New car registered in West Virginia and moving to PA?

Question

I bought a new car in WV and moved to PA. Now I have a PA driving license but if I register my car in PA its going to cost me a lot. How do I go about it? If I wait for 6 months I can fore go the sales tax, but if less than 6 months I would have to pay full sales tax. Kindly help me with this. What happens if I drive my car in PA registered in WV with a PA dl. Can I wait for another 5 months and register it in PA and not pay the sales tax. Car is co-registered with my uncle living in Illinois. Kindly help!!

Answer 1

In order to stay compliant with PA laws, you LEGALLY MUST make application for Pennsylvania title and registration of their vehicle(s) within 20 days of establishing residency in Pennsylvania.  Although new residents have 60 days to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license, there is nothing to prevent them from obtaining their Pennsylvania driver's license sooner.  

If you hold a valid title issued in another state and, have owned the vehicle at least 6 months before moving to Pennsylvania, you will not be required to pay any sales tax when you register your vehicle in Pennsylvania.

If it has been less than 6 months, you will need to provide your sales tax receipt, or remit PA sales tax. Applicants exempt from Pennsylvania sales tax will list the appropriate Sales Tax Exemption reason code in Sections 1A and/or 1B on Form MV-1.

Indicated on Page 13 of attached link the DMV  on form MV-1 states:

#25. West Virginia- Motor Vehicles are subject to title privledge tax against which sales tax credit is not granted.

It seems that per the MV-1 form there is not much of an option for you.

There are pretty much only 2 exceptions to the rule:

#1 Snow birds- those who live in FL durning the winter and live in PA in the summer

#2 College Students- their permanent dwelling or location is in another state, but are temporarily in PA for school

Sorry to bring you bad news, but it doesn't seem that you have an ability to get out of the sales tax.  It is important to stay legal with the state and get an application turned into the state within 20 days of residency in PA.  

I believe if you do not remain compliant with state law they might be able to suspend your drivers license.

Answer 2

Pay what you owe the state of PA and quit looking for ways to get out of paying your fair share.