PennDOT Form MV-39: PA Vehicle Title Transfer After Death

PennDOT Form MV-39: PA Vehicle Title Transfer After Death – When a vehicle owner in Pennsylvania passes away, transferring or correcting the vehicle title requires specific paperwork through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The key document for many of these situations is Form MV-39, officially titled “Notification of Assignment / Correction of Vehicle Title Upon Death of Owner.”

This comprehensive guide explains everything U.S. residents—especially Pennsylvania vehicle owners, surviving spouses, joint owners, and heirs—need to know about Form MV-39. It covers when the form is required, how to complete it, supporting documents, fees, and where to submit it, based on current official PennDOT resources.

What Is PennDOT Form MV-39?

Form MV-39 is the official PennDOT form used to notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles of a change in vehicle ownership or to correct the title following the death of an owner. It is required in multiple scenarios involving the death of a titled vehicle owner in Pennsylvania.

The form allows for title correction or transfer in cases involving joint ownership with right of survivorship, surviving spouses, heirs, estates, or transfers under a will that is not being probated. Instructions appear on the reverse side of the form, and the current version is MV-39 (1-25).

Download the official Form MV-39 here:
Official PennDOT Form MV-39 PDF

When Is Form MV-39 Required?

According to PennDOT’s official fact sheet on Vehicle Transfer after Death of Owner, Form MV-39 is used in the following common situations:

Vehicle owned jointly with right of survivorship (including tenancy by the entireties for spouses)
Surviving spouse who is a co-owner seeking a corrected title
Surviving spouse who is not a co-owner (no will or will not being probated)
Transfer to or by all heirs when no will exists
Vehicle being titled in the name of the estate
Transfer under a will that is not being probated (limited to spouse, adult child, or parent)

If an executor or administrator has been appointed by the Register of Wills, a different process using a Short Form Certificate and Form MV-4ST usually applies instead of (or in addition to) MV-39.

Key Sections of Form MV-39

The form is divided into clearly labeled sections. Completing the correct sections depends on your specific situation:

Section A – Vehicle Description: Title number, make of vehicle, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and registration plate number.
Section B – Informant: Information about the person completing the form (surviving joint owner, spouse, adult child, parent, or estate representative).
Section C – Check Applicable Block: Select the correct ownership situation (Blocks 1 through 6).
Section D – Heirs: Required when transferring to or by all heirs; list names, addresses, relationships, ages, and signatures.
Section E – Vehicle Owner’s Self-Certification: Declaration under penalty of perjury.
Section F – Affidavit of Payment of Debts: Used in certain surviving spouse or heir situations.
Section G – Proof of Death: Original death certificate or certification by attending physician or funeral director.
Section H – Vehicle Insurance Information: Required if the vehicle will remain registered.
Section I – Acknowledgment and Certification: Informant’s signature and telephone number.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Common Situations

Joint Owners with Right of Survivorship (Including Spouses)

If the title shows joint tenants with right of survivorship (or is held by husband and wife):

Do not assign the reverse side of the title if the surviving owner is keeping the vehicle.
Complete Sections A, B, C (Block 1 or 2), G, H (if registering), and I of Form MV-39.
Attach an original death certificate (copies are not accepted) or have Section G completed by a physician or funeral director.
No title fee is required when the vehicle was titled jointly to a husband and wife and is going to the surviving spouse.

Surviving Spouse Who Is Not a Co-Owner (No Will)

Complete Sections A, B, C (Block 3), D, E, F, G, and I. The surviving spouse and all adult children must assign the title. All signatures in Sections D and F must be notarized. Form MV-4ST is also required.

No Will – Transfer to All Heirs

All heirs must be listed in Section D and must sign. Signatures require notarization. Form MV-4ST is required along with proof of death.

Vehicle Titled in the Name of the Estate

Complete Sections A, B, C (Block 4), G, H (if registering), and I. Assignment of the title is generally not required for this option.

Required Supporting Documents

Depending on the situation, you will typically need:

The original Pennsylvania Certificate of Title
Original death certificate (or physician/funeral director certification on Form MV-39)
Form MV-4ST (Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return / Application for Registration) when the title is being assigned to a new owner
Copy of the will (only when using the non-probated will option)
Short Form Certificate from the Register of Wills (when an executor or administrator is involved)
Current insurance information if the vehicle will remain registered

Always refer to the reverse side of Form MV-39 and the official PennDOT fact sheet for the exact combination required in your case.

Fees Associated with Form MV-39 Transfers

Fees are set by PennDOT and listed on Form MV-70S (Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees). As of the most recent schedule:

Certificate of Title: $72.00
Title fee exception: No title fee when the vehicle is titled solely in the name of the surviving spouse
Transfer of Registration Plate: $11.00 (only transferable to spouse, parents, children, children-in-law, parents-in-law, step-children, or step-parents)
Local Use Fee may apply in participating counties
Sales tax may apply if the vehicle is being sold or transferred to a non-exempt party

Check the current Form MV-70S for the latest fees before submitting.

Where to Submit Form MV-39?

Mail the completed Form MV-39, original title, proof of death, any required additional forms (such as MV-4ST), and applicable fees to:

Department of Transportation
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
1101 South Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104

You may also process the transaction through an authorized PennDOT messenger service or agent. Authorized agents may charge an additional service fee.

For questions, contact PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services at 717-412-5300 (TTY: dial 711) or visit www.pa.gov/dmv.

Important Tips for a Smooth Process

Always use an original death certificate—photocopies are not accepted unless Section G is completed by a physician or funeral director.
Notarization is required for Sections D and F in most heir or non-co-owner spouse situations.
If the vehicle is not currently titled in Pennsylvania, Form MV-1 may also be required.
Keep copies of everything you submit.
Processing times can vary; plan accordingly if the vehicle needs to remain operable.

Official Resources

Using the correct form and following PennDOT’s current procedures helps ensure a faster, smoother transfer of the vehicle title after the death of an owner. Always verify the latest requirements and fees directly with PennDOT or an authorized agent before submitting your application.