PA Form MV-916: In God We Trust Plate Guide – Pennsylvania vehicle owners who wish to display the national motto on their license plate can apply using PennDOT Form MV-916, the official Application for In God We Trust Registration Plate (IJ). This specialty plate has been available since October 2014 and remains a popular option for drivers seeking to express support for the U.S. motto “In God We Trust.”
This comprehensive guide covers everything U.S. residents (primarily Pennsylvania drivers) need to know about Form MV-916, including eligibility, current fees, personalization options, step-by-step application instructions, and where to download the official form. All information is based on official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania sources as of 2026.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-916?
Form MV-916 is the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) application used exclusively to request the special “In God We Trust” registration plate. The form was last revised in March 2025 (MV-916 3-25). It allows applicants to request a standard sequential plate or a personalized version of this design.
The plate is authorized under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1369.2 and was created by Act 109 of 2014. It is one of several specialty plates offered by PennDOT’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
About the In God We Trust Registration Plate Design
The In God We Trust plate follows Pennsylvania’s “Family of Plates” color scheme of blue, white, and yellow. It features an image of a bald eagle (the national symbol) on the left side with the words “In God We Trust” appearing beneath it. Pennsylvania is printed at the top, consistent with other specialty plates.
Sequential (non-personalized) plates typically use the prefix “GT” followed by numbers. Personalized versions also carry the fixed “GT” prefix before the owner-selected characters.
Who Is Eligible for the In God We Trust Plate?
Eligibility is limited. According to the official form and Pennsylvania Vehicle Code:
- The plate may be issued only for passenger cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds.
- The vehicle must have current (valid) registration. If registration has expired or will expire within the next three months, you must include a completed renewal form (MV-105 or MV-140) and the appropriate renewal fee.
- Both individual owners and leased-vehicle lessees may apply (indicate leased status on the form).
Motorcycles, trailers, and heavier trucks are not eligible for this specific plate.
Current Fees for the In God We Trust Plate (2026)
Fees are set by PennDOT and published on Form MV-70S (Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees). As of the latest official fee schedule and the July 2025 CPI adjustment:
- First-time issuance fee: $28.00 (in addition to any regular registration fees due)
- Fee with personalization: $164.00 ($28 plate fee + $136 personalization fee)
Additional notes:
- Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” Do not send cash.
- There is no refund if you cancel the request after the plate has been issued or the order has been placed with the manufacturer.
- Duplicate registration cards cost $2 each.
- Always verify the most current fees on the official MV-70S fee schedule or the PennDOT payments page, as fees can be adjusted periodically.
How to Complete and Submit Form MV-916?
Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the current Form MV-916 (see download link below).
- Complete Section A with vehicle and owner information exactly as it appears on your current registration card (VIN/title number, current plate number, make, year, name, address, PA driver’s license/photo ID number, etc.).
- Indicate whether the vehicle is leased (Yes/No).
- If requesting personalization, complete Section B with up to three preferred configurations.
- Sign and date Section C. False statements are subject to criminal penalties under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904(b).
- Enclose a check or money order for the correct total fee.
- If registration renewal is needed, include the completed renewal form and a separate payment.
- Mail the complete package to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Special Tag Unit
P.O. Box 67900
Harrisburg, PA 17106-7900
Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records.
Personalization Rules for the In God We Trust Plate
Personalized plates on this design have specific restrictions:
- Maximum of five letters or numbers in combination (the fixed “GT” prefix does not count against the five spaces).
- Only one hyphen or one space is permitted (it counts as one of the five available spaces). Both cannot be used, and no other special characters are allowed.
- Use capital letters. When requesting the number zero, write it as “Ø” (and mark it with a slash after printing if using the fillable form) to distinguish it from the letter “O.”
- PennDOT processes requests on a first-come, first-served basis and reserves the right to reject configurations that are offensive, misleading, or already in use.
- Check availability in advance using PennDOT’s Personalized Registration Plate Availability Tool on the official Driver and Vehicle Services website.
Allow 8 to 10 weeks for delivery of personalized plates.
Processing Time and Important Tips
- Standard (non-personalized) plates generally process faster than personalized ones.
- Once you receive the new plate, return your old plate to: Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Return Tag Unit, P.O. Box 68597, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597 to avoid potential issues.
- Telephone numbers provided on the form are kept confidential and used only if PennDOT needs to contact you about the application.
- For questions, contact the Driver and Vehicle Services Call Center at 717-412-5300 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET, excluding holidays).
Download the Official Form MV-916
Always obtain the form directly from the official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website to ensure you have the most current version:
Download PennDOT Form MV-916 (PDF)
You can also find related forms and the fee schedule (MV-70S) on the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services site at pa.gov/dmv.
Additional Resources
- Official fee schedule: Form MV-70S
- PennDOT personalized plates information and availability tool: available via pa.gov/dmv (Vehicle Services → Registration Plates)
- Driver and Vehicle Services Call Center: 717-412-5300
Applying for the In God We Trust registration plate with Form MV-916 is a straightforward process when you follow the official instructions and use current fees. By using the official PennDOT form and mailing address, Pennsylvania drivers can confidently request this specialty plate that proudly displays the nation’s motto.