PennDOT Form MV-371: Retired PA Vehicle Registration Fee – Pennsylvania residents who are retired and meet specific income requirements can significantly reduce their annual vehicle registration costs through the Retired Status program. The key document for claiming this benefit is PennDOT Form MV-371, officially titled “Application for a Retired Person’s Processing Fee on a Vehicle Registration.”
This guide explains everything U.S. (and specifically Pennsylvania) residents need to know about Form MV-371, including current eligibility rules, income limits, the reduced fee amount, how to complete and submit the form, and where to download the official version.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-371?
Form MV-371 is the official application used by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Motor Vehicles to request a reduced processing fee in lieu of the standard vehicle registration fee for qualifying retired individuals.
Instead of paying the full registration fee (which is higher for passenger cars and trucks), eligible applicants pay only a low processing fee—currently $12—for one qualifying vehicle per year.
The form is required for the initial application for Retired Status. Once approved, renewals can often be completed online or with a simplified process.
Current Eligibility Requirements for Retired Status (2026)
According to the official PennDOT Retired Status Fact Sheet (January 2026) and Form MV-371 instructions, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be retired (regardless of age) and receiving Social Security, SSI, retirement benefits, pensions, or annuities.
- Total gross income from all sources must not exceed $30,778 per year. This limit is adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- The applicant must be listed as an owner on the vehicle registration.
- The applicant must be the principal operator of the vehicle (unless physically or mentally incapable of driving).
- The vehicle must be a passenger car or truck with a registered gross weight of 9,000 pounds or less.
- Only one vehicle per qualified applicant may receive the reduced fee.
Important notes:
- Part-time employment is allowed if you are retired from your principal occupation.
- Individuals who receive only unemployment compensation or public assistance, or who are students, do not qualify.
- 100% of a veteran’s benefit payment (or payment to an unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran) is excluded from the income calculation.
Source: Official PennDOT Retired Status Fact Sheet and Form MV-371 (version 1-26).
How Much Is the Retired Person’s Processing Fee?
Eligible applicants pay a processing fee of $12 instead of the standard registration fee. This amount is listed on Form MV-70S, “Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees.”
Note that the reduced fee does not apply to title fees, transfer fees, sales tax, or specialty plate fees. The discount is limited to the annual registration processing fee for one qualifying vehicle.
How to Download PennDOT Form MV-371
The official, current version of Form MV-371 is available directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website.
Download Form MV-371 (PDF):
https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bmv/bmv-forms/mv-371.pdf
Always download the form from the official pa.gov domain to ensure you have the most recent version (currently marked MV-371 (1-26)).
How to Complete and Submit Form MV-371?
Follow these steps carefully:
- Download and print the current Form MV-371.
- Complete all required sections, including personal information, vehicle details, and the income certification (Section D).
- Sign and date the application. By signing, you certify under penalty of law that the information is true and authorize PennDOT to verify your income if needed.
- Include a check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (or Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) for the $12 processing fee. Do not send cash.
- Submit the form with your registration renewal (invitation to renew), Form MV-140, or the appropriate title/registration application (e.g., MV-1 or MV-4ST for new or transferred vehicles).
Mailing address and exact submission instructions appear on the form and on your registration renewal notice. You can also apply or renew online at the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website by selecting the “Retired Registration Rate” option.
Online Renewal Option
Once you have been approved for Retired Status, many applicants can renew online:
- Visit www.pa.gov/dmv
- Select “Retired Registration Rate” (or the equivalent “Renew Your Vehicle Registration with Retired Status Rate”) from the Online Services menu and follow the prompts.
Online renewal is convenient and often faster than mailing the form each year.
Additional Tips for Pennsylvania Residents
- Keep a copy of your completed MV-371 and any supporting documents for your records.
- The income limit of $30,778 is current as of January 2026 and is subject to annual CPI adjustment. Always check the latest Fact Sheet or Form MV-70S for updates.
- If your vehicle is jointly owned, only the income of the retired principal driver applying is considered (unless that person is medically unable to drive).
- The benefit applies only to passenger vehicles or light trucks ≤ 9,000 lbs. Commercial vehicles and heavier trucks are not eligible.
Official Resources and Further Reading
- Official application page: Apply for a Retired Status Vehicle Registration
- Retired Status Fact Sheet (PDF): Available via the same official page or PennDOT forms library
- Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees (Form MV-70S): Lists the current $12 processing fee and other motor vehicle fees
- Main PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services site: www.pa.gov/dmv
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official PennDOT publications on pa.gov. Eligibility rules and income thresholds can change with legislation or annual CPI adjustments.