PennDOT Form MV-41A: PA Name Change on Title Guide

PennDOT Form MV-41A: PA Name Change on Title Guide – If you need to update the name on your Pennsylvania vehicle title or registration due to marriage, divorce, court order, or another legal reason, you must use PennDOT Form MV-41A. This official Application for Correction or Change of Name is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This comprehensive guide explains everything U.S. residents need to know about Form MV-41A, including when to use it, how to complete it, required documents, fees, and where to mail it.

Official Download Link: Download PennDOT Form MV-41A (PDF)

What Is PennDOT Form MV-41A?

Form MV-41A is the official Pennsylvania application used to correct or change the name listed on a vehicle’s certificate of title and/or registration card. It is specifically designed for name changes and is different from Form MV-41, which is used for other vehicle record corrections such as VIN verification or body type changes.

According to Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and PennDOT procedures, owners must notify the department when material information on a title changes. For name changes resulting from marriage or divorce, a new title is not always required, but the owner must still inform PennDOT so records can be updated.

The form has two sides:

Side A – For marriage, divorce, or pending divorce when no new title is requested (corrected registration card only or Electronic Lien and Titling situations).
Side B – For any name change reason when a new corrected certificate of title and registration card are requested.

When Do You Need to Use Form MV-41A?

You should complete Form MV-41A if your legal name has changed and it no longer matches the name on your Pennsylvania vehicle title or registration. Common situations include:

Marriage
Divorce or pending divorce (resuming a prior surname)
Court-ordered name change
Other legal name changes (with supporting documentation)

Important: A name change on your driver’s license or photo ID must be completed in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center before or in conjunction with updating vehicle records. You cannot change your name on a PA driver’s license by mail or online.

For address changes only, use a different process (online or Form MV-63). Form MV-41A is strictly for name corrections or changes.

Side A vs. Side B of Form MV-41A Explained

Side A: Marriage or Divorce – No New Title Requested

Use Side A only when the name change results from marriage, divorce, or pending divorce and you do not want a new certificate of title. This option is also appropriate if your lienholder participates in the Electronic Lien and Titling (ELT) Program and no paper title will be issued.

No fee is required.
You will receive a corrected registration card reflecting the new name.
No new title is produced.

If you later need a paper title after the lien is released, you must then use Side B and pay the applicable fee.

Side B: Any Reason – New Title Requested

Use Side B when you want both a corrected certificate of title and registration card. This side applies to marriage, divorce, pending divorce, court order, or other reasons.

A title fee is required (currently $72).
You must submit the current certificate of title (or apply for a duplicate if it is lost).
If a lien is recorded, the lienholder must complete the appropriate section.

Required Documents for Form MV-41A

PennDOT requires specific supporting documentation depending on the reason for the name change:

Marriage: Copy of your updated PA Driver’s License or PA Photo ID showing the desired name.
Divorce: Copy of your updated PA Driver’s License or PA Photo ID showing the desired name.
Court Order: Copy of your updated PA Driver’s License or PA Photo ID showing the desired name.
Pending Divorce: Written notice to resume a prior surname (must include the caption and docket number of the proceedings and be date-stamped by the court) plus a copy of your updated PA Driver’s License or PA Photo ID.
Other reasons: Copy of an updated PA Driver’s License or PA Photo ID showing the desired name.

Always attach a clear photocopy of the required identification. Original documents are not typically mailed with the vehicle form.

How to Complete PennDOT Form MV-41A?

Follow these steps carefully to avoid delays:

Download the current version of Form MV-41A from the official PennDOT website.
Decide whether to complete Side A or Side B based on whether you need a new title.
In Section A, enter the Title Number and Registration Plate Number.
In Section B (Applicant Information), provide your correct (new) last name, first name, middle name, PA DL/Photo ID number or Business ID, date of birth, and current address. Complete co-owner information if applicable.
In Section C, list your former name exactly as it appears on the current title.
Check the appropriate reason for the name change and attach required documents.
Sign and date the certification section. Both owners must sign if the vehicle is jointly owned.
For Side B, if the title is lost, stolen, defaced, or never received, complete the duplicate title section and pay the additional fee if required.
If a lien exists and you are using Side B, have the lienholder complete the self-certification section.

Print clearly in ink or type the information. Incomplete or illegible forms may be rejected.

Fees for Form MV-41A

Fees are based on the current PennDOT Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees:

Side A (no new title): No fee.
Side B (new title requested): $72 title fee.

If the original title is not attached (for example, it is lost), you may need to submit Form MV-38O (Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title by Owner) along with an additional title fee. Make checks or money orders payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Always verify the latest fees on the official PennDOT website, as they are subject to change.

Where to Mail Completed Form MV-41A?

Mail the completed form, supporting documents, title (if required), and payment (if applicable) to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68293
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8293

Note: Some versions of the form list P.O. Box 68593. Use the address provided on the current official form or the PennDOT change-of-name service page for accuracy. Processing times vary; allow several weeks for receipt of the updated documents.

Important Tips for Pennsylvania Residents

Update your driver’s license or photo ID name first at a Driver License Center before submitting the vehicle form.
Keep copies of everything you mail for your records.
If your vehicle has a lien, contact the lienholder early to determine if they participate in the ELT Program.
Name mismatches between your ID and vehicle title can cause problems when selling, trading in, or refinancing the vehicle.
For the most current information, visit the official Pennsylvania Driver and Vehicle Services website or call PennDOT Customer Care at 717-412-5300 (TTY: dial 711).

Related PennDOT Forms and Resources

Using the correct form and providing complete documentation helps ensure a smooth update to your Pennsylvania vehicle records. Always rely on official PennDOT sources for the latest requirements, as procedures and fees can be updated.