PennDOT MV-353: Dealer Plate Replacement Guide – If you operate a vehicle dealership or miscellaneous motor vehicle business (MMVB) in Pennsylvania and need to replace a lost, stolen, defaced, or never-received dealer registration plate or registration card, PennDOT Form MV-353 is the official application you must use. This form is specifically designed for dealer and MMVB registration products and cannot be substituted with the standard Form MV-44 used by individual vehicle owners.
This guide explains what Form MV-353 is, who needs it, how to complete it correctly, current fees, required supporting documents, and where to submit the application. All information is based on the official PennDOT form (revision 3-25) and related guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-353?
Form MV-353, titled “Application for Replacement of Dealer or Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Business Registration Plate or Registration Card,” is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles. It allows registered dealers and miscellaneous motor vehicle businesses to request:
- Replacement of a Dealer or MMVB registration plate
- Duplicate registration card(s) for existing dealer or MMVB plates
The current version is MV-353 (3-25). Always use the most recent version available from official PennDOT sources to avoid processing delays.
Official download link: Download PennDOT Form MV-353 (PDF)
Who Needs to Use Form MV-353?
This form is required for:
- Licensed vehicle dealers (new/used, motorcycle, trailer, etc.)
- Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Businesses (MMVB), including repair/towing operations, vehicle salvage dealers, transporters, and similar businesses registered with PennDOT for special registration plates
Individual vehicle owners and standard passenger/commercial registrations must use Form MV-44 instead. Form MV-353 is exclusively for dealer and MMVB registration plates and cards.
When Should You File Form MV-353?
Use this form when your dealer or MMVB registration plate or card is:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Defaced or damaged
- Never received in the mail
Important deadlines:
- You must apply for a replacement plate within 48 hours of discovering the loss or defacement.
- If the plate or card was never received and you apply within 90 days of the original issuance date, no fee is required (complete Section E of the form).
If a plate is lost or stolen, you must report it to the police (State Police or local law enforcement) and attach a copy of the police report or incident number to the application.
How to Complete PennDOT Form MV-353?
The form is divided into clear sections. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Select the Appropriate Request
At the top of the form, check one of the following boxes:
- Replacement of Dealer/Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Business (MMVB) Registration Plate – Complete Sections A, B, and D (or E if applicable). A fee is required for each plate.
- Request for Duplicate Registration Card(s) – Complete Sections A, C, and D (or E if applicable). A fee is required.
Step 2: Section A – Dealer/MMVB Information
Provide:
- Dealer/Business Partner Identification Number
- Registration Plate Number
- Business Phone Number
- Exact Name of Business (as it appears on your registration card)
- Full Business Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code
Step 3: Section B – Application for Replacement Dealer/MMVB Registration Plate
Indicate the registration plate number and the reason for replacement (Lost, Stolen, Defaced, Never Received, or Other). Include the date of the incident and law enforcement details if the plate was lost or stolen.
Note: You will automatically receive one registration card with the replacement plate. Additional cards cost $2 each.
Step 4: Section C – Application for Duplicate Registration Card(s)
Select the reason and specify the number of duplicate cards needed. You may also request duplicate summary cards for all currently renewed dealer registration plates.
Step 5: Section D – Certification
An authorized signer must sign and date the form, providing their title. This certifies that all information is true and correct under penalty of law.
Step 6: Section E – Applicant Self-Certification (if applicable)
Complete this section only if you are requesting free issuance because the original plate or card was lost in the mail and the application is submitted within 90 days of original issuance. This is an unsworn declaration under penalty of perjury.
Additional notes:
- Use a separate Form MV-353 for each registration plate if replacing more than one.
- Dealer registration plates may be personalized. Attach Form MV-904D and pay the additional personalization fee if desired.
Required Fees for Form MV-353
Fees are determined by the official PennDOT Form MV-70S – Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees. Always check the latest version of MV-70S for current amounts.
Key points from the form instructions:
- A fee is required for each replacement registration plate (except when the plate was never received and the application is filed within 90 days).
- One registration card is included with a plate replacement. Additional cards are $2 each.
- Duplicate registration cards alone also require a fee (refer to MV-70S).
Payment instructions: Do not send cash. Make checks or money orders payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
Where to Mail Completed Form MV-353?
Mail the completed application, payment, and any required attachments (such as a police report) to:
PennDOT
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68283
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8283
For questions, visit the official Driver and Vehicle Services website at www.dmv.pa.gov or call 717-412-5300 (TTY: 711).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong form (MV-44 is for individual vehicles only)
- Failing to report a lost or stolen plate to police and attach documentation
- Submitting one form for multiple plates instead of separate forms
- Sending cash instead of a check or money order
- Missing the 48-hour reporting window or the 90-day free replacement window
- Using an outdated version of the form
Related PennDOT Forms for Dealers and MMVB
- MV-350A – Application for Additional Dealer or MMVB Registration Plates
- MV-350R – Renewal or Replacement Request of Dealer Registration Plates
- MV-359 – Application for Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Business Registration Plates
- MV-70S – Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees
Final Tips for Pennsylvania Dealers and MMVB Operators
Keep digital and physical copies of all registration materials. Report any loss or theft immediately to both law enforcement and PennDOT. Using the correct, current version of Form MV-353 and following the instructions precisely will help ensure your replacement plate or card is processed without unnecessary delays, allowing your business operations to continue smoothly.
For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website and the latest version of Form MV-353.