Registration FAQs

What are the qualifications for retired registration status?

You must, obviously, be retired (regardless of age) and be receiving Social Security, retirement benefits, or annuities. Your total annual income, including other sources of cash such as capital gains, rental money, and life insurance benefits, must not exceed $19,200. If you qualify, your registration fee drops to $10.

Are there any special papers I should file if I donate my car?

It's really no different from selling a car. All the same procedures are followed. Be sure, however, that you photocopy both sides of the title after you sign it over and retain any other papers that verify you donated your car. This is so that if you start receiving citations in the mail―which has happened to others―you will have documentation, particularly photocopies of the title, to prove your innocence.

If I own a truck, should I be worried about paying a Heavy Vehicle Use Tax?

Only if your truck has a gross weight or combination weight of 55,000 pounds or more are you required to pay attention to this tax.

When registering or titling, can I use a post office box as my address?

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires a physical address. Any application with a post office box will be rejected.

What constitutes a defaced title?

If your title shows any manifestations of erasure, white-out corrections, or ink alterations; or if folds, tears, or creases render it unreadable, your title will be considered unacceptable.

I registered my vehicle a couple of weeks ago and haven't gotten my registration card in the mail yet. What should I do?

If you don't receive your registration card within 10 days, complete and submit Form MV-44 to request a replacement. Do not complete section C, but instead complete section D in front of a notary to certify that you didn't receive your registration and you applied at most 90 days ago, and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles will issue you a replacement free.

How can I get a duplicate registration card or license plates?

You'll need to complete Form MV-44 and submit the appropriate documentation and fees. This form may be used to request replacement registration cards, license plates, renewal stickers, or weight class stickers.

If your license plates were stolen, you'll also need to submit a copy of the police report.

Submit by mail to:

• PA Department of Transportation

• Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516

How can I get a duplicate title?

Complete Form MV-38 O. Then submit it with the requested documentation by mail to:

• PA Department of Transportation

• Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516

If the forms were lost in the mail, you do not need to submit a fee if you filed for a duplicate within 90 days of your original application. If you need a duplicate for another reason, you'll pay a fee of $22.50.

If your vehicle is financed, the lienholder will also need to sign the application.

Does PennDOT have a special registration for nonoperational vehicles?

No, but it does offer this form for vehicles used only on a seasonal basis.

How do I Change the Address on My Registration or Title?

Whenever your address changes you are required to update that information within 15 days. You can do so online or by filling out and mailing in a form MV-63 to the address above.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.