Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to make an appointment?
You are welcome to walk in during my business hours:
Monday & Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
If you cannot make it during these hours, please call to set up an appointment. I will do my best to accommodate any reasonable request.
2. How much will it cost for a notary?
My fees are available here.
3. How much will it cost for my tag & title work?
Tag and title costs vary depending on: The type of service PA sales tax Vehicle registration class Additional PennDOT fees Call me for an exact quote. My fees are available here.
4. What do I do if I don’t have my title?
If your lienholder or lessor holds the title: I will prepare and send a title request form to the bank or leasing company. You must be present to sign the form. Once the title is released to me, I can process your work. If your title is lost: I will request a duplicate title from PennDOT. Stop in to begin this process.
5. Do I need a PA Driver’s License?
For notary services: No. Out-of-state licenses or passports are acceptable. For motor vehicle services: Yes. A valid PA license is required to register a vehicle in Pennsylvania. All IDs must be current and valid.
6. Do I have to be present for a document I have already signed? Can I sign on someone else’s behalf?
Personal presence is required for all notarizations and title work. You must sign in front of the notary public. You may not sign on anyone's behalf unless you provide a signed Power of Attorney.
7. Do you accept credit cards?
Not at this time, however, I accept cash, checks*, PayPal*, Square*, and Venmo*. *There is a $50.00 fee for a returned check or canceled electronic payment.
8. Where are you located exactly?
My address is listed on my CONTACT page. Please feel free to contact me for directions, or follow the GPS Map link here. (From Main St., Mansfield, PA, drive 10 miles west on US 6 West, turn left onto Gas Company Road, drive 0.7 miles, and turn left onto Johnson Hill Rd/Smith Rd/T465, drive 0.8 miles, and the driveway is on the left. Proceed to the Shed to enter the office.
From Main St., Wellsboro, PA, drive 7.3 miles east on US 6 East, turn right onto Gas Company Road, drive 0.7 miles, and turn left onto Johnson Hill Rd/Smith Rd/T465, drive 0.8 miles, and the driveway is on the left. Proceed to the Shed to enter the office.)
9. If you are purchasing a car, truck, trailer, or motorcycle, here is what you will need to bring into the office to complete the process:
a. The Title OR the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin
• If the current title is coming in from another State, PennDOT requires a formal VIN Verification.
• Certificate of Origin needs to be notarized/signed off under the Odometer Statement AND Customer Assignment before coming into our office.
b. Your valid PA Driver’s License or PA Photo ID
• If your address differs from what is listed on the Driver’s License, I will need your address update card as well, or I will need to change your address with the Commonwealth online before completing the transfer. I should be able to do that when you come in.
c. Your current PA Automobile Insurance Card or Declarations
• Your name must be on the ID card as the Named Insured or the policy Declarations Page displaying your name as a listed driver at the correct address.
• It is imperative that you review PennDOT Acceptable Proof of Insurance.
d. If the buyer has a plate in their name, they can transfer that plate in most cases. Just be sure to bring in the registration card or plate for verification and transfer.
WHAT I OFFER:
I make the process quick and hassle-free. No more waiting in long lines or dealing with paperwork – I handle everything for you. Get your registration renewed, order a duplicate title, process name changes, order a duplicate registration card, order vanity plates, and special fund plates, in just minutes, and stay on the road without any worries.
1. Vehicle registration renewal
a. Owner(s) of the vehicle must bring the following documents for vehicle/car registration renewal in PA:
i. Their current PA insurance card for the vehicle you are renewing.
ii. The current mileage of the vehicle.
iii. A copy of the expired/expiring registration.
2. Duplicate Title a. Owner(s) of the vehicle must bring the following:
i. All owners must have their valid PA Driver’s License or Photo ID
ii. Vehicle Registration card or Vehicle VIN, Title, or Plate number
iii. Any applicable Lien Release Letter
1. *If PennDOT shows a lien recorded in their online portal, there must be a lien release letter that can show the lien has been discharged or paid off. Processing could take longer due to a delay in obtaining the lien release.
