worry though, if we issued the TA, you can contact us. We will get you an extension and issue a new one. 

General document notarization questions:

Why was a paper attached to my document and stamped instead of the stamp being placed on my document?

Pennsylvania law requires certain wording to be on notarial certificates. There also must be enough space for the notary stamp on the page. If your document doesn’t have the proper wording for PA or there’s not enough room for us to stamp, we will attach a certificate. This is not only valid but necessary and must be accepted by the agency reviewing or receiving your documents.

Why wasn’t an embossed seal used on my document?

In July of 2003, Pennsylvania law made it so that the embosser is no longer necessary. While notaries can choose to use one along with their official stamp it is not required. References on a document to a notary or notarial seal refer to the stamp not an embosser.

Can you prepare a will or power of attorney? 

Notaries are not permitted to draft legal documents and/or give legal advice. A notarization simply means that we verified the identity and capacity of the signer and saw them sign the document. While many legal documents require notarization, we as notaries are not permitted to advise on how to fill out documents and what can, should, or should not / cannot be listed on a document. If you have questions about a document you need prepared or are being asked to fill out, please contact the company that requested it and/or an attorney. 

Does my document require a witness? Can my family be a witness?

You should contact an attorney and/or the company that requested the document. Notaries cannot advise on when a witness is needed and/or who can or cannot be a witness. 

Can you witness and notarize a document?

In Pennsylvania, a notary cannot notarize and witness a power of attorney or will. In some cases, we can witness and notarize other types of documents such as Florida deeds. The Secretary of State however does recommend that there be witness(es) other than the notary as a best practice. So whenever possible, please arrange to bring witnesses if your document requires it.