PA PennDOT MV-38D: Dealer Duplicate Title Application

PA PennDOT MV-38D: Dealer Duplicate Title Application – Pennsylvania registered motor vehicle dealers who need a replacement certificate of title for a vehicle in their possession use PennDOT Form MV-38D. This official application, issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Motor Vehicles, allows dealers with a Dealer Identification Number (DIN) to request a duplicate title when the original has been lost, stolen, defaced, or is otherwise unavailable—provided the previous owner’s title was in the dealer’s possession.

This guide explains who can use the form, eligibility requirements, supporting documents, current fees, step-by-step instructions, and submission details based on official PennDOT resources. Always verify the latest information on the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website.

What Is PennDOT Form MV-38D?

Form MV-38D is the official Pennsylvania application titled “Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title by a Pennsylvania Registered Dealer with a DIN#.” It is specifically designed for licensed Pennsylvania dealers (not individual vehicle owners or lienholders). Individual owners use Form MV-38O, while lienholders use Form MV-38L.

The current version is MV-38D (3-25). The form requires a fee and must be mailed to PennDOT. It cannot be used unless the previous owner’s Pennsylvania title was physically in the dealer’s possession at the time of application.

You can download the official fillable PDF directly from PennDOT:

Download PennDOT Form MV-38D (PDF)

Who Can Use Form MV-38D?

Only Pennsylvania-registered dealers who hold a valid Dealer Identification Number (DIN) or Business Partner Identification Number may submit this form. The dealer must certify that:

  • The previous owner’s title was in the dealer’s possession.
  • Required weekly dealer acquisition notification (Form MV-27A or MV-27B) was completed and filed with PennDOT.

This form is not for private vehicle owners, out-of-state dealers, or situations where the dealer never took possession of the original title.

Eligibility Requirements and Important Notes

PennDOT places clear restrictions on the use of MV-38D:

  • The application may be used ONLY if the previous owner’s title was in the Pennsylvania dealer’s possession.
  • Form MV-27A (Weekly Notification of Dealer Acquisition covering vehicles acquired for resale from another dealer or manufacturer) or Form MV-27B (covering vehicles acquired from an individual/non-dealer) must always be attached.
  • If the original title is a November 1989 or later edition, a photocopy of both the front and back of the title must be submitted.
  • If the title was issued prior to the November 1989 edition, a separate odometer statement must be attached.
  • If the dealer is applying for the title in the dealer’s own name and an active lien exists on the vehicle record, Section C of the form must be completed by the lienholder. Lienholder signatures are self-certified (or may be verified by a licensed issuing agent).

Active lien periods for these purposes are generally six years (or longer for certain vehicle types such as truck-tractors, trailers over 10,000 pounds, motor homes, recreational trailers, mobile homes, or emergency vehicles).

Required Documents and Supporting Information

When completing Form MV-38D, dealers must provide:

  • Complete vehicle information (VIN, title number, owner name exactly as shown on the original title).
  • Dealer information including name, street address, city, state, ZIP code, and Dealer/Business Partner Identification Number (DIN).
  • Reason for the duplicate title (check the appropriate box: Lost, Stolen, Defaced, or Other). If the title is defaced, the defaced title must be attached.
  • Unsworn declaration and signature of the registered dealer (or authorized signer) under penalty of perjury.
  • If applicable, completed Section C for satisfaction of lien by the lienholder.

Supporting attachments typically include:

  • Copy of Form MV-27A or MV-27B.
  • Photocopy of the front and back of the title (for 11-89 or later editions).
  • Separate odometer statement (for pre-11-89 titles).
  • Defaced original title (if applicable).

Current Fees for Form MV-38D

According to the official Pennsylvania Certificate of Title and Lien Fees and Form MV-70S (Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees), the fee for a Duplicate Title by a Registered Dealer is $72.00.

Key payment rules:

Additional fees may apply if a lien is being recorded, satisfied, or if other title services are requested at the same time.

How to Complete and Submit Form MV-38D?

Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Download the current official Form MV-38D from the PennDOT website.
  2. Complete Section A (Vehicle Information) accurately, including the VIN, title number, and owner name exactly as it appears on the original title.
  3. Complete Section B (Dealer Information and Unsworn Declaration). Check the reason for the duplicate title. Sign and date the form. An authorized issuing agent (licensed vehicle dealer or employee) may verify the signature in lieu of self-certification.
  4. If an active lien exists and the dealer is taking title in its own name, have the lienholder complete and sign Section C.
  5. Attach all required supporting documents (MV-27A or MV-27B, title photocopies or odometer statement, defaced title if applicable).
  6. Include a check or money order for the $72 fee payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  7. Mail the complete package to:
    Bureau of Motor Vehicles
    P.O. Box 67470
    Harrisburg, PA 17106-7470

Processing times vary. Applications submitted by mail generally take several weeks. Dealers may also use authorized Online Dealer Title Service Centers or messenger services for potentially faster handling.

Where to Get Help and Official Resources?

For the most accurate and up-to-date information:

Always use the official PennDOT website and forms. Third-party sites may host outdated versions of government forms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit Form MV-38D online?
No. The completed form and payment must be mailed (or processed through an authorized dealer title service center or messenger).

What if the original title was never in the dealer’s possession?
Form MV-38D cannot be used. Contact PennDOT for the correct procedure for your situation.

Is notarization required?
Self-certification under penalty of perjury is standard. Alternatively, an authorized issuing agent may verify the signature.

How long does processing take?
Mail-in applications typically take several weeks. Using an authorized Online Dealer Title Service Center may provide same-day or faster service in some cases.

For Pennsylvania registered dealers, properly completing and submitting Form MV-38D ensures legal compliance and allows continued vehicle transactions. Always cross-check the latest fee amounts and form version on the official PennDOT website before mailing your application.

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