Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-217 Title After Default Guide – If a vehicle owner defaults on a loan or security agreement in Pennsylvania, the lienholder or purchaser may need to obtain a new certificate of title. PennDOT Form MV-217, officially titled “Application for Certificate of Title After Default By Owner,” is the required form for many of these situations. This guide explains what the form is, who should use it, the three available options, required supporting documents, and how to submit the application correctly.
All information is based on current official PennDOT publications, including the Form MV-217 (revised 2-25) and the related Fact Sheet on Forms MV-217 and MV-217A (April 2025).
What Is PennDOT Form MV-217?
Form MV-217 is used when a vehicle owner defaults and the lienholder or a third-party purchaser seeks a Pennsylvania certificate of title. It must always be submitted together with a properly completed Form MV-1 (Application for Certificate of Title).
This form is primarily for individuals or businesses that are not licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking. Licensed financial institutions and dealers typically use the companion form MV-217A instead.
You can download the official Form MV-217 here: Download PennDOT Form MV-217 (PDF).
Who Should Use Form MV-217?
Use Form MV-217 if you are:
- An individual or business that is not licensed by the Department of Banking and is seeking title after default
- A purchaser at a sheriff’s or constable’s sale following judgment and execution
- A lienholder who is not recorded on the current title or who is not licensed by the Department of Banking and is seeking ownership through a court order
- Anyone proceeding under the Uniform Commercial Code (U.C.C.) non-judicial sale or repossession and retention process
Licensed financial institutions and vehicle dealers must generally use Form MV-217A for renunciation, Motor Vehicle Sales and Finance Act (M.V.S.F.A.) repossessions, or mobile home repossessions.
The Three Options on Form MV-217
The form requires you to select one of three options. Choose carefully, as each has different supporting document requirements.
Option 1: Judgment and Execution
This option is required for individuals or businesses not licensed by the Department of Banking. It allows recovery of remaining debt through a court judgment and subsequent sale.
Required documents typically include:
- Certified copy of the judgment and writ of execution, or the court order of sale
- Bill of sale from the sheriff, constable, or other authorized executing officer showing the date of sale, name of purchaser, make, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Documentation that any existing lien has been satisfied
The purchaser at the sheriff’s or constable’s sale becomes the applicant on Form MV-1.
Option 2: Non-Judicial Sale or Repossession and Retention (U.C.C.)
This option follows the Uniform Commercial Code process for non-judicial sale or repossession and retention.
Required documents typically include:
- The certificate of title (if a lien is recorded) or the original or acceptable copy of the filed financing statement
- Original or acceptable copy of the security agreement that gives the right to repossess
- Original or acceptable copy of the notice of intention to sell that was mailed to the debtor (must include time and place for a public sale, or the time after which a private sale may occur)
- Bill of sale showing the date of sale, name of purchaser, make, and VIN (required if the purchaser is not the lienholder)
Title is issued in the name of the purchaser at the sale (who may be the lienholder).
Option 3: Court Order
This option is used by a lienholder who is not recorded on the certificate of title or who is not licensed by the Department of Banking and wishes to obtain ownership of the vehicle through a court order.
Required documents typically include:
- A certified copy of an order from a Court of Common Pleas that lists the make and VIN of the vehicle and names the person to whom ownership is awarded
- Proof that notice of the court proceeding was given to the prior owner and any other person with an interest in the vehicle
- The original certificate of title if available. If the title is not available, include documentation explaining why it is not attached
A sample court order is provided on the reverse side of Form MV-217 for reference. A certified copy of the actual order is required.
After the title is issued to the person named in the court order or the purchaser at a sheriff’s sale, that person may reassign ownership on the reverse side of the title and use Form MV-4ST (Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration) if transferring the vehicle further.
How to Complete and Submit Form MV-217?
Follow these steps for a complete application package:
- Download and complete the current version of Form MV-217.
- Check the appropriate box for Option 1, 2, or 3.
- Enter the title number (if known), Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and applicant/co-applicant name(s).
- Gather all supporting documents required for the selected option.
- Have an authorized PennDOT agent complete Form MV-1. The applicant listed on Form MV-1 must sign Form MV-217.
- Include payment for applicable title fees, sales tax (if due), and any other required fees by check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- Mail the complete package to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68672
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8672
In some cases, applications may also be submitted through a PennDOT-authorized messenger service or online agent. Authorized agents may charge additional service (delivery) fees beyond statutory PennDOT fees.
Note: PennDOT may require an indemnification agreement or additional forms in questionable cases.
Important Distinctions Between MV-217 and MV-217A
Understanding the difference prevents rejected applications:
- Form MV-217 – For non-licensed individuals/businesses and specific U.C.C., judgment, or court-order situations.
- Form MV-217A – Restricted to financial institutions and dealers licensed by the Department of Banking. Used for renunciation, M.V.S.F.A. non-judicial sales/repossessions, and mobile homes. The existing certificate of title must be attached.
An individual listed as a lienholder on a Pennsylvania title generally cannot use MV-217A and must follow the Judgment and Execution procedures on MV-217.
Additional Tips for a Successful Application
- Always use the most current version of the form (currently MV-217 revised 2-25).
- Ensure Form MV-1 is completed by an authorized agent when required.
- Provide clear, legible copies of all supporting court documents, notices, and bills of sale.
- Verify that any existing liens are properly addressed or released.
- Sales tax is generally due based on the fair market value or purchase price, unless an exemption applies.
- For the latest official guidance, visit the Pennsylvania Driver and Vehicle Services website or contact PennDOT at 717-412-5300 (TTY: dial 711).