Other Vehicle Registrations in Pennsylvania

SUMMARY: How to Register Other Vehicle Types in Pennsylvania

Some vehicles other than standard cars and trucks have their own specific requirements in order to be registered with PennDOT. Custom-built cars and trailers require an inspection and additional paperwork prior to registering, while ATVs need to be registered at an authorized dealer location. RVs and motorhomes can be registered permanently or seasonally. Find your vehicle type below to learn the details for your specific situation.

In Pennsylvania, you may have a special vehicle, such as a snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or trailer. If this is the case, you will need to have it registered in the state in order to operate it legally and avoid receiving fines and possibly other penalties.

If you need to know how to register other vehicles, you can visit some of our other pages:

Snowmobiles and ATVs in PA

You must register your snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in Pennsylvania unless you're not a PA resident and you plan on using the vehicle for farming or business purposes only.

To register your ATV or snowmobile, you will need:

Take the above to an authorized snowmobile and ATV dealer in Pennsylvania (check that they can register your vehicle first) or mail it to the address on the form.

If you are using your ATV on your own private land only, you will not need to carry liability insurance. However, if you wish to ride your ATV on public land or someone else's property, you will need carry proof of insurance with you at all times while riding the vehicle.

NOTE: If you're not a Pennsylvania resident but wish to ride your snowmobile or ATV in the state, see the registration information for out-of-state riders on the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) website.

Once you've registered your ATV, it's time to take it for a spin! The PA DCNR website lists all the public places you can ride and explore.

Pennsylvania Homemade Trailers

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires that all homemade trailers (or one made from a kit) to be registered.

You will first need to have your trailer pass a safety inspection. This must take place at a state-approved safety inspection station. Your trailer will be photographed during the inspection.

After passing, present the inspector or certified document reviewer with:

For more information, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation directly.

Motorhomes and Recreational Vehicles

If you have a motorhome or recreational vehicle (RV) you will also need to register it with the PA Department of Transportation. The process is fairly similar to registering your standard car in the state; however, additional forms may be required depending on the type of RV you have, and you can also choose a full-time or seasonal registration for your vehicle.

If you own a van that you want to register as a motorhome, the state requires that its interior be fitted with a permanent bed, kitchen facilities, and/or a desk. In addition to the paperwork listed below and on our Car Registration page, you must also submit a Motor Home Certificate of Compliance for Van/Mini-Van Vehicles (Form MV-2); you can also grab one at a PA Driver License Center.

Full-Time Registration

Full-time registrations for recreational vehicles in Pennsylvania are completed the same way as registering your regular car. Complete a Request for Registration (Form MV-140), and provide the paperwork listed on our PA Car Registration page.

Seasonal Registration

To register your motorhome or RV seasonally with PennDOT, follow the steps listed on our Car Registration page, but instead of a standard registration application form, complete an Application for Seasonal Vehicle Registration (Form MV-140SV). Be sure to include the month you want your seasonal registration to expire.

RV/Motorhome Registration Fees

Motorhome and RV registration fees are based on whether your vehicle receives a full-time or seasonal registration. Please refer to the DOT's Schedule of Fees for a comprehensive list. You can also view more motorhome-specific information on the Van/Mini-Van Fact Sheet.

For more information, visit our Registering a Car in Pennsylvania page or contact PennDOT directly.

Custom-Built Vehicles

If you have a custom-built vehicle in Pennsylvania, you'll need to have it inspected by a qualified vehicle safety inspector before you can have it registered.

Once you pass the inspection, you will be given an Application for Reconstructed, Specially Constructed, Collectible, Modified, Flood, Recovered Theft Vehicles and Street (Form MV-426B), partially completed by the inspection officer.

Mail the following documents to PennDOT at the address listed on the form:

NOTE: Remember to include payment for the required fees.

For more information, refer to the application form or read the fact sheet for street rod vehicles.

    Forms

    MV-1
    Application for Certificate of Title
    MV-140
    Request for Registration
    Application for original OR renewed vehicle registration in Pennsylvania.
    MV-2
    Motor Home Certificate of Compliance for Van/Mini Van Vehicles
    Use this form to request a motorhome classification on your van or minivan if it was originally classified as a motorhome.
    MV-426B
    Application for Reconstruct, Specially Constructed, Collectable, Modified, Flood, Theft Vehicles, Street Rods
    Application to title a vehicle classified as reconstructed, collectable, modified, recovered from theft or flood OR street rod in Pennsylvania. Several inspections required to complete application.
    DCNR0043
    Application Form Certificate of Title or Registration ATV/Snowmobile
    Application to title OR register a snowmobile OR ATV with PennDOT.
    MV-140SV
    Application for Seasonal Vehicle Registration
    Application for seasonal registration on a vehicle in Pennsylvania.
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