PennDOT Form MV-140: PA Request for Registration Guide

What Is PennDOT Form MV-140?

Form MV-140 is issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and is designed for two primary purposes:

• Initial Registration – Request a registration plate when none is currently assigned to the vehicle.
• Registration Renewal – Renew an existing registration when the mailed renewal application is missing or lost.

According to official PennDOT guidance, if you never received or have lost your registration renewal application, you may use Form MV-140, “Request for Registration/Renewals.” The form is also referenced in various special plate applications when a concurrent renewal is required.

Download the current official Form MV-140 (PDF) directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website: Download PennDOT Form MV-140.

When Should You Use Form MV-140?

Use the MV-140 in these common situations:

• You did not receive your vehicle registration renewal notice in the mail.
• You lost or misplaced the renewal application (Form MV-105).
• You need to request an initial registration plate for a vehicle that has a Pennsylvania title but no plate assigned.
• You transferred a registration plate to a new vehicle and still need to renew the plate.
• You are applying for certain special registration plates and your current registration is expired or will expire within three months (in which case MV-140 must accompany the special plate application).

PennDOT recommends renewing online whenever possible for convenience. Online renewals allow you to print a permanent registration credential immediately, and PennDOT no longer mails registration cards for online transactions.

How to Complete Form MV-140 – Step-by-Step Instructions

The current version of Form MV-140 (revised 1-26) contains clear sections. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Select the Request Type – Check either “Initial Registration – Request for registration plate” or “Registration Renewal.”
2. Section A – Vehicle Description and Owner Name(s) – Enter the Title Number, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Registration Plate Number (if applicable), Expiration Date, Body Type, Make of Vehicle, and (for trucks) number of axles and registered gross/combination weight. Provide the full name(s), PA Driver’s License/Photo ID number (or Business ID), and date of birth for the owner and any co-owner.
3. Section B – Change of Address – Complete only if your current address differs from the one on the registration record. P.O. boxes may be used in addition to a physical address but cannot be the sole address. Out-of-state addresses generally require Form MV-8 (Self Certification for Proof of Residency) except for certain military, federal, or business exceptions.
4. Section C – Insurance Information – List the insurance company name, NAIC number (if available), policy number, and effective/expiration dates. Self-insured applicants enter “SELF-INSURED” and the certificate number. Trailers are exempt from insurance information.
5. Section D – Additional Information – Enter the current odometer reading (exclude tenths) and the number of duplicate registration cards requested ($2 each).
6. Section E – Lessor Information – If the vehicle is leased, list the lessor’s name. Form MV-1L may be required if not previously filed.
7. Section F – Application for Retired Status – Eligible applicants (retired and receiving Social Security or other pension, with total gross income not exceeding $30,778 in the prior calendar year) may request the reduced processing fee. The applicant must be the principal driver (unless physically or mentally incapable). Note that 100% of certain veterans’ benefit payments are excluded from the income calculation. Retired Status is not available for two-year registrations.
8. Section G – Optional Donations – Contribute $5 to the Pennsylvania Veterans Trust Fund (VTF) and/or $3 to the Organ Donor Trust Fund (ODTF).
9. Section H – Fees – Calculate and list the registration or processing fee (refer to Form MV-70S), any fee-exempt number, county fee ($5 per year if applicable), donations, and duplicate card fees. Total the amount.
10. Section I – Applicant Signature(s) – Sign exactly as the name appears on the registration record. Certify that all information is true and that financial responsibility (insurance) will be maintained. Motor carrier vehicle registrants must self-certify a current safety inspection.

Always use the most current version of the form available on the official PennDOT website.

Required Fees and Payment

A fee is required with Form MV-140. Current registration fees are published in Form MV-70S, “Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees,” available on the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website. Examples include:

• Passenger vehicle: $48 (one year) or $96 (two years)
• Motorcycle: $25 (one year) or $50 (two years)
• Reduced processing fee for qualified retired status applicants: $12 (one passenger vehicle or truck ≤ 9,000 lbs registered gross weight)

Additional fees may apply for county use ($5 per year in participating counties), duplicate cards ($2 each), and optional donations. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Do not send cash.

For heavy vehicles with registered gross or combination weight of 55,000 pounds or more, proof of Heavy Vehicle Use Tax payment (IRS Form 2290, Schedule 1) is required.

Where to Submit Form MV-140?

Mail the completed form, required fees, and any supporting documents to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
1101 South Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516

Forms are also available at messenger service offices and Driver and Vehicle Service Centers. Online renewal remains the preferred and fastest method when eligible.

Important Notes and Tips for Success

• PennDOT has not issued registration stickers since December 31, 2016. A valid registration card must still be carried and presented for safety inspections and to law enforcement.
• Maintain continuous insurance coverage. A lapse can result in a three-month registration suspension.
• If registration credentials are not received due to mail loss, apply for free replacement within 90 days using Form MV-50.
• For the most accurate fees and participating county list, always consult the current Form MV-70S and official PennDOT fact sheets at www.pa.gov/dmv.
• Contact PennDOT Customer Service at 717-412-5300 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET; TTY: 711) for questions about your specific situation.

Official Resources and Related Forms

Always download forms and verify information from trusted Commonwealth of Pennsylvania sources:

• Official Form MV-140 PDF
• PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services
• Form MV-70S – Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees
• Form MV-44 – Duplicate Registration Card or Replacement Plate
• Form MV-8 – Self Certification for Proof of Residency (out-of-state address exceptions)

Using the official Form MV-140 correctly ensures your Pennsylvania vehicle remains properly registered. Keep a copy of your completed application and payment confirmation for your records, and renew online in future years whenever possible for the fastest service.