PennDOT Form FA-166 – Online Messenger EFT Summary – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires authorized Online Messenger Service Centers to accurately report and remit fees collected for driver licensing and motor vehicle transactions. Form FA-166, titled “On-Line Messenger Service Center Electronic Funds Transfer Summary,” is the official document used for this purpose. This guide explains the form’s purpose, who must use it, how to complete it, and where to obtain the current version for U.S. businesses operating in Pennsylvania.
What Is PennDOT Form FA-166?
Form FA-166 (revision 10-07) is an official PennDOT document designed for Online Messenger Service Centers. These centers are private businesses contracted by PennDOT to provide over-the-counter driver license, photo ID, and vehicle registration services through a secure online connection to PennDOT systems.
The form serves as a summary record of electronic funds transfers (EFT) that Online Messengers must make to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It documents the total fees collected from both Driver Licensing (DL) and Motor Vehicle (VR) transactions and confirms the transfer of those funds. Only one combined transfer is made for the totals from both bureaus.
According to the official form instructions, Online Messengers use a Close Counter Drawer Checklist process that includes recording site details, totaling drawer amounts, and faxing the completed summary to PennDOT.
Who Must Use Form FA-166?
Form FA-166 is required for authorized Online Messengers (also called Online Messenger Service Centers or OLMs) operating under contract with PennDOT. These businesses process transactions such as:
- Driver’s license and photo ID renewals, duplicates, and address changes
- Vehicle registration renewals, transfers, duplicates, and address changes
- Insurance restorations and related documents
- Certain driving record requests and special plate issuances
Online Messengers collect state fees plus their own service fees. The state portion of the fees must be remitted to PennDOT via electronic funds transfer, and Form FA-166 documents that remittance. Regular (non-online) messenger services and card agents generally follow different reporting procedures.
To become an Online Messenger, applicants typically must already be bonded agents/messengers, meet audit score requirements, and work with approved network managers. Detailed program requirements are available on the official Pennsylvania government website.
How to Complete PennDOT Form FA-166?
The form is straightforward and focuses on reconciling daily or scheduled counter drawer activity before transferring funds. Key sections include:
- Site Name/Number and Deposit Date – Enter the assigned Online Messenger site identifier and the deposit date (using the two-day Online Messenger deposit day calendar).
- Close Counter Drawer Checklist – Follow the three-step process:
- Enter the Site Name/Number and Deposit Date on the Electronic Funds Transfer Summary.
- Total the drawer amounts on the Counter Drawer Summary (separate fields for DL Drawer and VR Drawer, including Beginning WID and Ending WID).
- Record the transfer amount, date, and time, then fax the completed sheet to PennDOT at (717) 783-8184. Note that only one transfer should be made for the combined total from both bureaus.
- Drawer Details – List Drawer IDs and dollar amounts separately for Driver Licensing and Motor Vehicles, then calculate Total DL Receipts and the overall Total Amount Transferred.
- Transfer Information – Provide the Date of Transfer (mm/dd/yy), Time of Transfer (AM or PM), name of the person who completed the form, contact information, and phone number.
- Fee Accounting Section – Reserved for PennDOT use (EFT Date, EFT Amount, and Remarks).
Accuracy is essential. Discrepancies between the counter drawer totals and the transferred amount can trigger audits or compliance issues under the Online Messenger Service Center Program Requirements.
Download the Official PennDOT Form FA-166 PDF
The current official version of Form FA-166 is available directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Always download the form from the official source to ensure you have the correct revision:
Download PennDOT Form FA-166 (PDF)
The form is a fillable or printable PDF. Complete it according to the checklist, retain a copy for your records, and submit the required fax as instructed.
Related Forms and Supporting Documents
Online Messengers often use Form FA-166 in conjunction with other documents, including:
- Counter Drawer Summary forms (such as FA-160 in some references) for detailed daily reconciliation
- Online Messenger Service Center Program Requirements
- Online Messenger Proposal Development Guide
- Location guides and service charts published by PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services
These materials are available through official PennDOT and Pennsylvania government portals. Always verify the latest versions on pa.gov or the Driver and Vehicle Services section of the site.
Why Accurate EFT Reporting Matters for Online Messengers?
PennDOT’s Online Messenger program decentralizes certain driver and vehicle services while maintaining strict financial controls. Proper use of Form FA-166 helps ensure:
- Timely remittance of state fees
- Clear audit trails for both the messenger and the Commonwealth
- Compliance with contract requirements and bond/audit standards
- Continued authorization to process online transactions
Failure to submit accurate and timely Electronic Funds Transfer Summaries can result in sanctions, loss of Online Messenger status, or other enforcement actions.
Additional Resources for Pennsylvania Online Messengers
For the most current information, contact PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services or visit official resources:
- Official Pennsylvania government website: www.pa.gov
- PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services pages for Online Messengers, authorized agents, and program requirements
- Customer service and program manager contacts listed in current Online Messenger materials (historically including the Online Messenger Program Manager)
Businesses considering becoming an Online Messenger should review the latest eligibility criteria, training requirements, and network manager contacts published by PennDOT.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania PennDOT Form FA-166 is an essential compliance tool for Online Messenger Service Centers. By properly summarizing electronic funds transfers of collected state fees and submitting the form as required, authorized messengers help maintain the integrity of Pennsylvania’s decentralized driver and vehicle services program. Download the official PDF from the link above, follow the Close Counter Drawer Checklist carefully, and keep accurate records to stay in good standing with PennDOT.