PennDOT Form MV-11V: PA Vintage Registration Plate Guide

PennDOT Form MV-11V: PA Vintage Registration Plate Guide – Pennsylvania vehicle owners who own authentic antique or classic cars and motorcycles can enhance the historical authenticity of their vehicles by displaying a period-correct vintage registration plate. The official form for this request is PennDOT Form MV-11V, titled “Application to Display a Vintage Registration Plate.” This comprehensive guide explains eligibility, requirements, fees, how to complete the form, and where to submit it, using current information from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

What Is a Vintage Registration Plate in Pennsylvania?

A vintage registration plate is an original (“period-issued”) Pennsylvania registration plate manufactured between 1906 and 1976. The plate must match the model year of the vehicle on which it will be displayed. PennDOT does not manufacture or issue these plates. Vehicle owners must supply their own authentic vintage plate.

This option became available under Act 25, signed into law on April 12, 2012. It allows owners of properly branded antique or classic vehicles to display a vintage plate in place of the standard special antique or classic registration plate issued by PennDOT.

Important restrictions apply under Section 1340 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code:

The plate may not be used for general daily transportation.
Permitted uses are limited to club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, occasional transportation, and similar uses.
“Occasional transportation” is defined as no more than one day per week.
Buses may not transport passengers and trucks may not haul cargo when displaying a vintage plate.
Vintage plates are not available for motorized pedalcycles or motor homes.
Collectible vehicles are not eligible for vintage plates.

Eligibility Requirements for Form MV-11V

To qualify, the vehicle must already be branded as an antique or classic vehicle (or you must apply for that branding at the same time). Key definitions include:

Antique Motor Vehicle: Manufactured more than 25 years prior to the current year and maintained or restored to a condition substantially in conformance with manufacturer specifications.
Classic Motor Vehicle: Manufactured at least 15 years prior to the current year and maintained or restored to a condition substantially in conformity with manufacturer specifications and appearance.

The vintage plate itself must be:

An authentic Pennsylvania registration plate issued between 1906 and 1976.
Matching the model year of the vehicle.
Legible from a reasonable distance.
Physically in the applicant’s possession.

PennDOT will not approve duplicate registration configurations. Applicants are strongly encouraged to check plate availability on the official PennDOT website before applying.

Current Fees for Displaying a Vintage Registration Plate

As of the most recent fee schedule adjustments (effective July 1, 2025), the application fee to display a vintage registration plate is $102. This fee is in addition to any required antique or classic registration fees and title fees.

Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Cash is not accepted. Always verify the current fee on the official PennDOT Payments and Fees page or Form MV-70S before submitting your application, as fees are subject to periodic adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index.

Required Documents and Supporting Materials

When applying with Form MV-11V for a vehicle that already displays antique or classic registration, you must submit:

Completed Form MV-11V.
One clearly distinguishable color photograph of the front side of the vintage registration plate. The photo must be taken in normal daylight, not at an angle, and must clearly show the plate.
The required fee.

If the vehicle is not yet branded as antique or classic, additional documents are required, including Form MV-11 (“Application for Permanent, Antique, Classic or Collectible Registration Plates”), the Pennsylvania Certificate of Title (or out-of-state title with Form MV-1), applicable sales tax and title fees, and four color photographs of the vehicle (front, rear, and both sides) plus a photo of the VIN or serial number.

Photographs of the vehicle must also be taken in normal daylight, not at an angle, with windows rolled up and convertible tops (if applicable) raised. All exterior equipment must be clearly visible.

How to Complete PennDOT Form MV-11V?

Form MV-11V (current edition 5-25) contains several sections:

Section A – Applicant(s) Information: Provide full name(s), PA driver’s license or photo ID number, date of birth, address, and daytime telephone number. Include co-owner information if applicable.
Section B – Vehicle Description and General Information: Enter the title number, VIN, make, model, year, body type, and current antique or classic registration plate number.
Section C – Vintage Registration Plate Information: List the registration plate number in your possession, the year the plate was manufactured, background color, and alpha/numeric color.
Section D – Certification/Signature: Certify that the plate is an authentic Pennsylvania registration plate for the listed year of manufacture and is in your possession. Sign and date the form. False statements are subject to penalties under 18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904.

Download the official fillable form here:
Download PennDOT Form MV-11V (PDF)

Where and How to Submit Form MV-11V?

Mail the completed form, required photograph(s), and payment to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Special Tag Unit
P.O. Box 68293
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8293

Allow adequate processing time. You can monitor status or obtain additional information by visiting the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website or calling 717-412-5300 (TTY: dial 711).

Additional Tips for a Successful Application

Verify the vintage plate configuration is available before applying.
Ensure all photographs meet the strict quality and lighting standards.
If transferring a vehicle with an existing vintage plate, the seller must provide a written letter of release. The new owner must submit a new Form MV-11V and pay the full application fee.
Antique vehicles operated exclusively between sunrise and sunset are exempt from certain lighting requirements but must retain original lighting equipment. Classic vehicles remain subject to annual safety inspections. Neither type is subject to emissions inspection.
Keep copies of everything you submit for your records.

Related Official Resources

Displaying a genuine vintage registration plate is an excellent way for Pennsylvania classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts to preserve automotive history while complying with state regulations. By carefully following the instructions on Form MV-11V and submitting complete documentation, owners can enjoy this unique privilege. Always rely on official PennDOT sources for the most current forms, fees, and procedures.