How to Get a Pennsylvania License Plate: A Complete Guide for Drivers
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Whether moving to the Keystone State with an existing vehicle or purchasing a car from out of state, getting a Pennsylvania license plate can be tricky. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has a process that all vehicle owners must comply with to receive new tags. The process is relatively straightforward with the helpful tips in this guide.
Introduction to Pennsylvania License Plates
A license plate or motor plate serves as a fundamental form of vehicle identification and registration. It typically has a combination of letters and numbers that correspond to the vehicle and its owner.
License plates come in various designs and plate options (front plates aren't required on most personal vehicles in Pennsylvania). The state has several license plate designs to choose from, including special fund, special organization, military, veteran, and personalized plates.
How To Get a New Pennsylvania License Plate
You can apply for a new Pennsylvania license plate by visiting your local PennDOT office or visiting the agency’s official website. You will need your state-issued driver’s license, the vehicle’s title, proof of Pennsylvania auto insurance, and the completed MV-4ST form (unavailable for digital download).
Registration and application fees vary based on the type of vehicle, its purpose, and the plate type. For example, a passenger vehicle registration costs $45, but a motorcycle registration costs $24.
Transferring License Plates When Buying or Selling a Car
You can transfer your existing Pennsylvania license plate to a new vehicle with the help of a licensed PennDOT agent. The agent must fill out section F of Form MV-4ST for vehicles previously titled in Pennsylvania. For a new or out-of-state vehicle, the agent must fill out section G of Form MV-1. Neither form is available online.
When selling a car, you cannot transfer your existing standard license plate or specialty plate to the new owner. You must remove your plate and return it to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles unless you intend to transfer it to another vehicle in your name.
Replace Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License Plates
Whether through vandalism, theft, or age, it's sometimes necessary to order a duplicate standard issue plate for your vehicle. In case of loss of criminal damage, you can get a new one by filing Form MV-44. The application typically requires a nominal fee of $2 to $7.
If your rear license plate is illegible because of age, complete Form MV-46 and take the vehicle plate to a certified inspection station or law enforcement official to verify illegibility. There is no cost associated with replacing an illegible plate unless you have a non-personalized registration and want to keep the same configuration rather than go with the following configuration in the current series.
The process in each instance is the same for a motorcycle plate. You must provide proof of insurance in each instance, the same as when applying for a new plate. Thankfully, you don’t need to break the bank. Several insurance companies offer cheap car insurance in Pennsylvania that meets the state’s minimum requirements.
Specialty and Personalized License Plates
The standard Pennsylvania license plate is a simple and legible design — though a new Pennsylvania license plate design is coming in 2025 that promises a little more pizazz. Some people are fine with the simplistic style, but you might want more from a license plate design.
Some people like displaying their personality with a personalized license plate. Personalization means you can create a custom plate with a fun message or nickname, like QUEEN-1 or HNY-BUN. A PennDOT agent can help you find an available letter and number combination.
You can also get a specialty plate to display your armed service experience. A military or veteran's plate can showcase an armed service branch, injuries, or honors.
Beyond personalization and military experience, specific specialty plates allow you to support causes you care about. For example, the Wild Resource Conservation Fund plate is a special fund license plate offered through PennDOT. A percentage of sales from this tag go directly to WRCF to support its conservation efforts.
If you own a vintage car, you might want a collectible plate to go with it. A classic or antique license plate not only represents true classic cars, but it also provides you with a plate for the vehicle's life.
Finally, some specialty plates are about practicality and making life easier for Pennsylvania citizens. For example, a disability license plate gives the registration holder access to parking privileges, like closer spaces and extended meter times.
Each of the Pennsylvania license plate options has its own application form and fees. Check the Registration Plates page of the official Pennsylvania DMV website for more information.
Vehicle Registration, License Plate, and Auto Insurance: How They’re Connected
Auto insurance is essential to applying for and receiving a Pennsylvania license plate and registration. You cannot successfully apply for a registration plate without proving the Pennsylvania car insurance you chose meets the state’s mandated minimums, including holding a state-valid license.
Ready To Drive? Make Sure You’re Insured!
Applying for a Pennsylvania license plate can seem tricky to a newcomer, but there are some basic steps you can follow. As with most other states, you must purchase insurance for your vehicle before applying for a license plate in Pennsylvania. EverQuote makes it easy to compare quotes and policies of several top insurers in one place.