PennDOT Form MV-351A: Temp Plate Replacement Guide

PennDOT Form MV-351A: Temp Plate Replacement Guide – If you are a registered motor vehicle dealer or full agent in Pennsylvania and need to replace temporary registration plates, Form MV-351A is the official document required by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). This SEO-optimized guide covers everything you need to know about the form, including eligibility, instructions, fees, mailing address, and how to download the current version. Information is based on official PennDOT resources as of 2025–2026.

Download the official form here: Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-351A (PDF).

What Is PennDOT Form MV-351A?

Form MV-351A, titled “Application for Replacement of Temporary Registration Plate,” is issued by PennDOT’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The current edition is MV-351A (3-25). It allows authorized dealers and full agents to request replacement temporary registration plates when plates from a previous order are missing, lost, or stolen after receipt.

According to official PennDOT guidance in Publication 457, the form is specifically used when an issuing agent has received an order of temporary registration plates and one or more are missing, or when plates have been lost or stolen and need replacement. It is not intended for individual vehicle owners seeking permanent plate replacements (those use different forms such as MV-44 or MV-46).

Temporary registration plates are issued under Pennsylvania regulations (67 Pa. Code § 43.6) primarily by the Bureau, approved agencies, dealers, manufacturers, and full agents for vehicles being titled and registered in the Commonwealth or for transport out of state.

Who Can Use Form MV-351A?

Important: This application can only be used by registered motor vehicle dealers and full agents. Individual vehicle owners or the general public cannot use MV-351A for temporary plate replacements. The form requires the dealer or agent’s identification number (DIN), business name as it appears on the registration or license, business address, and phone number.

If you are a private citizen needing a replacement permanent registration plate (lost, stolen, defaced, or illegible), use Form MV-44 or Form MV-46 instead. Visit the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website for the correct forms.

When to Use Form MV-351A?

Use this form in these situations:

• You received an order of temporary registration plates, but one or more plates are missing from the shipment.
• Temporary registration plates in your inventory were lost or stolen.
• You need PennDOT to replace the specific plate numbers indicated.

For lost or stolen plates, you must report the incident to the police and attach a copy of the police report or the incident number to the application.

Special no-fee provision: If the shipment of registration plate(s) was never received and you apply within 90 days from the date of issue, no fee is required. Complete Sections A, B, and D, and attach a copy of the cancelled check. Notarization is required for this section.

How to Complete Form MV-351A – Step-by-Step Instructions?

Official instructions from PennDOT (Publication 457 and the form itself) are as follows:

1. Section A – Dealer or Agent Services Information:
   • Enter your dealer/agent services identification number (DIN).
   • Enter the name of the business exactly as it appears on your registration card or license.
   • Provide the full street address, city, state, and ZIP code where the business is conducted.
   • Include the business phone number with area code.
2. Section B – Plate Information:
   • List the registration plate number(s) to be replaced.
   • List the WID # from the receipt for the missing registration plate(s).
3. Section C – Certification:
   • Sign and date the application.
   • Check the appropriate block indicating the reason for the replacement (e.g., lost or stolen).
4. Section D – Free Issuance (if applicable):
   • Complete only if the original plates were never received and the application is made within 90 days of the original issuance date.
   • Notarization is required for this section.
   • Attach a copy of the cancelled check.

Review all information carefully. Any misstatement of fact is a misdemeanor under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904.

Fees for Form MV-351A

A fee is required for each registration plate being replaced. The exact amount is listed on Form MV-70S, “Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees.” Check the current MV-70S on the official PennDOT website, as fees can change.

Exceptions:

• No fee if the plates were never received and the application is filed within 90 days of the original issue date (with cancelled check and notarization).

Payment instructions:

• Do not send cash.
• Make check or money order payable to PennDOT.

Always verify the latest fee schedule at www.pa.gov/dmv.

Where to Mail Form MV-351A?

Mail the completed form, payment (if required), and any supporting documents to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68620
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8620

For questions, contact PennDOT at 717-412-5300 (TTY callers dial 711) or visit www.pa.gov/dmv.

Required Supporting Documents

• Police report or incident number (for lost or stolen plates).
• Copy of cancelled check (for never-received plates within 90 days).
• Payment by check or money order payable to PennDOT (when fee applies).

Download the Official Form MV-351A

Always download the most current version directly from PennDOT to ensure accuracy. The official PDF is available here:

Download Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-351A – Application for Replacement of Temporary Registration Plate (PDF)

You can also find related forms such as MV-351 (Application for Temporary Registration Plates by Motor Vehicle Dealers and Full Agents) and the fee schedule MV-70S on the same official site.

Additional Tips for Dealers and Full Agents

• Keep accurate records of all temporary plate orders and receipts (including WID numbers).
• Report lost or stolen plates to law enforcement promptly.
• Submit applications as soon as possible, especially if claiming the 90-day no-fee provision.
• Review Publication 457 for detailed issuing agent procedures.
• PennDOT reserves the right to limit orders of temporary registration plates based on historical use.

Related Official Resources

• PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services
• PennDOT Publication 457 – Instructions for Issuing Agents
• Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees (MV-70S)
• 67 Pa. Code § 43.6 – Issuance of Temporary Registration Plates

Conclusion

Form MV-351A is an essential tool for Pennsylvania motor vehicle dealers and full agents who need to replace temporary registration plates that are missing, lost, or stolen. By following the official instructions, attaching required documentation, and submitting the correct fee (or qualifying for the no-fee exception), you can efficiently obtain replacements from PennDOT.

Always use the latest version of the form available on the official Pennsylvania government website and confirm current fees via Form MV-70S. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit www.pa.gov/dmv or contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles directly.