PennDOT MV-904: Amateur Radio or Press Photographer Plate – Pennsylvania residents who are licensed amateur radio operators or full-time press photographers can apply for distinctive special registration plates through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Form MV-904 is the official application used for these plates as well as standard personalized registration plates. This guide covers eligibility, requirements, fees, the application process, and how to download the current form for U.S. applicants, with a focus on Pennsylvania drivers and vehicle owners.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-904?
Form MV-904, titled “Application for Personalized, Amateur Radio Operator or Press Photographer Registration Plate,” is issued by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The current version is MV-904 (5-25). It allows eligible applicants to request:
- A standard personalized registration plate (up to 7 characters for most vehicles, 5 for motorcycles)
- An Amateur Radio Operator registration plate displaying the applicant’s FCC call sign
- A Press Photographer registration plate (issued as a matching set for front and rear)
The form is available as a fillable PDF from the official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website. Always use the latest version from trusted PennDOT sources to avoid processing delays.
Eligibility for Amateur Radio Operator Registration Plate
Under Pennsylvania regulations (67 Pa. Code § 49.4) and PennDOT policy, an Amateur Radio Operator plate is available to holders of a valid Federal Communications Commission (FCC) amateur radio station license. Key requirements include:
- The applicant must be a resident of Pennsylvania.
- The vehicle must be registered in the name of the amateur radio station licensee or jointly with a spouse.
- Only one special Amateur Radio Operator plate is issued per person (a second plate may display the call sign plus a hyphen and the number “2”).
- A copy of the current Amateur Radio Station License must be attached to the application.
- No additional personalization beyond the FCC-assigned call letters is permitted.
These plates help identify licensed amateur radio operators and support emergency communications readiness across the United States.
Eligibility for Press Photographer Registration Plate
Press Photographer plates are issued to individuals employed full time as a newspaper, newsreel, or television photographer or cameraman. Requirements include:
- Pennsylvania residency.
- The vehicle must be registered in the name of the press photographer or jointly with a co-owner (often a spouse).
- Only one set of two identical plates (front and rear) is issued per applicant.
- The vehicle must be used in the pursuit of regular employment covering news events.
- Employer certification is required on the form.
Personalization of Press Photographer plates is possible for an additional fee (limited character configurations apply, typically preceded by “PP”).
How to Complete and Submit Form MV-904?
Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the official Form MV-904 from the PennDOT website.
- Check the appropriate box for the plate type desired (Personalized, Amateur Radio Operator, or Press Photographer) and complete the required sections:
- Section A: Applicant and vehicle information (name, address, PA driver’s license/Photo ID number, vehicle identification number, title number, etc.).
- Section B: Personalized plate choices (if applicable).
- Section C: Amateur Radio Operator details and FCC license information.
- Section D: Press Photographer employment certification.
- Section E: Applicant signature(s) certifying the information is true.
- Attach required supporting documents (FCC license copy for amateur radio; employer verification for press photographer).
- Include payment by check or money order payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” Do not send cash.
- Mail the completed packet to the address listed on the form.
Applicants must already have a valid Pennsylvania registration plate and should retain it until the new special plate arrives. New vehicles must first be titled and registered. Requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Allow approximately 8–10 weeks for delivery after PennDOT receives and approves the application.
Current Fees for Form MV-904 Special Plates
Fees are set by PennDOT and published in Form MV-70S, “Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees.” As of the most recent schedule (effective after July 1, 2025 adjustments):
- Amateur Radio Operator registration plate: $14.00 (one-time issuance fee; no additional personalization available beyond the call sign).
- Press Photographer registration plate: $14.00 (one-time issuance fee). Personalization adds an extra fee (commonly resulting in a total of approximately $150).
- Standard personalized registration plate: Higher fee (refer to MV-70S; currently around $103 for the personalization component on a standard-issue plate).
These fees are in addition to regular vehicle registration fees. Always verify the exact amount on the current Form MV-70S or the top of Form MV-904 before submitting payment, as fees are subject to periodic updates.
Where to Mail Form MV-904?
Send the completed application, supporting documents, and payment to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Special Tag Unit
P.O. Box 68293
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8293
For general inquiries, contact PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services or visit the official website at www.pa.gov/dmv.
Download the Official Pennsylvania Form MV-904
Obtain the current fillable PDF directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
Before applying for a personalized configuration, use PennDOT’s online Plate Availability Tool to check whether your desired combination is available. Note that availability online does not guarantee issuance, as applications are processed in the order received.
Important Restrictions and Tips for U.S. Applicants
Eligible vehicle types are limited to passenger vehicles, motorcycles, motor homes, trailers, and trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds. PennDOT may refuse any combination of letters and numbers for cause, including configurations that are offensive, misleading, or already in use. Lost or stolen personalized plates generally cannot be reissued with the identical combination; a new request is required.
Keep a copy of your submitted application and payment proof. Processing times can vary, and incomplete applications are returned. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official PennDOT publications and Form MV-70S.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form MV-904
Can I apply online?
No. Form MV-904 must be completed and mailed with payment. Some related services (such as checking plate availability) are available online through the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services portal.
Is the Amateur Radio plate transferable?
The plate is tied to the licensed operator and the registered vehicle. Changes in ownership or license status may require a new application.
Do Press Photographer plates provide special parking privileges?
No. These are identification plates only and do not confer parking or traffic exemptions.
Where can I find the latest fees?
Refer to the current Form MV-70S Schedule of Fees on the official PennDOT website.
This information is compiled from official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and PennDOT sources, including Form MV-904 (5-25), the Personalized Registration Plates fact sheet, 67 Pa. Code § 49.4, and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles fee schedule. Always confirm details directly with PennDOT before applying, as policies and fees can change.
For additional vehicle services, visit the official Pennsylvania Driver and Vehicle Services site at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv.