License Plate FAQs

The tag fell off my car. How do I replace it?

You'll need to complete Form MV-44, Application for Replacement Plate and submit it and a $7.50 fee to:

• Department of Transportation

• Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516

If the tag was stolen, you'll need to contact local law enforcement and submit a copy of the report with your application for replacement.

Someone rear-ended my car and damaged my license plate. Can I get a new one?

Sure. The process is the same to replace, regardless of the reason. Complete Form MV-44, Application for Replacement Plate and submit it and a $7.50 fee to:

• Department of Transportation

• Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516

I'm 16 and want to buy my own car. Can it be registered and titled in my own name?

There are no age restrictions to register a car in Pennsylvania, but check with your insurance company about age and insurance requirements. You're required to carry a minimum of liability insurance on your car, and must provide proof of insurance before you can be issued a tag.

I just moved to Gettysburg from Kansas. How do I get Pennsylvania license plates?

Welcome! DMV.ORG provides all the details of registration and titling for new residents so make that your next stop.

How do I get personalized license plates for my cars?

Pennsylvania offers a wide variety of specialty and personalized license plates. For more information, check out DMV.ORG's license plate section.

I'm having knee surgery next week, and will be in a wheelchair for months. Can I get a temporary handicapped parking permit?

You and your doctor will need to complete Form MV-145A and submit to:

• Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

• Department of Transportation

• Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• P.O. Box 68268

• Harrisburg, PA 17106-8268

A temporary placard, valid for six months, will be mailed to you.

Does my car require an emissions test before I renew my license plate?

Pennsylvania requires emissions testing. Get complete information on DMV.ORG's Smog & Emissions Check section.

Does PennDOT offer antique plates?

Yes. Actually, the agency has three types of plates available specifically for older vehicles: antique, classic, and collectible.

If I move out of state, do I need to surrender my license plates?

Yes. Once you've registered your vehicle in your new state, surrender the Pennsylvania plates by mailing them back to PennDOT.

• PennDOT

• Return Tag Unit

• P.O. Box 68597

• Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597