PennDOT MV-217A: Title After Default by Owner Guide

What Is PennDOT Form MV-217A?

Form MV-217A is the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) application used exclusively by financial institutions and vehicle dealers licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking. It allows these entities to apply for a new certificate of title after repossessing a motor vehicle or mobile home due to the owner’s default.

The form must always be submitted with the original Pennsylvania certificate of title attached. It is distinct from Form MV-217, which is used for other repossession scenarios such as judgment and execution, non-judicial sale under the Uniform Commercial Code (U.C.C.), or court orders.

According to official PennDOT instructions (revised February 2025), individuals or businesses not licensed by the Department of Banking cannot use MV-217A and must instead follow the procedures on Form MV-217.

Who Can Use Form MV-217A?

Only the following parties may file Form MV-217A:

• Financial institutions licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking
• Vehicle dealers licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking

The repossessing lienholder’s name must match the lienholder listed on the face of the attached title. Applicants must also list their ABA/FIN or DIN/Business Partner ID number when applicable.

Unlicensed individuals or private lienholders listed on a Pennsylvania title must use Form MV-217 (Option 1 – Judgment and Execution) instead.

Three Available Options Under Form MV-217A

PennDOT provides three specific options for repossession under Form MV-217A. The applicant must check the appropriate box in Section D of the form:

1. Renunciation – The repossessor (lienholder) must take title in their own name. This is the only option that requires the lienholder to obtain title in their name.
2. Non-Judicial Sale or Repossession and Retention (Motor Vehicle Sales and Finance Act – M.V.S.F.A.) – Title may be issued to the lienholder or to the purchaser at the sale (who may be the lienholder). The lienholder may reassign Section A on the reverse side of the title to a dealer or individual, but the purchaser must immediately apply for a certificate of title in their own name.
3. Mobile Home – Similar to Option 2, title may be issued to the lienholder or purchaser at the sale of the mobile home.

These options are detailed in the official PennDOT Fact Sheet on Forms MV-217 and MV-217A (April 2025 edition).

Required Supporting Documents

While only the completed Form MV-217A and the original certificate of title must be submitted, the repossessor must possess and be able to produce the following items upon request:

For Option 1 – Renunciation

• Original certificate of title (must be attached to the application)
• Original or acceptable copy of the security agreement that forms the basis of the right to repossess
• Original or acceptable copy of the debtor’s statement of renunciation

For Option 2 – Non-Judicial Sale or Repossession and Retention (M.V.S.F.A.)

• Original certificate of title (must be attached)
• Original or acceptable copy of the security agreement
• Original or acceptable copy of the notice of repossession and intent to sell (delivered in person or sent by registered/certified mail to the debtor’s last known address). The notice must include:
  • Debtor’s rights regarding reinstatement and redemption
  • Itemized statement of the total amount required to redeem
  • Notice of intent to resell after 15 days
  • Storage location of the vehicle
  • Name and address of the person to whom payment or notice should be directed
• Bill of sale showing date of sale, purchaser’s name, make, and VIN (if the purchaser is not the lienholder)

For Option 3 – Mobile Home

• Original certificate of title (must be attached)
• Original or acceptable copy of the security agreement
• Original or acceptable copy of the notice of intention to take action (sent by registered/certified mail at least 30 days prior to repossession to the address where the mobile home is located). A 15-day letter is sufficient if the property was abandoned or voluntarily surrendered. The registered/certified mail receipt must be available.
• Bill of sale (if the purchaser is not the lienholder)

In questionable cases, PennDOT may require an indemnification agreement or additional forms.

How to Complete Form MV-217A?

The current version of the form is MV-217A (2-25). Key sections include:

• Section A – Vehicle and owner information (name of owner as shown on the attached title and title number)
• Section B – Vehicle Identification Number verification (required only for non-Pennsylvania titles; a VIN tracing must be affixed or verified by a certified inspection mechanic or authorized notary)
• Section C/D – Repossessor’s information and selection of the applicable option (Renunciation, Non-Judicial Sale/M.V.S.F.A., or Mobile Home)
• Section E – Purchaser information (exactly as shown in Section A on the reverse side of the title), including odometer disclosure
• Section F – Signatures of repossessor/authorized signer and purchaser/authorized signer
• Section G – Repossessor’s certification and calculation of taxes, title, lien, registration, and other fees

Important notes on purchase price and sales tax:

• Purchase price includes any lien or other obligation assumed by the purchaser, plus installation charges for mobile homes sold on contract.
• If the purchase price is less than 80% of the stated fair market value, a completed Form MV-3 must be attached with an explanation.
• Sales tax rates: 6% standard, 7% for Allegheny County residents, 8% for City of Philadelphia residents.
• County Fee for Local Use may apply in participating counties (see PennDOT’s Fee for Local Use Fact Sheet).

Fees and Payment

All applicable sales tax, title fees, lien fees, registration or processing fees, county fees, and other charges must be calculated in Section G. Submit one check or money order payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania” for the total amount shown.

Authorized PennDOT agents may charge additional market-driven service fees. These are separate from statutory PennDOT fees.

Where and How to Submit Form MV-217A?

Mail completed applications to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68672
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8672

Applications may also be processed through authorized PennDOT agents or messenger services. Online Registration Program (OLRP) agents have specific procedures for issuing or transferring registration plates in conjunction with the title application.

Registration plate notes:

• Form MV-120 (Temporary Registration Plate) cannot be used to issue a temporary plate when the vehicle is not yet titled in the applicant’s name.
• For plate transfers submitted by mail or messenger, complete both MV-217A and MV-120. The vehicle may not be operated on the transferred plate until PennDOT processes the application and issues credentials.

Related Forms and Resources

• Form MV-217 – Application for Certificate of Title After Default by Owner (for non-licensed lienholders and other options)
• Form MV-3 – Motor Vehicle Verification of Fair Market Value
• Official PennDOT Fact Sheet on Forms MV-217 and MV-217A (April 2025)
• PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website: www.pa.gov/dmv

For questions, contact PennDOT at 717-412-5300 (TTY: 711) or visit the official website.

Key Takeaways for Compliance

Using the correct form and following the precise documentation requirements under the Motor Vehicle Sales and Finance Act or renunciation procedures helps ensure smooth processing and avoids delays or rejection. Always use the most current version of Form MV-217A available directly from PennDOT, keep copies of all supporting documents, and verify licensing status with the Department of Banking before filing.

This information is based on official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation publications current as of 2025–2026. Procedures and forms can change; always confirm the latest requirements on the official PennDOT website before submitting an application.