PennDOT MV-576 Certificate of Authorization Guide

What Is PennDOT Form MV-576?

Form MV-576 is the official application used by existing PennDOT authorized agents to request permission to issue specific types of apportioned registration credentials. These include:

• 72-hour Trip Permits
• 20-day Hunter Permits
• 60-day Temporary Apportioned Registration (also known as Temporary Authorization or TA)

The form is part of Pennsylvania’s Commercial Registration program and supports motor carriers operating under the International Registration Plan. Once approved, agents can provide these temporary credentials to eligible customers, helping carriers maintain compliance while traveling across jurisdictions.

You can download the official current version of the form directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website:

Download PennDOT Form MV-576 (PDF)

Who Needs to File Form MV-576?

Only businesses that are already Authorized Agents under an active contract with PennDOT may apply using Form MV-576. Key eligibility points include:

• The applicant must hold a current agent contract with PennDOT.
• The business name and principal place of business address must exactly match the records associated with the applicant’s DIN (Dealer Identification Number or equivalent business identifier).
• A separate application is required for each physical location where the agent intends to issue the credentials.

Individuals or companies that are not already contracted authorized agents cannot use this form to start the process. New agents must first complete the standard authorized agent contracting process with PennDOT before applying for this specific authorization.

What Documents and Information Are Required?

According to the current Form MV-576 (revision 2-25), applicants must attach the following:

1. A copy of the TA Training Certificate for every employee who will process apportioned permit applications.
2. A check or money order for $75 made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

On the form itself, you must also provide:

• Current Contract Number
• DIN Number
• EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Full business and applicant details
• Type of business (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation)
• Names of owners, partners, or principal officers
• How long the company has been in business
• Which permit types you wish to issue (72-hour Trip Permit, 20-day Hunter Permit, and/or 60-day Temporary Apportioned Registration)
• A brief description of how the permits will be securely stored
• Disclosure of any relevant criminal history involving moral turpitude in the past three years

Note that older versions of the form (such as the 9-17 revision) required additional items like bank reference letters, business references, fingerprints, photographs of the office, and a list of outstanding Commonwealth liabilities. The current version has streamlined these requirements for agents already under contract, focusing primarily on TA training certification and the application fee.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing and Submitting Form MV-576

1. Confirm eligibility — Verify that you are an active Authorized Agent and that your business details match PennDOT records.
2. Ensure training is complete — All employees who will handle the permits must complete the official TA Agent training and obtain certificates.
3. Download and complete the form — Print or type all information clearly. Use the official PDF linked above.
4. Gather attachments — Include copies of TA Training Certificates and the $75 payment.
5. Sign the Unsworn Declaration — The authorized signer must complete the declaration under penalty of perjury as required by Pennsylvania law (18 Pa.C.S. § 4904).
6. Mail the application — Send the completed form and attachments to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68285
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8285

After approval, agents may request Temporary Evidence of Apportioned Registration Authorization (TEAR) books using Form MV-587 and paying the applicable fee (typically $50 per book of 25 forms).

Fees Associated with Form MV-576

The application fee is $75, payable by check or money order to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Do not send cash.

Additional fees apply later when ordering TEAR books (Form MV-587) or when issuing actual temporary credentials to customers. Agents may also charge market-driven service fees to their customers in addition to any statutory PennDOT fees.

After Approval: Issuing Temporary Credentials

Once authorized, you may issue the selected permit types. Important operational rules include:

• Agents must collect all applicable registration fees from the customer before issuing a 60-day Temporary Authorization.
• Temporary Authorizations are valid for a maximum of 60 days.
• Proper record-keeping and secure storage of blank permits are mandatory.
• Agents remain subject to PennDOT audits, training requirements, and the terms of their underlying agent contract.

For more details on the Apportioned Registration Program, visit the official PennDOT page:

PennDOT Apportioned Registration Program

Common Questions About Form MV-576

Is Form MV-576 the same as a general Certificate of Authorization?
No. While the form is sometimes referred to as a Certificate of Authorization Application, its specific purpose is authorization to issue apportioned registration credentials (trip permits, hunter permits, and temporary apportioned registration).

Can I apply for more than one location on a single form?
No. A separate Form MV-576 is required for each different business location.

What happens if my application is denied?
PennDOT will notify you of the reason. You may have the opportunity to request an administrative hearing depending on the circumstances.

Where can I get help or more information?
Contact PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services at 717-412-5300 (TTY: 711) or visit www.pa.gov/dmv.

Why Accurate Completion Matters

Providing false information on Form MV-576 is a criminal offense under Pennsylvania law. The Unsworn Declaration section makes clear that statements are made under penalty of perjury, with potential fines of at least $1,000 and possible imprisonment.

Always use the most recent version of the form available on the official Pennsylvania government website to ensure compliance with current requirements.

Conclusion

PennDOT Form MV-576 is a critical document for authorized agents who want to expand their services by issuing temporary apportioned registration credentials in Pennsylvania. By meeting the eligibility requirements, completing the required training, submitting accurate information, and paying the $75 fee, eligible businesses can obtain the necessary authorization.