PennDOT Form MV-359: PA Misc. Motor Vehicle Business Plates – Businesses in Pennsylvania that repair, tow, salvage, transport, or finance motor vehicles often need specialized registration plates. These plates allow operators to move vehicles without registering each one individually. The official application is PennDOT Form MV-359, titled “Application for Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Business Registration Plates.”
This guide explains who qualifies, what documents are required, current fees, how to complete the form, and where to submit it. All information is based on current Pennsylvania Vehicle Code provisions and official PennDOT instructions.
What Is Form MV-359?
Form MV-359 is the official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) application used by eligible businesses to obtain Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Business (MMVB) registration plates. These special plates may be displayed on vehicles operated in the course of the business instead of registering every vehicle separately.
The form covers new applications as well as changes of address, name, officers, owner, or 911 address updates. It is issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and must be completed according to the detailed instructions printed on the form.
You can download the current version of the form directly from the official source:
Download PennDOT Form MV-359 (PDF)
Who Qualifies for Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Business Registration Plates?
Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1337, PennDOT issues MMVB plates only to owners of established miscellaneous motor vehicle businesses. The main classes are:
- Repair or Towing (RT) – Businesses regularly engaged in mechanical or body repairs or towing of motor vehicles for compensation.
- Vehicle Salvage Dealer (WL) – Businesses that acquire and dismantle used, wrecked, damaged, abandoned, or salvage vehicles to sell parts and recycle remaining materials.
- Transporter (TR) – Businesses that regularly transport new or used vehicles on their own wheels for manufacturers or dealers.
- Financier or Collector-Repossessor (CR) – Entities authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking that finance vehicle sales or repossess vehicles under installment contracts.
- Watercraft Trailer Dealer (WD) – Businesses dealing in watercraft trailers.
The business must maintain an established place of business that meets local zoning, land-use, and building-code requirements. Plates may also be used for limited personal use by the owner, certain officers, or regular employees under specific conditions outlined in the Vehicle Code.
Required Documents for Form MV-359
PennDOT requires supporting documents with every application. Incomplete packages are routinely returned. Required items include:
- Photographs of the interior and exterior of the business clearly showing the office/work area and business identification signs.
- Original criminal history record (Form SP 4-164) from the Pennsylvania State Police for each owner, partner, or corporate officer. Non-Pennsylvania residents must also submit a criminal background check from their state of residence.
- Copy of the front and back of a government-issued photo identification credential for each owner, partner, or corporate officer.
- Proof of liability insurance sufficient to cover the number of plates requested (certificate of insurance or letter from an authorized insurer on company letterhead).
- For transporters: copies of active contracts with registered dealers or manufacturers.
- For financier or collector-repossessor applicants: a copy of the appropriate license from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking.
- For vehicle salvage dealers seeking salvor authorization: completed Form MV-951.
- Copy of the deed or lease for the business premises (as required under 67 Pa. Code § 53.3).
Criminal history checks can be requested through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system or by mailing Form SP 4-164. The current fee for an individual check is $22.
How to Complete Form MV-359?
Follow these steps carefully:
- Type all information. Handwritten applications may be rejected.
- Enter the exact business name as it should appear on the registration.
- Provide the physical street address of the principal place of business. A P.O. Box may be listed only in addition to the street address.
- Indicate the type of ownership (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation) and whether the location is owned or leased.
- List all owners, partners, or corporate officers with full personal details, including date of birth, title, driver’s license number, and home address.
- Specify the number of plates requested for each classification and calculate fees using the current MV-70S fee schedule.
- Answer all questions in the additional information and miscellaneous information sections truthfully. False statements are subject to criminal penalties under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904.
- Complete the self-certification section. Current versions of the form use an unsworn declaration under penalty of perjury rather than notarization.
Personalization of MMVB plates is possible by attaching Form MV-904D and paying the additional personalization fee.
Fees for Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Business Registration Plates
Fees are set by statute and adjusted periodically under Act 89 based on the Consumer Price Index. As of the most recent updates effective in 2025, the annual registration fee for most Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Business plates (Repair or Towing, Vehicle Salvage Dealer, Transporter, Financier or Collector-Repossessor, and Watercraft Trailer Dealer) is $70 per plate.
Registration cards cost $2 each. Plates may be issued for one-year or two-year periods, and all plates on an account must share the same expiration date. Always verify the exact current amounts on the latest Form MV-70S – Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees.
Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Cash is not accepted.
Where to Submit Form MV-359?
Mail the completed application, supporting documents, and payment to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68283
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8283
Processing times vary. Applicants should retain copies of everything submitted. For status inquiries or questions, contact PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services through the official website at www.pa.gov/dmv.
Important Rules for Using MMVB Plates
Plates may be used only for purposes authorized by 75 Pa.C.S. § 1337 and 67 Pa. Code Chapter 53. Unauthorized use can result in sanctions, including suspension or revocation of the registration privilege. Vehicles used under certain plate categories must be titled in the name of the business or an eligible family member, and applicable sales tax must be paid.
Transporters face additional restrictions: plates may be used only on vehicles hauling loads of 1,000 pounds or less and may not be used on truck tractors towing mobile homes or loaded trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew MMVB plates online?
Renewals are generally handled through Form MV-350R or related renewal processes. Check the current instructions on the PennDOT website.
What if I need additional plates later?
Use Form MV-350A – Application for Additional Dealer Registration Plates or Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Business Registration Plates.
Is a bond required?
Certain related activities (such as salvor authorization) may require a bond. Review Form MV-375 and applicable regulations for specific requirements.
Where can I find the latest version of the form?
Always download the most recent Form MV-359 directly from the official Pennsylvania government website to ensure you are using the current revision.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-359 is the essential application for businesses that need Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Business registration plates. By carefully following the eligibility rules, gathering all required documents, calculating the correct fees, and submitting a complete package, qualified operators can obtain the plates needed to conduct legitimate business activities efficiently and in compliance with state law.