How to Do a Title Search in Pennsylvania (PA): A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Buying a used vehicle or property in Pennsylvania? Before you close the deal, it’s smart—and sometimes essential—to perform a title search. This simple step can save you from massive legal and financial headaches down the line.
So, how do you do a title search in PA, and what exactly are you looking for?
Let’s break it all down.
What Is a Title Search in Pennsylvania?
A title search is a process used to verify the legal ownership and history of a vehicle or piece of real estate. In Pennsylvania, title searches can be done for:
-
Vehicles: To ensure a car, motorcycle, or trailer is free of liens or theft records.
-
Real Estate: To check property ownership, encumbrances, liens, and legal claims before purchase.
Both types of searches protect buyers from making costly mistakes, like purchasing a car with an unpaid loan or a home with a hidden lien.
How to Do a Title Search for a Vehicle in PA
To do a title search on a vehicle in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to go through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
Here’s exactly how to do it:
Step 1: Complete the Request Form
You’ll need to fill out Form DL-135 – “Request for Vehicle Information.”
This form lets you request:
-
Vehicle title history
-
Lienholder details
-
Prior registration data
-
Title status (e.g., clean, salvage, rebuilt)
You can download the form directly from the PennDOT website or pick one up at a local PennDOT office.
Step 2: Provide Required Information
Fill in as much detail as possible:
-
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – Mandatory
-
Make and model of the vehicle
-
Your name and contact info
-
Reason for the request (must be legitimate and legal)
Important: Pennsylvania law restricts vehicle information access. You must have a lawful reason, such as a pending purchase or legal investigation.
Step 3: Pay the Fee
As of now, PennDOT charges $11 per vehicle record request. This fee must be submitted with the form—either by check or money order made payable to “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
Step 4: Mail the Form and Payment
Send the completed form and payment to:
PennDOT – Bureau of Driver Licensing
Vehicle Records Section
P.O. Box 68695
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8695
You should receive a response in 10–15 business days, depending on demand.
Can You Do a Vehicle Title Search Online in PA?
Not directly through PennDOT. Currently, Pennsylvania does not offer an online VIN title search for the public through official government channels.
However, you can use third-party services (like AutoCheck or Carfax) for basic title history and accident data, but these are not official PennDOT records. They’re useful for preliminary checks, but they won’t show lienholder information or official title status.
How to Do a Title Search for Real Estate in PA
When it comes to real estate, a title search is more complex—but just as important.
Here’s how to do a real estate title search in Pennsylvania:
Step 1: Visit the County Recorder of Deeds
In PA, property title records are maintained at the county level. Start by identifying which county the property is located in.
Go to the County Recorder of Deeds Office—either online (if available) or in person.
Examples:
-
Philadelphia: philadelphiapa.gov
-
Allegheny County: alleghenycounty.us
-
Bucks County: buckscounty.gov
Step 2: Search by Property Details
You can typically search by:
-
Owner’s name
-
Parcel number (UPI or PIN)
-
Street address
-
Deed book and page number (if you have a prior record)
Look for:
-
Deed transfers
-
Mortgages
-
Liens or judgments
-
Easements or restrictions
Some counties let you view scanned documents and deeds online, while others may require a visit or written request.
Step 3: Review the Chain of Title
Trace the ownership history back several decades to ensure:
-
No unresolved claims
-
No unknown heirs
-
No outstanding mortgages or tax liens
This process is known as reviewing the chain of title, and it’s critical for legal ownership and clean title transfer.
Step 4: Consider Hiring a Title Company
If this sounds overwhelming—it can be. Most real estate buyers in PA work with a title company or real estate attorney to handle this.
A professional title company will:
-
Conduct a thorough title search
-
Issue a title commitment
-
Provide title insurance to protect you from future claims
This is often bundled into your closing costs if you’re buying with a mortgage.
Why You Should Always Do a Title Search in PA
Whether it’s a vehicle or property, here’s what a title search protects you from:
-
Unknown liens: Someone else may have a legal claim to the asset.
-
Fraud or theft: Verifies that the seller is the rightful owner.
-
Legal issues: Ensures there are no boundary disputes, easements, or lawsuits.
-
Accurate value: Confirms whether the asset has a clean title or past damage (salvage or rebuilt).
Without a title search, you’re buying blind—and that can be a costly mistake.
What If You Find a Problem During the Title Search?
If your search turns up issues like a lien or ownership dispute, don’t move forward until it’s resolved.
Here’s what to do:
-
Contact the seller and ask for lien release documentation.
-
Request a payoff statement if it’s a vehicle loan.
-
If it’s real estate, ask the title company to coordinate with lienholders or attorneys.
Never assume the issue will go away after purchase. If it’s on the title, it becomes your problem once you buy it.
Conclusion
Doing a title search in Pennsylvania is one of the smartest steps you can take when buying a vehicle or real estate. It confirms ownership, exposes any hidden legal issues, and keeps your investment secure.
For vehicles, go through PennDOT using Form DL-135. For real estate, check records at the County Recorder of Deeds—or hire a title company if you want to save time and hassle.
Before you sign on the dotted line, know exactly what you’re getting. That’s the power of a good title search.
Ready to take the next step? Gather your documents, make your request, and protect your purchase from the ground up.
