PennDOT Form MV-426B Guide | PA Reconstructed Vehicle Title

What Is PennDOT Form MV-426B?

Form MV-426B is the official Pennsylvania application used to title vehicles that fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Reconstructed vehicles (previously issued a Certificate of Salvage)
• Specially constructed vehicles
• Collectible vehicles
• Modified vehicles
• Flood vehicles
• Recovered theft vehicles
• Street rods

The current revision of the form is MV-426B (3-25). PennDOT will not accept obsolete versions with a revision date of July 2023 (7-23) or earlier. Always download the latest form directly from official sources.

Download the official Form MV-426B here: PennDOT Form MV-426B (PDF)

When Do You Need Form MV-426B?

You must complete Form MV-426B in the following situations:

• You hold a Pennsylvania Certificate of Salvage and have restored the vehicle to roadworthy condition.
• You are bringing a vehicle into Pennsylvania that carries an out-of-state salvage certificate or a branded title (reconstructed, flood, rebuilt, etc.).
• You assembled a vehicle from a kit or from various parts (specially constructed).
• You substantially modified a vehicle (engine, body type, chassis, or other major changes).
• The vehicle qualifies as a street rod (model year 1948 or older, materially altered, and not more than 9,000 pounds gross weight).
• You want the vehicle titled as collectible.
• The vehicle was flood-damaged or recovered after being reported stolen.

Until PennDOT processes the application and issues a new Certificate of Title, the vehicle generally cannot be legally registered or driven on public roads in Pennsylvania.

Key Requirements for Completing Form MV-426B

Successful applications typically require the following:

• Completed Form MV-426B with all applicable sections filled out and original signatures (stamped signatures are not accepted).
• Proof of ownership – Pennsylvania Certificate of Salvage, out-of-state salvage certificate, or out-of-state title showing the appropriate brand. New York Form 907A and “parts only” or “not rebuildable” titles are not accepted.
• Form MV-1 (Application for Certificate of Title) if the applicant’s name does not already appear on the face of the title or salvage certificate.
• Enhanced vehicle safety inspection performed at a PennDOT-authorized Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspection Station.
• Four clear color photographs (front, rear, left side, and right side) signed and dated by the enhanced inspector. Additional photos may be required for engine or exhaust modifications on collectible or modified vehicles.
• Receipts or invoices for all major components replaced or repaired (listed in Section F of the form).
• Detailed written description (on separate 8½” × 11″ paper) explaining how the vehicle was configured or modified for specially constructed, collectible, modified, and street rod applications.
• Proof of insurance.
• Appraisal report (when required for certain flood or recovered theft scenarios).
• Applicable fees and sales tax (if any).

A Pennsylvania physical street address is required on the title. A post office box alone or an out-of-state address is generally not permitted.

The Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspection Process

All vehicles covered by Form MV-426B (with limited exceptions such as certain mobile homes) must pass an enhanced vehicle safety inspection. Only stations under contract with PennDOT as Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspection Stations may perform these inspections.

You can locate authorized stations through the official PennDOT Business Partner resources or by searching the current Enhanced Safety Station list published by the Department.

During the inspection, the enhanced inspector or certified document reviewer will:

• Verify the vehicle meets all applicable Pennsylvania equipment and inspection regulations (Title 67 Pa. Code, Chapter 175).
• Photograph the vehicle.
• Review supporting documentation.
• Affix the inspection sticker to the form (following specific tape and placement instructions).
• Sign the required sections of Form MV-426B.

After the initial enhanced inspection and successful titling, the vehicle becomes subject to regular periodic safety (and emissions, where required) inspections at any authorized Pennsylvania inspection station.

How to Submit Form MV-426B?

Submission methods depend on the type of application:

• Reconstructed and flood vehicles with a Pennsylvania Certificate of Salvage – These are normally processed through an Online Business Partner (authorized messenger service). Additional service fees may apply.
• Specially constructed, collectible, modified, street rod, out-of-state branded titles/salvage certificates, vehicles needing a replacement VIN, or applications requesting a change in Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – These must be mailed directly to PennDOT.

Mailing address for direct submissions:

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Special Services Unit
P.O. Box 69007
Harrisburg, PA 17106-9007

Make checks or money orders payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Processing times vary; applications may take several weeks, and some undergo additional review by PennDOT or the Pennsylvania State Police.

Fees Associated with Form MV-426B

Fees are calculated in Section G of the form and typically include:

• Title fee (refer to the current Form MV-70S Schedule of Fees)
• Registration fees (if registering the vehicle)
• Sales tax on the purchase/buy-back price and any taxable parts or labor (6% statewide; 7% in Allegheny County; 8% in Philadelphia)
• County fees (where applicable)
• Lien recording fees (if any)
• Plate transfer or issuance fees

Online Business Partners may charge additional market-driven service fees. Always verify current statutory fees on the official PennDOT fee schedule.

Important Notes and Common Pitfalls

• Use only the current version of Form MV-426B. Older revisions are rejected.
• All major component replacements must be supported by receipts or salvage documentation.
• Vehicles cannot be operated on public highways while the MV-426B application is pending (except in limited temporary registration situations for certain out-of-state vehicles).
• Street rods must meet specific age, weight, and modification criteria and are not exempt from the enhanced inspection.
• Collectible vehicles require substantial changes (often to the engine or exhaust) and must be maintained in show condition.
• If a replacement Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is needed, Form MV-41 must accompany the MV-426B.

Where to Get Official Help and Additional Resources?

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official PennDOT sources:

• Download Form MV-426B (current PDF)
• PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services official website
• PennDOT fact sheets on reconstructed, specially constructed, modified, collectible, flood, recovered theft, and street rod vehicles (available on the DMV forms and publications pages)
• Customer service: 717-412-5300 (TTY: dial 711)

Working with an authorized Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspection Station and, when applicable, an Online Business Partner significantly improves the chances of a smooth and timely approval.

Conclusion

Pennsylvania Form MV-426B is the essential document for legally titling reconstructed, specially constructed, collectible, modified, flood, recovered theft, and street rod vehicles. By following the official requirements—completing the current form, passing the enhanced safety inspection, gathering all supporting documentation, and submitting through the correct channel—you can successfully obtain a properly branded Pennsylvania Certificate of Title and register your vehicle for legal operation.

Always download the latest Form MV-426B and related fact sheets directly from the official Pennsylvania government website to ensure compliance with current regulations.