PennDOT Form MV-14MG: Municipal Government Plate Guide – Municipal and quasi-governmental entities in Pennsylvania rely on specialized registration plates to identify official vehicles used for public service. The official document required for these plates is PennDOT Form MV-14MG, titled “Application for Municipal Government Registration Plate.” This supplemental form ensures that only eligible governmental bodies receive the distinctive Municipal Government (MG) plates issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
This comprehensive guide covers eligibility, how to complete Form MV-14MG, required supporting documents, submission instructions, and important return requirements. All information is drawn from current official PennDOT sources to help U.S. municipal officials, school districts, and authority staff complete the process accurately.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-14MG?
Form MV-14MG is a supplemental application used when requesting issuance or transfer of a Municipal Government registration plate. It must be attached to one of the primary title or registration forms: MV-1, MV-4ST, MV-120, MV-140, or a Summary Applicant Statement.
The form itself is short and focuses on confirming that the vehicle belongs to an eligible governmental or quasi-governmental entity. The current version is MV-14MG (3-25), revised in March 2025.
You can download the official form directly from PennDOT:
Who Qualifies for a Municipal Government Registration Plate?
Only specific public entities may apply. According to the form and related PennDOT fact sheets, eligibility is limited to:
- Political Subdivisions – Any county, city, borough, incorporated town, township, school district, vocational school district, or county institution district.
- Municipal Authorities – A municipal authority created by one or more political subdivisions (for example, a municipal water authority).
The plate is issued for vehicles registered to these governmental or quasi-governmental entities. It is also available for motorcycles under the same eligibility rules. The Municipal Government Motorcycle plate is identified by the letters “MG” plus three digits and the word “Municipal” at the top.
How to Complete Form MV-14MG – Step-by-Step Instructions?
The form contains three main sections. Complete every field accurately to avoid processing delays.
Section A – Vehicle and Applicant Information
Provide the following exactly as it appears on the title application or existing certificate of title:
- Title Number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Owner Name (or full business/entity name)
- Business ID# (EIN) if applicable
- Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code
- Telephone Number
Businesses and government entities must list their Business ID number where indicated.
Section B – Vehicle Use
Check the appropriate box to indicate the type of authority:
- Political Subdivisions, or
- Municipal Authorities
Only one category should be selected.
Section C – Certification
An authorized individual must sign and date the form. Include:
- Printed Name of Authorized Signer
- Signature of Authorized Signer
- Title of Authorized Signer
- Date
Falsification is a misdemeanor of the third degree under 18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904(b) and can result in a fine of up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment up to one year.
Required Supporting Documents and Primary Forms
Form MV-14MG is never submitted alone. Attach it to the appropriate primary application:
- Form MV-1 – Application for Certificate of Title
- Form MV-4ST – Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration
- Form MV-120 – Application for Certificate of Title by a Pennsylvania Dealer
- Form MV-140 – Request for Registration
- Summary Applicant Statement (when applicable)
Also include proof of ownership, valid insurance (when required), and any applicable fees. Refer to the current PennDOT fee schedule (Form MV-70S) for the latest amounts.
Where to Mail the Completed Application?
Mail the completed package to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68593
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8593
For questions, contact PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services at 717-412-5300 (TTY: dial 711) or visit www.pa.gov/dmv.
Important Requirement: Return of the Plate
Municipal Government registration plates are issued for official use only. When the vehicle is no longer used for municipal government purposes, the plate must be returned to PennDOT. Send it to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Return Tag Unit
P.O. Box 68597
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597
Failure to return the plate when use ends can create record issues and potential liability for the entity.
Plate Design and Identification
Municipal Government plates feature the distinctive “MG” designation. Earlier designs used white lettering on a blue background; newer plates follow PennDOT’s “Family of Plates” color scheme (blue, white, and yellow). “Pennsylvania” appears at the top, and “Municipal Government” (or “Municipal Government MC” for motorcycles) appears at the bottom. Older-style plates remain valid until replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can private companies or individuals use Form MV-14MG?
No. Only the listed political subdivisions and municipal authorities qualify.
Is there a special fee for the Municipal Government plate?
Registration fees for eligible governmental entities are often reduced or structured differently (including permanent registrations for certain fleets such as school buses). Always consult the current Form MV-70S and any applicable fee-exemption procedures.
Can the plate be personalized?
Standard personalization rules and additional fees apply to most plate types. Check current personalized plate availability and fees on the official PennDOT website.
Does the form cover both passenger vehicles and motorcycles?
Yes. The same Form MV-14MG is used for Municipal Government plates on passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles.
Additional Resources from PennDOT
- Official Form MV-14MG (PDF)
- PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services Homepage
- Motorcycle Registration Plates Fact Sheet (includes Municipal Government Motorcycle information)
Always use the most recent version of Form MV-14MG and related documents available on the official Pennsylvania government website. Requirements and fees can change; verifying current information directly with PennDOT ensures compliance and smooth processing for your municipal fleet.