INSTRUCTIONS
INVOLUTARY TRANSFER OF VEHICLE TITLE
THIS FORM IS A GUIDELINE TO BE USED FOR THE FILING OF A PETITION FOR THE INVOLUNTARY TRANSFER OF VEHICLE TITLE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ADAMS COUNTY. THIS FORM AND THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. THE INVOLUTARY TRANSFER OF VEHICLE TITLE IS AN IMPORTANT LEGAL MATTER. THEREFORE, YOU ARE ADVISED TO SEEK THE ASSISTANCE OF AN ATTORNEY BEFORE PROCEEDING TO FILE SUCH A PETITION.
The steps in this packet are for rare situations that don't involve abandoned vehicles or cases where you can get a title using a Certificate of Title or the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin. This process includes getting vehicle information from PennDOT, starting a legal action to obtain the title, notifying all interested parties, and presenting your case at a hearing. Keep in mind that following these steps does not guarantee the Court will approve your request for the title transfer.
Read the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Fact Sheet (included in this packet).
Fill out the DL-135 form (vehicle information request; included in this packet) and send it, along with the fees, to PennDOT.
Once you receive the vehicle information from PennDOT in response to the DL-135, and if you are unable to resolve the ownership issue with any known person of interest, you can initiate a legal action in the appropriate court to try to be recognized as the vehicle's owner. You must file these items in the Prothonotary's Office:
A civil cover sheet (included in this packet)
A template Scheduling Order (included in this packet)
A Petition for Involuntary Transfer (included in this packet)
A proposed Court Order (included in this packet)
A certificate of compliance (included in this packet)
A self-addressed, stamped envelope
You must also pay any filing fee required by the Prothonotary.
After you file the petition and receive the scheduling order from the Prothonotary's Office, you must follow the requirements outlined in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Fact Sheet, including notification requirements to all persons with an interest in the ownership of the vehicle and legal notice advertising requirements. Retain proof of certified mailing and proof of advertising as evidence to be provided to the Court at the time of hearing.
NOTE: If, after you have filed your petition and if an interested party has responded, and if you are able to resolve the issue of ownership without the need for Court intervention, you will need to file a praecipe to withdraw the petition for involuntary transfer of title (included in this packet).