PennDOT FA-160: On-Line Messengers Counter Drawer Summary

PennDOT FA-160: On-Line Messengers Counter Drawer Summary – Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation (PennDOT) relies on authorized Online Messengers (OLMs) to deliver convenient driver licensing and vehicle registration services across the Commonwealth. A critical daily operational document for these businesses is Form FA-160, officially titled the On-Line Messengers Counter Drawer Summary.

This form helps Online Messengers accurately close their counter drawers, reconcile cash and fees collected, and submit required deposits to PennDOT. Understanding and properly completing FA-160 is essential for maintaining compliance, accurate financial records, and continued authorization in the Online Messenger Program.

What Is PennDOT Form FA-160?

Form FA-160 is a one-page summary document used exclusively by Pennsylvania Online Messengers. It records the closing of counter drawers for Vehicle Registration (VR) and/or Driver Licensing (DL) transactions processed through PennDOT’s online systems.

The form captures key information such as:

Site name and deposit date
Whether the summary covers VR or DL activity
A checklist for properly closing each counter drawer
A list of Drawer IDs, operator names, and drawer amounts
Total amount to be deposited
Check number used for the deposit
Beginning and ending Work Identification Numbers (WIDs)
Signature and date of the person completing the form

According to the official form (revised February 2008), Online Messengers must complete one FA-160 per Bureau and attach supporting screen print-outs when mailing applications and the single deposit check.

Download the official Form FA-160 here:
PennDOT Form FA-160 – On-Line Messengers Counter Drawer Summary (PDF)

Who Must Use Form FA-160?

Only authorized Online Messengers (OLMs) in Pennsylvania are required to use Form FA-160. Online Messengers are private businesses contracted by PennDOT to process selected driver licensing and vehicle registration transactions over an online connection.

These businesses charge the standard Commonwealth fee plus their own service fee and can often issue credentials or temporary documents immediately over the counter. Regular (non-online) messengers and agent services do not use this specific form.

To become an Online Messenger, a business must typically:

Already operate as a bonded agent and messenger
Maintain a high audit score (generally 98% or higher)
Meet facility, staffing, security, bonding, and quality-control requirements outlined by PennDOT
Work with an approved Network Manager to access PennDOT systems

For current eligibility and proposal requirements, visit the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services pages on Online Messengers and Messenger/Agent Services.

Purpose of the Counter Drawer Summary

Accurate cash handling and deposit procedures protect both the Online Messenger and the Commonwealth. Form FA-160 serves several important functions:

Provides a standardized checklist for closing each operator’s counter drawer
Creates a clear audit trail of daily or periodic collections
Ensures the total amount written on the deposit check matches system totals
Documents the range of Work Identification Numbers (WIDs) covered by the deposit
Supports compliance with PennDOT’s quality and financial accountability standards

Online Messengers must maintain strong internal controls. The form helps prevent discrepancies, supports reconciliation, and demonstrates that proper closing procedures were followed.

How to Complete Form FA-160 – Step-by-Step?

The official form includes a “Close Counter Drawer Checklist.” Follow these steps carefully:

Enter the Site Name, Deposit Date, and check the appropriate box for VR or DL.
Verify that the deposit date on the Counter Drawer Detail Screen matches the date on the FA-160. Attach the required screen print-outs.
Close the counter drawer for each operator ID and complete the Counter Drawer List section (Drawer ID, Operator Name, Drawer Amount). Confirm the number of drawers with print-outs equals the number of operator IDs listed.
Attempt to re-close each counter drawer listed to confirm proper closure.
Total all drawer amounts on the Counter Drawer List.
Write a check for the exact total amount and record the Check Number on the form.
Record the Beginning WID (first WID from the lowest operator ID) and Ending WID (last WID from the highest operator ID) both on the form and on the memo line of the check.
Follow current PennDOT mailing procedures: submit the applications, one check, the completed FA-160, and all screen print-outs. Remember — one check and one FA-160 per Bureau.

At the bottom of the form, the person completing it must sign and date the document.

Key Tips for Accurate Completion and Compliance

One form per Bureau — Do not combine VR and DL activity on a single FA-160 if they belong to different Bureaus.
Attach supporting documentation — Screen print-outs from the Counter Drawer Detail Screen are required.
Match totals exactly — The check amount must equal the total on the Counter Drawer List.
Record WID range clearly — Beginning and ending WIDs help PennDOT verify the transactions covered by the deposit.
Retain copies — Keep a complete copy of the FA-160 and supporting materials for your records in case of audit.
Follow current mailing instructions — Procedures can change; always refer to the latest PennDOT guidance for Online Messengers.

Failure to properly complete and submit Form FA-160 can lead to delays in processing, audit findings, or issues with program compliance.

Online Messenger Program Context

The Online Messenger Program allows qualified private businesses to offer expanded over-the-counter services, including many driver license renewals, photo ID transactions, vehicle registration renewals, address changes, duplicate titles, driving records, and other selected services. Customers benefit from faster service and the ability to receive products immediately in many cases.

PennDOT continues to modernize its systems. Online Messengers must stay current with transitions to newer platforms (such as MVDLS Gatekeeper for certain vehicle transactions) and any updates to financial or inventory procedures.

For the most up-to-date program information, proposal guides, location lists, and requirements, consult the official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Driver and Vehicle Services website.

Where to Download the Official Form and Find Additional Resources?

Always use the official version of Form FA-160 issued by PennDOT:

Download PennDOT Form FA-160 (PDF)

Additional helpful resources include:

PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services
Online Messenger program pages and proposal development guides available through the official DMV site
Messenger and Agent Services information for bonding, training, and contract requirements

Conclusion

PennDOT Form FA-160 – On-Line Messengers Counter Drawer Summary is a straightforward but essential document for every authorized Online Messenger in Pennsylvania. Proper completion ensures accurate deposits, supports financial accountability, and helps maintain good standing in the Online Messenger Program.

By following the checklist on the form, attaching the required screen print-outs, and submitting one check and one FA-160 per Bureau, Online Messengers can efficiently close their daily or periodic counter drawer activity while meeting Commonwealth requirements.