PennDOT Form MV-369: PA Dealer Plates Guide

PennDOT Form MV-369: PA Dealer Plates Guide – If you operate a specialized vehicle-related business in Pennsylvania that does not require a license from the State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons (under the Department of State), you may still need official dealer registration plates from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Form MV-369 is the official application used for this purpose.

This comprehensive guide covers everything U.S. applicants need to know about Form MV-369, including who qualifies, required supporting documents, current fees, how to complete the form, and where to submit it. Information is based on the official March 2025 revision of the form and related Pennsylvania regulations (67 Pa. Code Chapter 53 and Title 75 of the Vehicle Code).

What Is PennDOT Form MV-369?

Form MV-369 is titled “Application for Vehicle Dealer Registration Plates for Vehicle Dealers Not Required to be Licensed by the Department of State.” It allows eligible businesses to obtain special dealer registration plates that can be used on vehicles in inventory or for business purposes without registering each vehicle individually.

These plates are distinct from standard dealer plates issued to fully licensed motor vehicle dealers (who use Form MV-349). The current version of MV-369 is dated 3-25 and is available as a free PDF download from the official Pennsylvania government website.

Download the official Form MV-369 here: PennDOT Form MV-369 (PDF)

Who Needs to File Form MV-369?

Form MV-369 is designed for manufacturers and dealers of certain vehicle types that are exempt from licensing by the Pennsylvania Department of State’s State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons. Common applicants include:

Utility Trailer Dealers
Moped Dealers
Special Mobile Equipment Dealers
Modular Home Manufacturers (identification number only; multipurpose plates require Form MV-326)
Farm Equipment Dealers (note: farm equipment dealer plates are requested separately via Form MV-377)

According to 67 Pa. Code § 53.3, dealer plates may be issued to manufacturers or dealers of a type not licensed by the Board if they properly register with PennDOT. Applicants who sell more than a limited number of certain vehicles or operate a bona fide business location typically qualify, subject to PennDOT review.

Standard new/used car, truck, or motorcycle dealers licensed by the Department of State must use Form MV-349 instead.

Key Benefits of Dealer Registration Plates

Dealer plates issued under Form MV-369 allow qualified businesses to:

Display plates on vehicles owned or in the possession of the business instead of registering each vehicle separately
Operate inventory vehicles on public highways for legitimate business purposes (subject to the limitations in 75 Pa.C.S. §§ 1336 and 1336.1)
Obtain one or two-year registration periods
Optionally request the ability to issue temporary registration plates (subject to additional requirements in Publication 459)

Plates must be used in accordance with Pennsylvania Vehicle Code rules. Misuse can result in suspension or revocation.

Required Documents to Accompany Form MV-369

PennDOT requires specific supporting materials with every MV-369 application. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Required items include:

Photographs – Clear photos of the interior and exterior of the business location showing the office work area and business identification signs.
Surety Bond – Form MV-375 (Manufacturer/Dealer/Full Agent/Card Agent/Messenger Service/Salvor Bond) prescribed by 75 Pa.C.S. § 1335 for Utility Trailer, Special Mobile Equipment, or Moped Dealers. Certain categories (e.g., farm equipment, mobile homes, modular housing) may be exempt from the $20,000 bond.
Criminal History Record – Original Pennsylvania State Police Form SP 4-164 for each owner, partner, or corporate officer (copies are not accepted).
Motor Vehicle Transaction Recovery Fund (MVTRF) Fee – Check payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania if applying as a Utility Trailer, Special Mobile Equipment, or Moped Dealer.
Government-Issued Photo Identification – Copy of the front and back of a valid photo ID for each owner, partner, or corporate officer.
Proof of Business Location – Copy of the deed or lease for the principal place of business.
Proof of Insurance – Certificate of insurance or letter from an authorized Pennsylvania insurer confirming sufficient liability coverage for the number of plates requested (per 67 Pa. Code § 53.3).
Payment – Check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for all applicable fees. Do not send cash.

Additional information about business history, prior registrations, outstanding liabilities, and criminal convictions must be disclosed on the form itself.

Current Fees for Form MV-369 Registration Plates

Fees are set by PennDOT and listed on Form MV-70S (Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees). As of the most recent updates effective in 2025–2026:

Utility Trailer Dealer: $70 (one year) / $140 (two years)
Special Mobile Equipment Dealer: $70 (one year) / $140 (two years)
Moped Dealer: $19 (one year) / $38 (two years)

All plates on a single application must share the same expiration date. An additional fee applies if you request personalized dealer plates (use Form MV-904D). Always verify the latest amounts on the official PennDOT Payments and Fees page or Form MV-70S, as fees are subject to periodic Consumer Price Index adjustments.

How to Complete Form MV-369?

Follow these official instructions carefully:

Type all information completely. The business name must appear exactly as you want it on the registration.
Provide the physical street address of the principal place of business (a P.O. Box may be listed in addition).
Check the appropriate boxes for application type (New, Change of Name, Change of Address, Change in Officers, Change of Owner), business structure (Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation), and ownership status of the location (Owned or Leased).
List all owners, partners, or corporate officers with full home addresses, dates of birth, titles, driver’s license numbers, and contact information.
Indicate the type of miscellaneous motor vehicle business and the number of plates requested for each classification.
Describe the types of vehicles you intend to sell (new or used) and explain how the plates will be used.
Provide complete insurance information.
Answer all questions in the Additional Information and Miscellaneous Information sections truthfully.
Sign the Unsworn Declaration under penalty of perjury. All authorized signers must complete this section.

Note: When a business is discontinued, plates and cards must be returned to PennDOT within 5 days. Address changes require notification within 10 days along with a new Form MV-369, updated photos, and a bond rider if applicable.

Where to Submit Form MV-369?

Mail the completed application, all required documents, and payment to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68283
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8283

For questions, visit the official Driver and Vehicle Services website at www.pa.gov/dmv or call 717-412-5300 (TTY: 711).

Important Regulations and Temporary Approval

Under 67 Pa. Code § 53.3, PennDOT may grant temporary approval for one year to dealers not required to be licensed by the Department of State. At the end of that period, the Department evaluates the physical condition of the business and the volume of vehicles sold before deciding on permanent status.

PennDOT investigates applications and may deny them based on the condition of the premises, prior records, unsatisfied judgments, credit history, or material false statements. Applicants receive an opportunity to respond before a final denial.

Tips for a Successful Application

Ensure your business location complies with local zoning, land-use ordinances, building codes, and ADA accessibility requirements.
Read and understand 67 Pa. Code Chapter 53 and relevant sections of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code (Chapters 11, 13, and 23) before applying.
Keep copies of everything you submit.
Check the official PennDOT website periodically for form updates or fee changes.
If you later become a fully licensed dealer under the Department of State, you will need to transition to the appropriate forms (typically MV-349).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply online?
No. Form MV-369 must be completed and mailed with supporting documentation and payment.

How long does processing take?
Processing times vary. Incomplete applications cause delays. Temporary approval may be issued pending full review.

What if I need additional plates later?
Use Form MV-350A for additional dealer or miscellaneous motor vehicle business registration plates.

Where can I find the bond form?
Form MV-375 is available on the official PennDOT forms page.

Official Resources and Downloads

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always refer to the most current official PennDOT forms, publications, and regulations, as requirements and fees can change. For the latest information, visit www.pa.gov/dmv.