Buying a car (PA residents)

[russotto]

OK, I've never bought a car privately in PA, but I have sold one. You need to have the title transfer notarized, both buyer and seller signatures. The easiest and safest way is you both go to the tag place, but the seller can have it done beforehand and give you the notarized title. When you go to the tag place, you need proof of insurance, the title, and the money. (as tw said, you need two checks. Maybe three; you might need separate checks to Harrisburg for the title transfer and registration)

As for the inspection, if you really can't get it done in 10 days it's no big deal; even if you get pulled over you'll probably just get a fix-it ticket at worst.