VIN inspection · Pennsylvania

Getting your VIN inspected in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania lets a private inspector do this, so you can hire somebody instead of asking the police for a favor.

Who Pennsylvania allows

  • State safety-inspection mechanic
  • Notary employed by a full agent or dealer
  • Police

Start hereSafety-inspection mechanic

When you book

Tell them the form is Montana's and that they'll be completing Section 2 of it. A dealer or mechanic who does VIN verifications for Pennsylvania will recognize the job. Pennsylvania's own version is MV-41, useful to name on the phone, though the form they complete is Montana's MV20.

Credential we need back: The mechanic's Mechanic Number.

TRAP: a freelance or mobile notary does NOT qualify in Pennsylvania - the notary must be employed by a full agent or motor vehicle dealer. Pennsylvania has mandatory annual safety inspection, so stations are everywhere.

Wondering whether Pennsylvania can title the vehicle itself? Read the Pennsylvania guide.

What happens at the inspection

Whoever does it fills in Section 2 of Montana form MV20 by hand, in ink, standing at the vehicle, and signs it. You collect one document showing their name and department or license, take four photos, and mail the original back to us with the return label from your packet and one Forever stamp.

Read the step-by-step, including what not to let them write on.

Checked against Pennsylvania's own form or titling page on 2026-08-26. If the rules have moved since, tell us and we'll correct it the same week.

All 50 states

$20 opens your case and buys the prepared form. The $279 balance is charged only once your Montana title has been issued and is in our hands.