PennDOT Form MV-951 Salvor Certificate Guide

PennDOT Form MV-951 Salvor Certificate Guide – If you operate a vehicle salvage business or towing service in Pennsylvania and want to legally remove, store, and process abandoned vehicles, you need a Certificate of Authorization as a Salvor from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The official application is Form MV-951.

This guide explains what Form MV-951 is, who needs it, the eligibility requirements under Pennsylvania law, how to complete the form, required supporting documents, and where to submit it. All information is based on current Pennsylvania Vehicle Code (Title 75, Chapter 73), 67 Pa. Code Chapter 253, and official PennDOT publications.

What Is PennDOT Form MV-951?

Form MV-951 is the official “Application for Certificate of Authorization as a Salvor” issued by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Motor Vehicles. A salvor is a person or business authorized to acquire abandoned vehicles for the purpose of dismantling, recycling, selling, rebuilding, or exchanging the vehicles or their parts.

Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 7301, no one may operate as a salvor without this authorization. The certificate is typically obtained in conjunction with registration as a Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Business (MMVB) in the vehicle salvage class (or, in limited cases, a repair or towing business).

The current version of the form is MV-951 (2-25). You can download the official PDF directly from PennDOT here: Download PennDOT Form MV-951 (PDF).

Who Needs a Certificate of Authorization as a Salvor?

You must apply for Form MV-951 if you want to:

Tow abandoned vehicles at the request of police or property owners
Store abandoned vehicles
Process abandoned vehicles for salvage, recycling, or scrap

Primary eligibility is limited to currently registered vehicle salvage dealers as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 1337(c). In counties with no qualified vehicle salvage dealer, PennDOT may authorize a registered repair or towing business under 75 Pa.C.S. § 7301(a.1). If a salvage dealer later becomes licensed in that county, the repair/towing authorization is cancelled.

Eligibility Requirements for Salvor Authorization

According to 67 Pa. Code § 253.3 and 75 Pa.C.S. § 7302, applicants must meet these core criteria:

Established place of business — A physical street address where business records are maintained (a P.O. Box alone is not sufficient).
Vehicle salvage dealer status — Current registration as a Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Business (MMVB) in the vehicle salvage class (Form MV-359).
Adequate storage facilities — At least 5,000 square feet of open or closed space reserved solely for the storage of abandoned motor vehicles. The facility must also comply with the Junkyard and Automotive Recycler Screening Law if located within 1,000 feet of an interstate or primary highway.
Suitable towing equipment — Ownership or lease of a one-ton or larger truck specifically designed or adapted for towing or hauling abandoned vehicles.
$10,000 surety bond — A bond on Form MV-375 that indemnifies the public and the Commonwealth against damages from negligence or intentional conduct by the salvor or its employees. The bond covers all locations operated by the salvor.

PennDOT investigates the applicant’s qualifications and fitness before issuing the certificate.

How to Complete Form MV-951?

Follow these official instructions carefully. All information must be typed or printed clearly:

List the business name exactly as the Salvor Authorization should appear.
Provide a physical street address for the principal place of business. Include both business and home phone numbers of the president or controlling partner.
Indicate the type of business (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation) and whether the location is owned or leased. Attach a copy of the deed or lease.
List all owners, partners, or corporate officers with full names, titles, addresses, dates of birth, and Pennsylvania driver’s license or photo ID numbers.
Answer the additional information questions regarding knowledge of Chapter 253 regulations, storage facilities, zoning compliance, and towing equipment.
Sign and date the unsworn declaration in Section F. The form requires notarization in the presence of a notary.

Incomplete or inaccurate applications are commonly delayed or denied.

Required Supporting Documents

Submit these documents with the completed MV-951:

Form MV-375 (Manufacturer/Dealer/Full Agent/Card Agent/Messenger Service/Salvor Bond) in the amount of $10,000
At least three clear photographs showing: (1) the building where the office is maintained, (2) the 5,000-square-foot storage area, and (3) the wrecker/towing equipment
Copy of the deed or lease for the business location
Form MV-359 (Application for Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Business Registration Plates) if applying simultaneously for MMVB registration
Original criminal history record (SP4-164) from the Pennsylvania State Police for each owner, partner, or corporate officer
Proof of insurance

Mail two complete sets of materials in a 9″ × 12″ envelope when possible.

Where to Submit Form MV-951?

Mail the completed application and supporting documents to:

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68594
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8594

(Some related MMVB materials use P.O. Box 68283 — always use the address printed on the specific form.)

PennDOT may issue a temporary certificate of authorization valid for 60 days while it investigates the application. After review, a regular certificate is issued if the applicant qualifies.

Certificate Validity, Renewal, and Ongoing Duties

Certificates of authorization are issued for one year and expire on December 31. Active salvors receive a renewal notice approximately three months prior. Renewal requires:

Current MMVB registration status
Confirmation that the $10,000 bond remains in force
No outstanding sanctions

Salvors must:

Display the certificate at the place of business
Notify PennDOT within 5 days of any change in name, address, or ownership
Maintain separate records on each abandoned vehicle for at least three years
Secure documents properly during non-business hours

Unauthorized operation as a salvor is prohibited and subject to penalties under the Vehicle Code.

Download Official Form MV-951

Always use the most current official version from PennDOT:

Download Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-951 (PDF)

Additional official resources:

Final Tips for a Successful Application

Double-check that your storage area truly meets the 5,000-square-foot exclusive-use requirement and that your towing equipment is a one-ton or larger truck designed for the purpose. Ensure the bond is executed by a surety company authorized to do business in Pennsylvania. Incomplete photographs or missing notarization are frequent causes of delay.

For specific questions about your application, contact the PennDOT Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 717-412-5300 or the Abandoned Vehicle Unit as listed on current PennDOT materials. Requirements can change; always verify details on the official pa.gov/dmv website before submitting.

By carefully completing Form MV-951 and meeting all statutory and regulatory requirements, qualified businesses can obtain the Certificate of Authorization needed to operate legally as a salvor in Pennsylvania.