TRANSPORTATION / MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION

Driver’s License
New residents of Pennsylvania must obtain a driver’s license within 60 days after establishing residency. The Pennsylvania Manual for Drivers and an application card are available at your local State Police Examination Point. Applicants holding a valid license from another state must pass a vision test in order to obtain a license. If an out-of-state driver’s license has expired over six months, Pennsylvania requires an application for a learner’s permit and complete testing. Before you can be issued a Pennsylvania Driver’s License, any out-of-state license must be surrendered.

Because Pennsylvania has strengthened the requirements for young drivers, those holding an out-of-state license who are under 18 years of age will need to meet additional requirements or provide additional documentation before receiving a Pennsylvania driver’s license. Contact the Customer Call Center at 800-932-4600 for further details. When applying for a license, the following items are required:

*     Social Security card
*     Valid out-of-state license
*     Vehicle registration card
*     Proof of vehicle insurance
*     Official birth certificate

Fees for driver’s licenses can be paid by cash or check. Locations of testing centers are listed in the blue pages of the local phone book. They are also available online and by telephone:

Driver & Vehicle Services
Department of Motor Vehicles
800-942-3926
www.dmv.state.pa.us

Automobile Insurance
Pennsylvania requires the following minimum coverages: $5,000 for medical benefits; $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident of bodily injury liability; and $5,000 for property damage. For more information about insurance requirements in Pennsylvania and the online list of companies that are licensed to sell automobile insurance in Pennsylvania, contact:

State Department of Insurance
Pittsburgh Regional Office
412-565-5020
www.ins.state.pa.us

Vehicle Registration
New residents of Pennsylvania must obtain a new vehicle registration within 20 days of establishing residency. Temporary registrations are available at the nearest License Tag Agency (check under “License” in the yellow pages for locations). Five items are necessary for this process:

*     Out-of-state title and registration
*     Tracing or vehicle verification number
*     Proof of insurance
*     Current odometer reading
*     Applicable fees
*     Proof that taxes were paid for new vehicles

Sales Tax
If you hold a valid title issued in another state and owned your vehicle at least six months before moving to Pennsylvania, no sales tax is due. For vehicles owned less than six months, you must pay sales tax based on the difference between Pennsylvania tax and any sales tax paid to another state (unless the other state’s tax is greater.)

Inspection & Emissions Testing
Newly registered vehicles must undergo a safety inspection within ten days of the registration date at an official inspection station. An emissions inspection is also required in Allegheny, Beaver, Washington and Westmoreland Counties. For complete information on requirements and procedures, contact:

Vehicle Emissions & Inspection Program
800-265-0921
www.drivecleanpa.state.pa.us

Seat-Belt & Child Safety Laws
Children up to age four must be restrained in federally approved safety seats. All passengers are required to wear seat belts at all times in a moving vehicle.