PennDOT Form MV-351 | Temporary Registration Plates PA – Motor vehicle dealers and full agents in Pennsylvania rely on temporary registration plates to facilitate vehicle sales, transfers, and movement of vehicles. The official form used to order these plates from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is Form MV-351, titled “Application for Temporary Registration Plates by Motor Vehicle Dealers and Full Agents.”
This comprehensive guide covers everything authorized dealers and full agents need to know about Form MV-351, including eligibility, how to complete the form, current fees, ordering rules, and submission instructions. All information is based on official PennDOT publications and current regulations.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-351?
Form MV-351 is the official application used exclusively by authorized motor vehicle dealers and full agents to order a supply of temporary registration plates and temporary registration rear window decals from PennDOT’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Temporary registration plates allow vehicles to be operated legally while permanent registration and title processing are completed. They are issued in conjunction with applications for title and registration within Pennsylvania or for vehicles being driven or moved to another state or country.
The current version of the form is MV-351 (1-26). PennDOT periodically updates forms, so always use the latest version available on the official website.
Download the official Form MV-351 here:
Download Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-351 (PDF)
Who Can Use Form MV-351?
Only the following authorized entities may submit Form MV-351:
- Licensed motor vehicle dealers
- Full agents authorized by PennDOT to issue temporary registration plates and cards
- Manufacturers (in certain cases)
Individual vehicle owners or the general public cannot use this form. Authorization to issue temporary plates is governed by 67 Pa. Code Chapter 43.
Purpose of Temporary Registration Plates in Pennsylvania
Temporary registration plates serve two primary purposes:
- Allow operation of a vehicle in Pennsylvania while the permanent title and registration are processed.
- Permit a vehicle purchased in Pennsylvania to be driven or moved to another state or country for titling, registration, use, or resale.
Authorized dealers and full agents must issue a temporary registration card along with each temporary plate in accordance with PennDOT rules.
How to Complete Form MV-351?
According to the official Agent Services Handbook (PUB 457) and the form instructions, follow these steps carefully:
- Enter the exact name of the business as it appears on your registration card or authorization card.
- Provide the Dealer Identification Number or Full Agent ID Number (numbers beginning with 83-XXX, 85-XXX, 86-XXX, etc.).
- List the complete business address as shown on your registration card or license.
- Include the business phone number with area code and email address.
- Indicate whether you are an Online Registration Participant and list the name of the Online Registration Integrator if applicable.
- Specify the number of temporary registration plates desired by class (see ordering rules below).
- Calculate the total cost, including any shipping and handling if requesting mail delivery.
- If plates will be picked up in person, complete the authorization section with the name and driver’s license number of the person or messenger service authorized to pick up the order.
- Sign and date the application. The applicant certifies under penalty of law that all information is true and correct.
Important: Use a separate Form MV-351 for each class of registration plates and attach a separate check or money order for each form.
Ordering Rules for Temporary Registration Plates
PennDOT has specific quantity requirements:
- Most plate classes must be ordered in multiples of ten.
- Exceptions that may be ordered in multiples of five: Implement of Husbandry (IMP), Special Mobile Equipment (SME), school bus, motor home, bus, and omnibus plates.
- Rear window decals are free but should not exceed the number of plates ordered and must be ordered in multiples of five.
PennDOT reserves the right to limit orders based on the agent’s or dealer’s historical usage.
Available product types on the form include:
- Passenger Plates
- Truck Plates
- Trailer Plates
- Motorcycle Plates
- Motor Home Plates
- School Bus Plates
- Moped Plates
- Bus Plates
- Intransit Plates
- IMP Plates
- SME Plates
- Omnibus Plates
- Permanent Trailer Plates
- Rear Window Decals (Free)
Fees for Temporary Registration Plates
There is a fee required for each temporary registration plate. The current cost to dealers and full agents is $20 per temporary registration plate (adjusted effective July 1, 2025, under Act 89 fee updates).
Additional shipping and handling fees apply for mail orders:
- 1 to 50 plates: $7
- 51 plates and up: $12
Always refer to the most current Form MV-70S – Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees for official fee amounts, as fees are subject to periodic adjustments.
Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Do not send cash by mail. Cash is accepted only for in-person pickups.
Where and How to Submit Form MV-351?
Mail the completed and signed Form MV-351 along with the appropriate check or money order to:
PennDOT
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Issuing Agent Registration Center
P.O. Box 68620
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8620
If you prefer to pick up the plates in person at PennDOT, complete the authorization section on the form.
For the most current forms and additional resources, visit the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website at www.pa.gov/dmv.
Related Forms and Resources
- Form MV-351A – Application for Replacement of Temporary Registration Plate (used when plates are lost, stolen, or never received).
- PUB 457 – Agent Services Handbook (contains detailed instructions for Form MV-351).
- Form MV-70S – Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees.
- 67 Pa. Code Chapter 43 – Regulations governing temporary registration cards and plates.
Important Compliance Notes
Misstatements on Form MV-351 constitute a misdemeanor of the third degree under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904(b), punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.
Dealers and full agents must maintain proper security for temporary plates and cards, follow consecutive numbering rules, and issue temporary registration cards correctly when distributing plates.
Always verify that you are using the latest version of Form MV-351 and check current fees before submitting an order.
Conclusion
Form MV-351 is an essential tool for Pennsylvania motor vehicle dealers and full agents who need to maintain an inventory of temporary registration plates. By following the official instructions, ordering in the correct quantities, and submitting accurate information with the proper fees, authorized businesses can efficiently obtain the plates needed to serve their customers.