PennDOT Form MV-44: Duplicate Registration or Lost Plate PA

PennDOT Form MV-44: Duplicate Registration or Lost Plate PA – If you are a Pennsylvania vehicle owner who needs a duplicate registration card or must replace a lost, stolen, or defaced registration plate, PennDOT Form MV-44 is the official application you will use. This guide provides current, accurate information drawn from official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania sources so U.S. residents—especially those living in or registering vehicles in Pennsylvania—can complete the process correctly and avoid delays.

What Is PennDOT Form MV-44?

Form MV-44, titled “Application for Duplicate Registration Card or Replacement of Lost, Stolen or Defaced Registration Plate,” is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Motor Vehicles. It allows vehicle registrants to request:

  • One or more duplicate registration cards
  • Replacement of a lost, stolen, or defaced standard or specialty registration plate
  • Replacement of a lost, stolen, or defaced personalized registration plate (with important configuration rules)

The current edition of the form is MV-44 (10-25). Do not use older versions. Official instructions appear on both sides of the form and on the PennDOT website.

Download the official Form MV-44 here:
https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bmv/bmv-forms/mv-44.pdf

When Should You Use Form MV-44?

Use Form MV-44 in these situations:

  • Your registration card has been lost, stolen, or defaced and you prefer to request it by mail (or need multiple cards).
  • Your registration plate has been lost, stolen, or defaced (damaged by accident, cutting, scraping, or chemicals but still recognizable).
  • You need a replacement for a Persons with Disability or other specialty plate that is lost, stolen, or defaced.

Important distinctions:

  • For an illegible plate (numbers/letters cannot be read from 50 feet, or the plate is blistered/peeled/discolored), use Form MV-46 instead. Replacements under MV-46 are free after verification by an inspection station or law enforcement.
  • If the plate or card was never received in the mail and you apply within 90 days of original issuance, use Form MV-50 for a free replacement.
  • Dealer and apportioned plates cannot be replaced with MV-44.

Source: Official PennDOT Registration Plate FAQs and Form MV-44 instructions.

Online Option for Duplicate Registration Cards

Before mailing Form MV-44, check whether you can obtain a free duplicate registration card online. PennDOT allows customers to print a free duplicate registration card through the official Driver and Vehicle Services website at any time (and also at the time of online renewal). No fee is charged for online duplicates.

Visit the official online services portal: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv or the direct vehicle services login.

Mailing Form MV-44 is still required when you need a physical plate replacement or prefer paper processing.

How to Complete Form MV-44 Step by Step?

Follow these steps carefully. Incomplete or incorrect applications are returned, causing delays.

  1. Check the correct box at the top
    • Application for Duplicate Registration Card(s)
    • Replacement of Lost, Stolen or Defaced Registration Plate (standard or specialty – fee required)
    • Replacement of Lost, Stolen or Defaced Personalized Registration Plate (no fee for defaced; new configuration required if lost or stolen)
  2. Section A – Applicant and Vehicle Information
    Enter all information exactly as it appears on your current registration card: VIN, registration plate number and type, title number, owner name(s), PA driver’s license or photo ID number (or Business ID for companies), date of birth, and current address. Use the change-of-address lines only if needed. Out-of-state address changes also require Form MV-8.
  3. Section B – Reason and Number of Cards
    Check Lost, Stolen, Defaced, or Other. Indicate how many additional duplicate registration cards you want ($2 each when ordered with a plate replacement or at certain other times; see fee schedule). Note that one registration card is automatically issued with a plate replacement.
  4. Section C – Authorization for Plate Replacement (if applicable)
    Complete vehicle year, make, and plate details. Sign and date. For personalized plates, enter the exact configuration (including spaces or dashes) and attach a clear photograph of the plate.
  5. Section D – Applicant Signature
    Both applicant and co-applicant (if any) must sign under penalty of perjury when replacing a defaced plate. Businesses must attach a letter on company letterhead authorizing the signer.

If the plate was lost or stolen, you must report it to the Pennsylvania State Police or your local law enforcement agency. Keep the report number for your records.

Current Fees for Form MV-44 (2025–2026)

Fees are set by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees (Form MV-70S). Always verify the latest amounts on the official schedule, as they can change.

  • Replacement of standard, military/specialty, special organization, or special fund registration plate (lost, stolen, or defaced): $14
  • Replacement of defaced personalized registration plate (same configuration): Free
  • Lost or stolen personalized plate: Free for the plate style, but you must select a new available configuration
  • Duplicate registration card ordered by mail (outside of certain simultaneous transactions): $7 (or $2 when ordered with plate replacement or at initial registration/renewal/transfer)
  • Online duplicate registration card: Free

Make check or money order payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” Do not send cash. Include the exact fee with your application.

Official fee schedule: Form MV-70S – Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees

Where to Mail Form MV-44?

Mail the completed form, any required photograph, and payment to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68593
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8593

If you use an authorized messenger service, attach a legible photocopy of the front and back of your valid photo identification.

Processing Times and What to Expect

  • Standard-issue replacement plates are typically mailed within 7–10 business days after PennDOT processes the application.
  • Personalized replacement plates usually take 6–8 weeks.
  • While waiting for a personalized plate, you may submit a second Form MV-44 (with the $14 fee) to receive a temporary standard plate.

Until the new plate arrives, continue displaying your current plate. PennDOT’s official record will show the new plate number as valid once processed. Update any linked accounts (E-ZPass, parking apps, employer, residential complex, etc.) with the new plate number when it arrives.

Special Notes for Personalized and Specialty Plates

Personalized plates that are merely defaced can usually be reissued with the identical configuration at no charge. Lost or stolen personalized plates cannot keep the same configuration; you must choose a new available combination. Check availability online through PennDOT’s Personalized Registration Plate Availability tool before submitting.

Persons with Disability plates and most specialty plates follow the same MV-44 process and fee structure as standard plates for lost/stolen/defaced replacements.

Tips to Avoid Delays or Rejection

  • Use the newest edition of Form MV-44 (currently 10-25).
  • Print clearly in black or blue ink or type the form.
  • Match every detail to your current registration card.
  • Report lost or stolen plates to police promptly.
  • Attach a clear photo or tracing when required for identification of a defaced or personalized plate.
  • Do not send cash.
  • Keep a copy of the completed form and payment for your records.

Additional Official Resources

All information in this article is based on official PennDOT publications and the current Form MV-44 and MV-70S available on pa.gov as of the latest updates. Fees, form editions, and procedures can change; always verify details directly on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website before submitting your application.

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