3. Name Change on Titles or Registrations
a. Owner(s) of the vehicle will need to bring the following:
i. Each owner must have his or her valid PA Driver’s License or Photo ID
ii. Vehicle registration card
iii. Original marriage certificate or original certified court order that granted the name change.
iv. Title to the vehicle if you are going to change the name of the title as well.
*Changing the name on the title is not required. If you do not change the name on the title, when you decide to sell, trade in, or scrap your vehicle, you will need to provide the original documents listed above.
4. Duplicate Registration Card
a. If you have lost or misplaced your registration card, stop in, and I can order a duplicate instantly and print out a new card to take with you.
b. What you’ll need to bring with you:
i. Prior Vehicle registration card or vehicle plate number
5. Vanity Plates
a. PennDOT permits individuals to choose their own 7-character vanity plate and has developed a tool for you to determine if what you have in mind is available. Check Personalized License Plate Availability.
b. Personalized regular registration plates are available for:
i. Passenger Cars
ii. Motorcycles (may contain a combination of up to five letters and numbers)
iii. Trucks (under 14,000 lbs.)
iv. Motorhomes
v. Trailers
c. Owner(s) of the vehicle/trailer will need to bring:
i. Each owner must have his or her valid Driver's License or Photo ID card
ii. The current registration card
d. What you need to know:
i. A hyphen or space is not recognized as part of the plate configuration and does not count as one of the letters or numbers.
ii. One hyphen or space is permitted, but not both.
iii. Special characters are not available.
iv. The plate you request is not guaranteed. The state must approve the plate you asked for.
v. The State orders vanity plates in large groups; therefore, it can take 6-8 weeks or longer.
vi. If your request is approved, the plate and registration will be returned to my office for you to pick up..
6. Special Fund Plates
a. PennDOT offers many types of license plates that feature Special Fund Organizations
i. Special fund registration plate website here.
b. Owner(s) of the vehicle will need to bring the following:
i. Each owner must have his or her valid Driver’s License or Photo ID
ii. If the vehicle is currently registered, please bring the current registration card.
7. Other Services I provide:
a. Vintage/Antique/Classic and Collectible Titles and Registrations
b. Vehicle Information/Inquiry requests
c. Vertical Motorcycle Registration Plates
d. Vehicle Registrations Restorations
8. Vehicle Registration Suspension
a. There are multiple reasons why a Vehicle Registration may be suspended, and because each person’s situation is unique, the restoration requirements vary; you should obtain a restoration requirements letter from PennDOT, which outlines the specific steps that must be completed to have your vehicle registration restored. The letter will be mailed to you approximately 30 days before your restoration eligibility date. You can also access your restoration requirements letter online at no charge or visit a local Online Messenger office to have it printed for you (Service fees may apply).
b. Vehicle Registration Suspension due to a lapse of Insurance
i. Insurance companies are required to notify PennDOT if an auto policy is cancelled. If received, PennDOT can send a Proof Letter requesting that the registrant verify that new insurance is in place for the vehicle(s) listed. If the registrant does not respond to the letter with the required proof of insurance, or if the response indicates there was, in fact, a lapse of coverage, a Suspension Letter is then generated. Drivers can respond by emailing their updated insurance information to PennDOT at FRInsurance@pa.gov, calling 717-412-5300, faxing it to 717-772-1550, or mailing it to the Financial Responsibility Unit, PO Box 68674, Harrisburg, PA 17106.
c. Payment of Restoration Fees
i. Once the suspension period has ended, payment of the Vehicle Registration Restoration fees is required before your registration can be reinstated. Instead of a suspension, the registrant may pay a $500 Civil Penalty. Once the suspension period is over, you must pay Vehicle Registration Restoration fees to restore your registration.
ii. Proof of Insurance and Restorations can be mailed directly to PennDOT. There is also a self-service online option for both Restoration payments and payment of optional Civil Penalties. You also have the option to provide Proof of Insurance, payment of Restoration fees, and Civil Penalties at any Authorized PennDOT Online Messenger Office (service fees may apply). iii. Online payment of Registration Fees, payment of Civil Penalty, or print a copy of your registration requirement letter can be found here.
Note about PennDOT services:
**Please note that PennDOT notary services are available ONLY in person at my office, located between Wellsboro and Mansfield, PA. For other notary work, I am happy to provide remote or mobile notary services.