PA MV-912 Gold Star Family Plate Application Guide

PA MV-912 Gold Star Family Plate Application Guide – Pennsylvania honors the families of service members who made the ultimate sacrifice with the Gold Star Family special registration plate. Form MV-912 is the official PennDOT application used by eligible family members to request this distinctive plate. This guide explains eligibility, how to complete the form, fees, personalization options, and submission steps using current official Pennsylvania sources.

The plate features the Service Flag Gold Star (rimmed in blue) and the words “Gold Star Family.” It is available only for qualifying passenger cars and light trucks registered in Pennsylvania.

What Is PennDOT Form MV-912?

Form MV-912 (revised 3-25) is the “Application for Gold Star Family Registration Plate (87).” It is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The form is used solely for vehicles owned or co-owned by eligible family members of a person killed while serving on active duty in the U.S. military.

You can download the official current form here: Download PennDOT Form MV-912 (PDF).

Always use the latest version available on the official Pennsylvania government website. Older versions may contain outdated instructions or fees.

Eligibility Requirements for the Gold Star Family Plate

Under Pennsylvania law (75 Pa.C.S. § 1365), the plate may be issued only to a family member of a person who was killed while serving on active duty in the military. Eligible family members are defined as:

  • Widow or widower
  • Mother, father, stepmother, or stepfather
  • Mother or father through adoption
  • Foster mother or foster father in loco parentis
  • Son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter
  • Son or daughter by adoption
  • Brother, sister, half brother, or half sister

The applicant must certify eligibility on the form under penalty of law. No additional military documentation is typically required beyond the signed certification on Form MV-912, though PennDOT may request supporting information if needed.

Source: Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 75 § 1365 and the official Form MV-912 instructions.

Vehicle Eligibility and Restrictions

Gold Star Family plates are restricted to:

  • Passenger cars, or
  • Trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds

Motorcycles, motor homes, and trailers do not qualify. The vehicle must be owned or co-owned by the eligible family member. Leased vehicles are permitted if the applicant is listed as the lessee (check the “Leased Vehicle” box on the form).

The plate may not be issued with a Persons with Disability symbol.

How to Complete Form MV-912?

Complete every section exactly as the information appears on the current vehicle registration card:

  1. Vehicle Description and Applicant Information — Include title number, VIN, current plate number, expiration date, make, year, full name(s), PA driver’s license/photo ID number(s), date(s) of birth, street address, city, state, ZIP code, and telephone numbers.
  2. Leased Vehicle — Check Yes or No.
  3. Optional Personalization — See the personalization section below.
  4. Duplicate Registration Cards — Request additional cards if desired ($2 each).
  5. Applicant Signature — Sign and date the certification. Co-owners must also sign. Indicate the relationship to the military member.

Print clearly in capital letters. For the number zero, use “Ø” to distinguish it from the letter “O.”

If the vehicle registration is expired or will expire within the next three months, include a completed registration renewal (Form MV-105 or MV-140) and a separate payment for the renewal fee.

Fees for the Gold Star Family Registration Plate

Fees are set by PennDOT and published on Form MV-70S (Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees). As of the current schedule:

  • Gold Star Family plate first-time issuance fee: $28 (in addition to the regular annual or biennial registration fee)
  • With personalization: $164
  • Duplicate registration card: $2 each

Regular passenger vehicle registration is currently $48 for one year or $96 for two years (subject to change). Always verify the latest amounts on the official fee schedule because fees are periodically adjusted.

Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Do not send cash. No refund is issued if the request is canceled after the plate is ordered or issued.

Check current fees here: PennDOT Form MV-70S – Schedule of Fees (PDF).

Note: Legislation has been introduced to eliminate the additional fee for Gold Star Family plates, but as of the latest available information it has not become law. Use the fees published on the current MV-70S.

Personalization Options for Gold Star Family Plates

Personalized Gold Star Family plates are available. Key rules include:

  • Up to four letters or numbers in combination after the preprinted “GSF” prefix (the “GSF” cannot be changed)
  • Only one hyphen or one space is permitted
  • No other special characters
  • PennDOT reserves the right to reject any request

Check availability on the official PennDOT website before submitting. Personalized plates are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and typically take 8 to 10 weeks for delivery. The personalization fee covers only the plate order and does not renew the vehicle registration.

Availability checker and more details: PennDOT Personalized Registration Plates page.

Where and How to Submit Form MV-912?

Mail the completed Form MV-912, required fee(s), and any accompanying renewal forms to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 67900
Harrisburg, PA 17106-7900

Return any old registration plate to the Return Tag Unit (P.O. Box 68597, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597) to avoid potential issues.

Allow sufficient processing and manufacturing time. Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records.

Additional Resources and Official Contacts

For general military plate information, visit the official military registration plates section on the Pennsylvania DMV site.

Important Notes for Applicants

All information on the application is certified under penalty of law (misdemeanor of the third degree for false statements). Telephone numbers provided are kept confidential and used only if there is a problem with the application.

Gold Star Family plates are issued in sequential number order unless personalized. They honor the sacrifice of service members and their families. If you have questions about eligibility or the application process, contact PennDOT directly using the phone number above rather than relying on unofficial sources.

This article is based on the current official Form MV-912 (3-25), Form MV-70S, the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, and PennDOT fact sheets. Fees, form revisions, and procedures can change—always verify details on www.pa.gov/dmv before submitting an application.

Leave a Comment