PennDOT Form MV-145V – Disabled Veteran Plate Application

What Is PennDOT Form MV-145V?

Form MV-145V is the official application used to request one of the following:

• Disabled Veteran Registration Plate
• Severely Disabled Veteran Registration Plate
• Severely Disabled Veteran Motorcycle Plate Decal

The form is administered by the PennDOT Bureau of Motor Vehicles and must be completed accurately with supporting documentation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the veteran’s service unit. The current version of the form is available as a fillable PDF.

Download the official Form MV-145V here: Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-145V (PDF)

Eligibility Requirements for Form MV-145V

Eligibility depends on the type of plate or decal requested and requires official certification of a service-connected disability.

Disabled Veteran Registration Plate

Any veteran with a service-connected disability certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office Administrator (Philadelphia or Pittsburgh) or by the service unit in which the veteran served may apply. The disability does not need to meet the specific functional criteria required for severely disabled status. Note that this plate carries no special parking privileges.

Severely Disabled Veteran Registration Plate or Motorcycle Plate Decal

Veterans qualify if they have:

• A 100% service-connected disability rating certified by the VA Regional Office Administrator or service unit, or
• A service-connected disability that meets one of the functional criteria listed under Pennsylvania Vehicle Code § 1338 (similar to persons with disability plates), such as blindness, limited use of arms, inability to walk 200 feet without resting, use of assistive devices, lung disease meeting specific spirometry or oxygen criteria, portable oxygen use, certain cardiac conditions (Class III or IV), or severe limitation in walking due to arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic conditions.

Veterans may also self-certify by attaching a legible photocopy of their Letter of Promulgation, Awards Letter, Single Notification Letter, or Summary of Benefits Letter that clearly indicates a 100% service-connected disability.

Additionally, certain veterans who lost a limb or eye or became partially paralyzed while serving may qualify for reduced registration fees under specific conditions.

Benefits of Disabled Veteran and Severely Disabled Veteran Plates

Disabled Veteran Plate: Primarily serves as recognition of service-connected disability. It does not grant special parking privileges.

Severely Disabled Veteran Plate or Motorcycle Decal:

• Allows parking in designated persons with disability parking spaces when the vehicle is used to transport the qualifying veteran.
• Permits parking for 60 minutes beyond the legal time limit in most areas (except where local ordinances address heavy traffic periods).
• Upon request to local authorities, a reserved parking space sign may be erected near the veteran’s residence.
• Eligible veterans may qualify for free or reduced yearly registration fees on one qualifying vehicle (generally a passenger car or truck with registered gross weight of 9,000 pounds or less).

Important: Parking privileges apply only when the vehicle is being used for the transportation of the qualifying severely disabled veteran. The plate or decal does not allow parking in prohibited areas.

Qualifying Vehicles

Special registration plates under Form MV-145V may be issued for:

• A passenger vehicle or truck with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds that is used by or operated exclusively for the benefit of the qualifying veteran.
• For free or reduced registration fee benefits, the vehicle’s registered gross weight must generally be 9,000 pounds or less.

For motorcycles, only the Severely Disabled Veteran Motorcycle Plate Decal is available. It is affixed to a standard motorcycle registration plate. A full Severely Disabled Veteran registration plate is not issued for motorcycles.

Two identical plates may be requested for vehicles equipped with a wheelchair or personal assistive device carrier (one for the vehicle and one for the carrier).

How to Complete and Submit Form MV-145V?

1. Download the current form from the official PennDOT link provided above.
2. Check the appropriate box for the product requested (Disabled Veteran Plate, Severely Disabled Veteran Plate, or Severely Disabled Veteran Motorcycle Plate Decal). Indicate if requesting two plates for a carrier-equipped vehicle.
3. Complete Section A with vehicle owner/co-owner information exactly as shown on the current registration card (title number, names, PA driver’s license/photo ID numbers, dates of birth, address, vehicle identification number, current plate number, and expiration date).
4. Complete Section B (self-certification) if applicable, especially for free registration eligibility.
5. Obtain certification in Section C from the VA Regional Office Administrator (Philadelphia or Pittsburgh) or the service unit, or attach qualifying self-certification documents (Letter of Promulgation, Awards Letter, etc.).
6. Optional Section D: Request personalization (up to five letters/numbers; additional fee applies). Pre-printed designators appear based on plate type.
7. Sign the Unsworn Declaration (Section E) under penalty of perjury.

Mail the completed form with any required fees and supporting documents to:

PennDOT
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
1101 South Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516

If renewing registration at the same time, include Form MV-140 or the registration renewal application with applicable fees. Out-of-state address applicants must also submit Form MV-8 (Self-Certification for Proof of Residency).

Fees for Form MV-145V

Fees are subject to change and are detailed on Form MV-70S (Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees). As of the most recent updates:

• Disabled Veteran Plate and Severely Disabled Veteran Plate: Issuance fee applies (commonly listed around $14; confirm current amount on MV-70S).
• Severely Disabled Veteran Motorcycle Plate Decal: No fee required.
• Personalization: Additional fee (currently $68 for these plate types).
• Certain qualifying veterans may receive free yearly registration or a processing fee in lieu of the full registration fee for one eligible vehicle (9,000 lbs or less).

Always consult the current Form MV-70S or the official PennDOT website for exact fees before submitting payment. Make checks or money orders payable as directed by PennDOT.

Important Notes and Restrictions

• The vehicle owner or co-owner must be the qualifying veteran (or meet specific authorized person criteria listed on the form).
• Remove the special plate before selling the vehicle.
• Altering, forging, or improperly using these plates is a serious offense under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.
• Pennsylvania persons with disability and severely disabled veteran plates/placards are generally recognized in other states, but local rules may vary.
• For parking placards (as opposed to plates), use Form MV-145A instead.

Where to Get Help?

For questions about Form MV-145V or related products:

• Visit the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website: www.pa.gov/dmv
• Call PennDOT at 717-412-5300 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET). TTY users dial 711.
• Review the official Placard FAQs page for additional clarification on veteran plates.

Always use the most recent version of Form MV-145V downloaded directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website to ensure compliance with current requirements.

Conclusion

PennDOT Form MV-145V provides Pennsylvania veterans with a straightforward way to obtain recognition and, in the case of severely disabled veterans, meaningful parking and registration benefits. By carefully reviewing eligibility criteria, gathering the required VA or service documentation, and submitting a complete application, veterans can secure the appropriate plate or decal efficiently.