Pennsylvania § 1138 - Duration of perfection.

Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 1138 — Duration of perfection., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1138. Duration of perfection.

(a) General rule.--Perfection of a security interest is effective for a period of 30 years in the case of a mobile home or emergency vehicle, 20 years for a motor home or recreational trailer, eight years in the case of a truck tractor or trailer weighing in excess of 10,000 pounds and six years in all other cases, in each case dating from the time of perfection as provided for in this subchapter and subject to renewal as provided in subsection (b).

(b) Renewal.--The effectiveness of perfection lapses on the expiration of the periods specified in subsection (a) unless a renewal form is filed within the six months immediately preceding expiration. Upon the timely filing of a renewal form, the effectiveness of perfection continues for a period of three years, commencing on the date on which perfection would have lapsed in the absence of the filing. Perfection may be renewed for as many three-year periods as may be necessary by the holder of the security interest upon a form furnished by the department, signed by the secured party and accompanied by the fee provided in this title.

(c) Corrected certificate when perfection expires.--A corrected certificate of title without a statement of liens or encumbrances shall be issued by the department, upon the request of the owner, when perfection of the security interests recorded on the certificate of title have expired.

(July 10, 1984, P.L.679, No.146, eff. 60 days; Dec. 21, 1998, P.L.1126, No.151, eff. 60 days; June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001; June 22, 2001, P.L.411, No.33, eff. 120 days; Dec. 20, 2015, P.L.489, No.86, eff. 180 days)

2015 Amendment. Act 86 amended subsec. (a).

2001 Amendments. Act 18 amended the entire section and Act 33 amended subsec. (a). Act 33 overlooked the amendment by Act 18, but the amendments do not conflict in substance and have both been given effect in setting forth the text of subsec. (a).

Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 1138

What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 1138 cover?

Section 1138 ("Duration of perfection.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Pennsylvania § 1138?

A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 1138" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.

How does Pennsylvania § 1138 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.