Act 133 of 2008 eliminated the requirement for PennDOT to replace license plates every 10 years. The last time license plates were replaced was in 1999. The new law, however, does require PennDOT to replace illegible license plates, free of charge, but only when a license plate has been deemed illegible by a certified inspection mechanic at the time of inspection or by law enforcement. A plate is deemed illegible when one or more numbers or letters cannot be recognized from 50 feet or if the plate shows any blistering, peeling, discoloration, or loss of reflectivity. When a plate becomes illegible, PennDOT has two main ways of getting them replaced. First, the law allows PennDOT to reissue plate upon request of a vehicle owner when an authorized representative of PennDOT or law enforcement determines that a plate is illegible. Vehicle safety inspection mechanics are authorized representatives of PennDOT and may determine if the plate is legible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a vehicle fail inspection for having an illegible registration plate?
What happens if a vehicle owner does not send in Form MV-46 or Form MV-44?
The operator of the vehicle would be in violation of Section 1332 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, which may result in a $100 fine.
What does a vehicle owner do with the old registration plate?
It should be destroyed or returned to PennDOT to be recycled. Old registration plates may be turned into our office or mailed to: Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Return Tag Unit, P.O. Box 68597, Harrisburg, PA 17106- 8597.
If a vehicle has a Special Fund (e.g. Wildlife Resource) or a Special Organization (e.g. Penn State Alumni) plate requiring replacement, what type of plate will the owner receive?
The vehicle owner will receive a free standard issue plate. If another special fund or special organization plate is desired, the owner must reapply and pay the applicable fees.
Are there any types of registration plates that will be replaced with the same letter number configuration?
Yes. If the vehicle owner has a standard issued personalized registration plate, they will receive a replacement registration plate bearing the same letters and or numerals, free of charge. If a personalized registration place is being replaced, the vehicle owner’s inspection mechanic should complete Form MV-46, Sections A, B, and C, and the inspection mechanic should be sure any spaces or dashes are listed in the proper location on Form MV-46. Law enforcement officials should be sure any spaces or dashes are listed • in the proper location on Form MV-44.
After the owner applies for a new registration plate, how long will it take to receive?
Once PennDOT receives the request, it could take up to 15 days for the registrant to receive their standard issue plate and between 4-6 weeks for a personalized plate.
What does a vehicle owner do if their vehicle is not due for inspection and believes they are in need of a replacement registration plate?
It is unlawful to display on a vehicle a plate that is obscured or otherwise illegible. If the plate cannot be recognized from a distance, or if the plate shows any blistering, peeling, discoloration or loss of reflectivity, the vehicle owner should visit any official Pennsylvania inspection station for verification that the plate is illegible and receive Form MV-46, “Authorization to Replace Registration Plate, ,” from the station OR have a law enforcement official verify the need for a replacement plate on Form MV-44, “Application for Duplicate Registration Card, Replacement of Registration Plate or Weight Class Sticker” obtained from PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website at www.dmv.pa.gov. The vehicle owner is then responsible for signing and returning your completed Form MV-46 or Form MV-44 to PennDOT to receive a replacement plate, free of charge.
Contact us for more information or additional questions can be directed to PennDOT’s Customer Call Center at 717-412-5300 if we are unable to assist.