PA PennDOT Form MV-920 Blue Star Family Plate Guide – Pennsylvania residents who are family members of active-duty U.S. military service members can honor their loved ones’ service with a special Blue Star Family registration plate. The official application is PennDOT Form MV-920, “Application for Blue Star Family Registration Plate.” This guide explains eligibility, fees, vehicle restrictions, personalization options, and how to apply using trusted information from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and official state sources.
What Is the Blue Star Family Registration Plate?
The Blue Star Family registration plate is a specialty Pennsylvania license plate that recognizes family members of active-duty service members in the U.S. military, including the Reserve components and National Guard. Authorized under Section 1366.2 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, the plate features the standard Pennsylvania colors of blue, white, and yellow along with a blue star banner. The words “Blue Star Family” appear clearly along the bottom.
This plate allows eligible Pennsylvania families to display pride and support for a service member currently serving on active duty. It is distinct from the Gold Star Family plate, which honors families of those killed in service.
Official details are available on the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services registration plates page and in the U.S. Military Registration Plates Fact Sheet (PDF).
Eligibility Requirements for Form MV-920
Only specific family members of an active-duty service member may apply. According to official PennDOT guidance and the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, eligible family members include:
- Mother or father
- Stepmother or stepfather
- Mother or father through adoption
- Foster mother or foster father in loco parentis
- Son or daughter
- Stepson or stepdaughter
- Son or daughter by adoption
- Brother, sister, half-brother, or half-sister
- Grandfather or grandmother
- Spouse
The vehicle must be owned or co-owned by the eligible family member. Applicants certify their relationship and the service member’s active-duty status directly on Form MV-920. No additional supporting military documents (such as a DD-214) are typically required beyond this certification, though all information is subject to verification under penalty of law.
The plate may continue to be used even if the family member later leaves active duty; there is no requirement to return it.
Vehicle Restrictions
Blue Star Family registration plates are restricted to:
- Passenger cars, or
- Trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds
Motorcycles, motor homes, and trailers do not qualify. The plate cannot be issued with a Persons with Disability symbol.
Required Fees for the Blue Star Family Plate
A fee is required with Form MV-920. According to the current PennDOT Form MV-70S, Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees, the first-time issuance fee for a Blue Star Family plate is $28.
If you choose to personalize the plate, the total fee is $164 (includes the $28 issuance fee plus the personalization fee). These amounts are in addition to any regular vehicle registration renewal fees that may be due.
Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” Do not send cash. No refund is issued if you cancel the request after the plate has been produced.
Fees can change; always verify the latest amounts on the official MV-70S schedule or the PennDOT Payments and Fees page.
How to Complete and Submit PennDOT Form MV-920?
Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the current Form MV-920 (revision 4-25 or later).
- Complete all required sections, including vehicle information, applicant details, and relationship to the active-duty service member.
- If personalizing, provide up to three configuration choices (details below).
- Sign and date the application. The certification is made under penalty of law (misdemeanor of the third degree for false statements).
- Include the correct fee by check or money order.
- Mail the completed form and payment to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 67900
Harrisburg, PA 17106-7900
Allow several weeks for processing. Personalized plates typically take 8–10 weeks for delivery. Keep your current valid registration plate until the new one arrives, then return the old plate to the Return Tag Unit (P.O. Box 68597, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597) to avoid potential issues.
If your vehicle registration is expired or will expire within three months, include the appropriate renewal forms and fees.
Personalization Options on the Blue Star Family Plate
You may request a personalized Blue Star Family plate for an additional fee. Key rules from Form MV-920:
- Up to five letters or numbers in combination.
- Only one hyphen or one space is permitted (counts toward the five characters).
- No other special characters are allowed.
- A pre-printed “BL” configuration appears on the plate and cannot be changed.
- Use capital letters. Show the number zero as “Ø” (or mark a printed zero with a slash).
Check availability first using the Personalized Registration Plate tool on the PennDOT personalized plates page. Configurations are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. PennDOT may reject combinations that are misleading, profane, or otherwise unacceptable.
Download the Official Form MV-920
Download the current official application directly from PennDOT:
Always use the latest version from the official pa.gov website to ensure accuracy.
Important Notes and Tips for Applicants
- The vehicle registration must be current for PennDOT to process the specialty plate request.
- One registration card is included; additional cards cost $2 each.
- Lost, stolen, or defaced plates require Form MV-44 (with different rules for personalized configurations).
- Illegible plates may qualify for free replacement under specific procedures using Form MV-46.
- All information provided is subject to verification. False statements carry criminal penalties.
For the most current information, visit the official Pennsylvania Driver and Vehicle Services website or contact PennDOT Customer Service at 717-412-5300 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET).
Supporting Military Families Across Pennsylvania
The Blue Star Family registration plate is one of several ways Pennsylvania honors its military community. Eligible residents are encouraged to apply using Form MV-920 to proudly display support for active-duty service members. Always rely on official PennDOT forms and the current fee schedule for accurate, up-to-date requirements.