PennDOT Form MV-4IS: PA Insurance Salvage Certificate Guide – Insurance companies operating in Pennsylvania often face challenges when a vehicle owner accepts a total loss settlement but fails to return the properly endorsed certificate of title or certificate of salvage. In these situations, PennDOT Form MV-4IS provides a clear legal pathway for insurers to obtain a salvage certificate without the assigned title. This form, authorized under Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Section 1163(c.1), streamlines the process while protecting all parties involved.
This comprehensive guide explains everything U.S. insurance professionals, claims adjusters, and salvage operations need to know about Form MV-4IS, including eligibility, requirements, how to complete it, and where to submit it. All information is based on official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) sources and current state law.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-4IS?
Form MV-4IS is the official “Insurance Company Application for Salvage Certificate When Title Not Assigned.” It allows an insurance company to request a Pennsylvania Certificate of Salvage when the vehicle owner has accepted a total loss settlement offer (orally, in writing, or electronically) but has not provided the properly endorsed title or salvage certificate within 30 days.
The form is specifically designed for insurers and cannot be used by individual vehicle owners or other parties. According to the official form instructions (revised February 2025), no fee is required to submit MV-4IS.
You can download the current official version of the form directly from PennDOT here: Download PennDOT Form MV-4IS (PDF).
Legal Authority Behind Form MV-4IS
Form MV-4IS is grounded in Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Title 75, Section 1163(c.1), enacted through Act 91 of 2016. The statute states that an insurance company may request the department to issue a salvage certificate if it cannot obtain the properly endorsed certificate of title or certificate of salvage within 30 days after the vehicle owner’s acceptance of a total loss settlement offer.
Key statutory requirements include:
- The request must be made on a form approved by the department and signed under penalty of perjury.
- The insurance company must make at least two written attempts (mailed or delivered) to obtain the assigned title or salvage certificate.
- The insurance company must mail or deliver the settlement payment to the vehicle owner.
The department shall issue the salvage certificate upon receipt of a properly executed application. This provision does not apply if the owner never accepted the settlement or if the vehicle was driven or taken without the owner’s consent.
When Can an Insurance Company Use Form MV-4IS?
Insurance companies may use Form MV-4IS only under these specific conditions:
- The vehicle owner has accepted a total loss settlement offer through oral, written, or electronic means.
- At least 30 days have passed since that acceptance.
- The insurance company has been unable to obtain the properly endorsed certificate of title or certificate of salvage.
- The company has made at least two written attempts (mailed or delivered) to secure the title or salvage certificate.
- The settlement payment has been mailed or delivered to the vehicle owner.
The form explicitly states it does not apply when there was no acceptance of the total loss settlement or when the vehicle has been driven or taken without the vehicle owner’s consent.
How to Complete PennDOT Form MV-4IS?
The current version of Form MV-4IS (MV-4IS 2-25) contains four main sections. Complete all required fields accurately to avoid processing delays.
Section A – Insurance Company Information
Provide the full legal name of the insurance company, complete street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
Section B – Vehicle Description
Enter the following details:
- Owner’s name (as it appears on the title)
- Title number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Year, make, and body style
- Amount paid to the customer
- Sales tax amount (note the applicable rate: 6% generally, 7% for Allegheny County residents, or 8% for City of Philadelphia residents)
Section C – Odometer Reading
Certify the odometer reading to the best of your knowledge. Indicate if the reading reflects mileage in excess of mechanical limits or is not the actual mileage. Federal and state laws require accurate odometer disclosure; false statements can result in fines or imprisonment.
Section D – Certification
The authorized signer must check the three required boxes confirming:
- At least two written attempts were made to obtain the assigned title or salvage certificate.
- The settlement payment was mailed or delivered to the vehicle owner.
- The owner accepted the total loss settlement (oral, written, or electronic).
The signer then certifies under penalty of law that all information is true and correct. Misstatements constitute a misdemeanor of the third degree, punishable by a fine up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment up to one year (18 Pa.C.S. § 4904(b)).
Include the printed name of the authorized signer, telephone number, signature, and date.
Important note: Supporting documentation must be retained by the insurance company and made available upon PennDOT request. These documents do not need to be submitted with the application.
Where to Submit Form MV-4IS?
Mail the completed Form MV-4IS to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68593
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8593
For general questions, contact PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services at 717-412-5300 (TTY callers dial 711) or visit the official website at www.pa.gov/dmv.
What Happens After Submission?
Upon receipt of a properly completed and executed Form MV-4IS, PennDOT will issue a Certificate of Salvage for the vehicle. This certificate authorizes the insurance company (or subsequent holder) to possess or transfer ownership of the salvage vehicle by endorsement.
Once issued, the salvage certificate allows the vehicle to be sold to a licensed salvage dealer, scrap processor, or other authorized party for dismantling, recycling, or potential rebuilding (subject to additional reconstruction requirements under Pennsylvania law).
Related PennDOT Forms for Insurance Companies
Insurance companies should be familiar with these related forms for other salvage scenarios:
- Form MV-6IS – Insurer/Salvage Dealer Application for Certificate of Salvage for vehicles currently titled in Pennsylvania (used when the title has been assigned).
- Form MV-6SV – Insurance Company Application for Certificate of Salvage for a Stolen Vehicle.
- Form MV-6 – Application for Nonrepairable or Salvage Certificate (primarily for individual owners).
Using the correct form is essential for timely processing.
Best Practices for Insurance Companies
To ensure smooth processing of Form MV-4IS applications, follow these recommended practices:
- Document every written attempt to obtain the title or salvage certificate (retain copies of letters, certified mail receipts, or delivery confirmations).
- Maintain clear records of the settlement acceptance date and method (oral, written, or electronic).
- Confirm settlement payment has been delivered before submitting the form.
- Double-check VIN, title number, and owner information against internal claim records.
- Retain all supporting documentation for potential PennDOT audits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for Form MV-4IS?
No. PennDOT does not charge a fee for this application.
Can individual vehicle owners use Form MV-4IS?
No. This form is restricted to insurance companies only.
What if the vehicle was stolen?
Use Form MV-6SV instead of MV-4IS for stolen vehicles.
How long does processing take?
Processing times vary. Contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for current estimates.
Where can I find the most current version of the form?
Always download the latest version from the official PennDOT website: Official MV-4IS PDF Download.
Conclusion
PennDOT Form MV-4IS is an essential tool for insurance companies handling total loss claims in Pennsylvania when vehicle owners fail to return the title after accepting a settlement. By following the statutory requirements and completing the form accurately, insurers can efficiently obtain a salvage certificate and properly dispose of or transfer the vehicle.
For the most up-to-date information, always refer to official PennDOT resources at www.pa.gov/dmv or call 717-412-5300. Staying compliant with Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Section 1163(c.1) protects both the insurer and the integrity of the Commonwealth’s vehicle title system.