PennDOT MV-911 Special Fund Plate Guide – Pennsylvania drivers who want to support important state causes while personalizing their vehicles can apply for a Special Fund Registration Plate using PennDOT Form MV-911. These distinctive plates generate revenue for conservation, historical, zoological, veterans, and other public benefit programs across the Commonwealth. This guide explains everything U.S. residents need to know about the form, eligibility, available designs, fees, and the application process, based on official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) resources.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-911?
Form MV-911 is the official “Application for Special Fund Registration Plate” issued by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Motor Vehicles. It allows vehicle owners to request plates that support designated state funds. A portion of the issuance fee goes directly to the selected cause, while the remainder covers administrative and production costs.
The current version of the form (MV-911, revised 4-26) is available as a fillable PDF on the official Commonwealth website. You can download it directly here: Download Official PennDOT Form MV-911 (PDF).
For the most up-to-date fee schedule and additional vehicle services information, visit the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services site at www.pa.gov/dmv.
Available Special Fund Registration Plates
Form MV-911 covers several popular Special Fund designs. Applicants select one plate type by checking the appropriate box on the form. Current options include:
- Wild Resource Conservation Fund (NR) — Supports management and conservation of Pennsylvania’s flora and fauna, including projects for non-game wildlife such as the eastern hellbender (state amphibian).
- Pennsylvania Zoological Council Fund (HR) — Benefits the Philadelphia Zoo, Pittsburgh Zoo, Erie Zoo, National Aviary in Pittsburgh, Elmwood Park Zoo, and Lehigh Valley Zoo.
- Preserve Our Heritage (OC – Bank Barn) — Supports educational and exhibit programs of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; features the iconic Pennsylvania Bank Barn design.
- Preserve Our Heritage (L6 – Railroad) — Also benefits the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; features Grif Teller’s painting of the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Broadway Limited. Note: This full-color design is not available for personalization.
- Pennsylvania Monuments (IM) — Proceeds support the Veterans Trust Fund for cleaning, repair, and restoration of Pennsylvania monuments, including those at Gettysburg National Military Park.
- Pollinator Conservation (NK) — Supports the Pennsylvania Pollinator Habitat Plan to create pollinator-friendly habitats and protect species such as the monarch butterfly.
- Pennsylvania Sportsman (Z5) — Benefits programs related to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation in the Commonwealth.
Note that some other special-purpose plates (for example, Honoring Our Veterans or Distracted Driving Awareness) use separate application forms such as MV-914 or MV-918.
Eligibility Requirements
Special Fund registration plates issued under Form MV-911 are restricted to the following vehicle types:
- Passenger cars
- Motor homes
- Trailers
- Trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds
Motorcycles generally do not qualify for plates ordered through MV-911 (certain other special plates have separate motorcycle options). The vehicle must have a current, valid Pennsylvania registration. New vehicles must first be titled and registered before a Special Fund plate can be issued.
If the vehicle is leased, the applicant must also complete and attach Form MV-1L (Lessee Information).
Fees for Special Fund Registration Plates
Fees are one-time issuance charges paid in addition to the vehicle’s regular registration fee. A portion of each fee is directed to the designated fund. Current approximate fees (subject to change; always verify with the latest Form MV-70S) include:
- Wild Resource Conservation (Wildlife Resource Conservation): approximately $43
- Pollinator Conservation: approximately $41
- Pennsylvania Sportsman: approximately $42
- Pennsylvania Zoological Council: approximately $64
- Preserve Our Heritage: approximately $64
- Pennsylvania Monuments: approximately $64
Personalization is available for most designs for an additional fee (currently listed around $136 on official fee schedules). Personalized configurations are limited to up to five letters and/or numbers (plus one space or hyphen). Certain pre-printed letter prefixes or suffixes are assigned based on the plate type and cannot be changed. The full-color Preserve Our Heritage Railroad plate is not available for personalization.
Always consult the current Form MV-70S – Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees or the official payments page at PennDOT Payments and Fees for exact amounts before submitting payment.
How to Complete and Submit Form MV-911?
Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the official fillable PDF from the link above.
- Check the box for the desired Special Fund plate type.
- Indicate whether the vehicle is leased (Yes/No). Attach Form MV-1L if applicable.
- Complete Section A with vehicle and applicant information exactly as it appears on the current registration card (VIN, title number, plate number, expiration date, make, year, owner name(s), address, PA driver’s license/Photo ID number, date of birth, and telephone numbers).
- If requesting personalization, complete Section B with up to three choices (first, second, and third preference). Use capital letters and clearly distinguish zeros from the letter “O.”
- Sign and date Section C. Co-owners must also sign if applicable. False statements are subject to penalties under Pennsylvania law.
- Make a check or money order payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania” for the exact plate fee (plus personalization fee if applicable). Do not send cash. Include payment for any extra registration cards ($2 each) if desired.
- Mail the completed form and payment to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 67900
Harrisburg, PA 17106-7900
Processing times vary. Applicants retain their current plate until the new Special Fund plate arrives. If registration is expired or will expire within three months, include a completed renewal form (MV-105 or MV-140) and separate payment for the renewal fee.
Important Notes and Restrictions
- No Special Fund plate will be duplicated. Lost, stolen, or defaced plates require a new application and fees. Temporary standard plates can be obtained via Form MV-44 while waiting for a replacement.
- PennDOT reserves the right to limit or reject certain personalization requests.
- Telephone numbers provided on the form are kept confidential and used only if there is a problem with the application.
- For the latest information, visit www.pa.gov/dmv or call the PennDOT Customer Care Center at 717-412-5300 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET). TTY callers may dial 711.
Why Choose a Special Fund Registration Plate?
Beyond the distinctive design, these plates allow Pennsylvania motorists to contribute directly to worthwhile causes—wildlife conservation, historical preservation, zoo support, veterans’ monuments, pollinator habitats, and outdoor recreation—simply by registering their vehicle. The program has funded projects ranging from river otter reintroduction to monument restoration at Gettysburg and habitat creation for declining pollinator species.
Whether you are a Pennsylvania resident or a new resident registering a vehicle in the state, Form MV-911 provides a straightforward way to support these initiatives while displaying a unique plate.
Always download the most recent version of Form MV-911 and verify current fees and requirements on official PennDOT websites before applying. This ensures compliance with the latest Commonwealth of Pennsylvania regulations.