PennDOT Form DL-135: Request for Vehicle Information

PennDOT Form DL-135: Request for Vehicle Information – Looking for official vehicle records in Pennsylvania? The PennDOT Form DL-135, officially titled “Request for Vehicle Information,” is the required document to obtain title history, current ownership details, odometer information, encumbrance (lien) data, and other vehicle records from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

This guide explains what the form is used for, who can request records, current fees, step-by-step instructions, privacy protections under federal and state law, and how to submit your request correctly. All information is based on official PennDOT sources current as of 2025–2026.

What Is PennDOT Form DL-135?

Form DL-135 is the official application used to request a copy of a Pennsylvania vehicle record. It allows eligible requesters to obtain information about a vehicle titled in Pennsylvania, including:

  • Current owner name and address
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Title number and license plate (tag) number
  • Make, model, and year of the vehicle
  • Title history (past 10 years)
  • Odometer readings (current or previous)
  • Encumbrance (lienholder) information
  • Insurance information (when available)

Vehicle record information is limited to the past 10 years. Sales tax and purchase price details are confidential and released only to the original purchaser or selling dealership.

Official download link: Download PennDOT Form DL-135 (PDF)

Who Can Request Vehicle Information Using Form DL-135?

Access to Pennsylvania vehicle records is restricted by the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Section 6114. PennDOT will not release records based solely on a license plate number for privacy reasons. A legitimate request generally requires the VIN or title number.

You may request records if you meet one of the permitted uses listed on the form (Section F). Common eligible requesters include:

  • The current or former vehicle owner requesting their own record
  • Government agencies, courts, and law enforcement
  • Insurance companies and claims investigators
  • Businesses verifying information or pursuing legal remedies related to a debt or security interest
  • Attorneys involved in civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings
  • Researchers (provided personal information is not published or used to contact individuals)
  • Entities providing notice for towed or impounded vehicles

If you are not the vehicle owner, you must either obtain a signed release from the owner (Section E) or complete a notarized Affidavit of Intended Use (Section F) selecting the appropriate permitted purpose.

Current Fees for Form DL-135 (2025–2026)

As shown on the official Form DL-135 (revision 9-25):

  • Standard record: $15.00 per record (non-refundable)
  • Certified record: $47.00 per record

A separate fee applies for each record requested. When requesting a full title history, you may be charged for each title transaction available (contact PennDOT to confirm the number of records). Fees are non-refundable even if no record is found or the information provided is insufficient for a search.

Make checks or money orders payable to “Commonwealth of PA.” Do not send cash.

How to Complete PennDOT Form DL-135?

Print or type all information legibly. Incomplete forms are returned. Key sections include:

  • Section A – Requester Information: Your full name, physical address (P.O. Box alone is not accepted), daytime telephone number, and signature.
  • Section B – End User Information: Required if requesting on behalf of another person or business. Include NAIC number, policy number, and claim number when the only identifier is a tag number (or attach an accident report/parking ticket).
  • Section C – Vehicle Information: Provide as much detail as possible — tag number, VIN, title number, and date of accident (if applicable). At least the VIN or title number is strongly preferred.
  • Section D – Type of Information Requested: Check the appropriate boxes (Title – Current/Previous, Odometer – Current/Previous, Encumbrance, Insurance, or Other). Indicate if you need a certified copy.
  • Section E – Vehicle Owner Release: Completed and signed by the vehicle owner if they are authorizing release of their record.
  • Section F – Affidavit of Intended Use: Required for most third-party requests. Check one permitted use and have the form notarized.

Special notes:

  • Requesting your own current record: Complete Sections A, C, and D only. Notarization is not required.
  • Requesting title history on a vehicle you own/owned: Complete Section F and have it notarized.
  • School districts enforcing school bus stop laws have limited exemptions for tag-number-only requests.

Where to Mail Form DL-135?

Attach the completed form and payment, then mail to:

Department of Transportation
Bureau of Driver Licensing
Vehicle Record Services
P.O. Box 68691
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8691

Forms are also available at PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Service Centers and authorized messenger services. The most current version is always posted at www.pa.gov/dmv.

Important Privacy and Use Restrictions

Vehicle records obtained through Form DL-135 are confidential. Requesters must:

  • Use the information only for the purpose stated on the form
  • Not sell, assign, or transfer the data to others (except the designated end user)
  • Not use the information for direct mail advertising or marketing
  • Not publish or disseminate the information on the internet without express written permission from PennDOT
  • Protect the confidentiality of the records

PennDOT retains ownership of the data and reserves the right to audit requests. Unauthorized use can result in termination of access and potential legal penalties under state and federal law.

For more details on public records policies, visit the official PennDOT Public Records FAQs.

Common Reasons People Use Form DL-135

  • Verifying ownership before purchasing a used vehicle
  • Checking for liens or title history
  • Obtaining odometer history if fraud is suspected
  • Supporting legal proceedings or insurance claims
  • Notifying owners of towed or impounded vehicles
  • Court-ordered title transfers when the prior owner cannot be located

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request vehicle information with only a license plate number?
Generally no. PennDOT requires additional identifying information such as the VIN or title number to protect privacy. Exceptions exist in limited cases (e.g., certain school district enforcement or when supporting documentation is provided).

How long does processing take?
Processing times vary. Allow several weeks for mail requests. Contact PennDOT Customer Care at 717-412-5300 for status inquiries.

Is the form available online as a fillable PDF?
Yes. Download the official current version here: PennDOT Form DL-135 PDF.

What if I need driver record information instead?
Use Form DL-503 (Request for Driver Information), not DL-135.

Additional Official Resources

Always use the most recent version of Form DL-135 available on the official PennDOT website. Fees and form revisions can change. For the latest details, visit www.pa.gov/dmv or contact PennDOT directly.

Leave a Comment