PennDOT Form MV-150: PA Military Service Plate Guide – Pennsylvania honors the service and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members through a wide range of specialty registration plates. Form MV-150, officially titled “Application for U.S. Military Service Registration Plate,” is the primary document used by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Motor Vehicles to issue many of these military-themed plates.
This comprehensive guide explains what Form MV-150 is used for, who qualifies, what documents are required, current fees, how to complete and submit the application, and where to download the official form. All information is based on current PennDOT resources for Pennsylvania residents and vehicle owners.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-150?
Form MV-150 is the official application for specific U.S. Military Service Registration Plates issued by PennDOT. It is used for plates that recognize particular medals, campaigns, or unit service rather than general veteran status (which typically uses Form MV-150V or other specialized forms).
The form is required for plates such as:
- Air Medal
- Air Force Cross
- Airborne Unit
- Bronze Star
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Expeditionary Forces
- Korean Defense Service
- Navy Cross
- Operation Enduring Freedom
- Operation Iraqi Freedom
These plates are available only for passenger cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds. The vehicle must be owned or co-owned by an eligible veteran or service member.
For the full official form, download it directly from PennDOT: Download PennDOT Form MV-150 (PDF).
Eligibility Requirements for Form MV-150 Military Plates
To qualify for a plate requested on Form MV-150, the applicant must be a veteran or current service member who served in the Armed Forces of the United States. The vehicle must be owned or co-owned by the eligible individual.
Specific documentation is required depending on the plate. In most cases, a legible photocopy of Form DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is needed. The DD-214 must clearly show the medal, campaign, or service that qualifies the applicant for the requested plate.
Key eligibility examples from the current Form MV-150 include:
- Air Medal – DD-214 indicating the Air Medal was awarded.
- Expeditionary Forces – DD-214 showing a Naval or Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
- Korean Defense Service – DD-214 indicating the Korean Defense Service Medal was awarded.
- Operation Enduring Freedom – DD-214 showing Operation Enduring Freedom service or Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
- Operation Iraqi Freedom – DD-214 showing Operation Iraqi Freedom service or Iraqi Campaign Medal.
- Airborne Unit – Documentation of satisfactory completion of prescribed proficiency tests while assigned or attached to an Airborne Unit (includes Paratroopers, Rangers, Special Forces, Navy SEALs, and related units).
- Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, or Air Force Cross – DD-214 indicating the specific medal was awarded.
Note that some related plates (such as certain combat awards or newer medals) use Form MV-150P or other variants. Always confirm the correct form for your specific plate on the official PennDOT Military Registration Plates page or the U.S. Military Registration Plates Fact Sheet (PDF).
How to Complete Form MV-150?
Form MV-150 is a multi-page application that must be filled out completely and accurately. Key sections include:
- Applicant Information – Full name, Pennsylvania driver’s license or photo ID number, date of birth, address, and telephone number. Co-owner information is required if applicable.
- Military Information – Branch of service, dates of active service, and service number.
- Vehicle Information – Title number, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), current registration plate number, year, expiration month, and registered gross weight (if applicable).
- Plate Selection – Check the box for the specific military plate requested.
- Optional Personalization – Request a personalized configuration (additional fee required). Character limits vary by plate type (typically 4–5 letters/numbers, with limited use of one hyphen or space).
- Self-Certification and Signature – Both applicant and co-applicant (if any) must sign and date the form, certifying that the information is true and that eligibility requirements are met. Falsification is a criminal offense.
If the vehicle does not currently have valid Pennsylvania registration, additional steps and forms (such as Form MV-140) are required. Instructions on the reverse side of Form MV-150 provide detailed guidance.
Required Supporting Documents
In addition to the completed Form MV-150, applicants must submit:
- A legible photocopy of the qualifying Form DD-214 (or equivalent documentation for Airborne Unit plates).
- Payment by check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (do not send cash).
- If renewing registration at the same time, the renewal application or Form MV-140 plus the appropriate registration renewal fee.
PennDOT may request additional verification in some cases. Keep original documents safe; only photocopies are submitted with the application.
Fees for U.S. Military Service Registration Plates
Fees vary by plate type and whether personalization is requested. According to current PennDOT fee schedules (Form MV-70S), many MV-150 plates carry a first-time issuance fee in the range of approximately $12–$28, with higher amounts if personalization is added (often an additional $136 in recent schedules). Some older references listed fees around $23–$26 for certain plates.
Exact fees can change. Always consult the latest Form MV-70S – Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees on the official PennDOT website before submitting payment.
Additional costs may apply for duplicate registration cards ($2 each in many cases) or if registration renewal is processed simultaneously.
Where and How to Submit Form MV-150?
Mail the completed Form MV-150, supporting documents, and payment to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
1101 South Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104
(Some related military plate forms list P.O. Box addresses; confirm the address printed on the current version of MV-150.)
Processing times can vary. Personalized plates typically take longer (often 6–8 weeks or more after approval). Standard military plates are generally processed more quickly once documentation is verified.
For questions, contact PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services at 717-412-5300 (or 1-800-932-4600 within Pennsylvania) or visit www.pa.gov/dmv.
Related Military and Veteran Plates
Pennsylvania offers many other military and veteran plates that use different forms:
- MV-150V – General U.S. Military Veteran plates (including branch-specific and era-specific plates such as Vietnam War Veteran, Korean War Veteran, Women Veteran, etc.).
- MV-150P – Certain service and medal plates (including some newer options).
- MV-150C – Combat-related plates (Combat Action Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, etc.).
- MV-150PH – Pearl Harbor Survivor.
- MV-150AD – Pennsylvania National Guard and active-duty related plates.
- MV-912 / MV-920 – Gold Star Family and Blue Star Family plates.
A complete overview is available in the official U.S. Military Registration Plates Fact Sheet.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Use the most current version of Form MV-150 (the form is periodically updated; the version referenced here is marked 1-26).
- Ensure the DD-214 clearly shows the required medal or service. If needed, request corrections via Form DD-215 from the National Personnel Records Center.
- Print clearly or complete the fillable PDF carefully. Mark zeros distinctly from the letter “O.”
- Double-check personalization requests against available character limits and restricted configurations for each plate type.
- Do not send original discharge papers.
- Keep a copy of everything submitted for your records.