PennDOT Form MV-1L – Application for Lessee Information – If you are leasing a vehicle in Pennsylvania or managing leased vehicle records with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Form MV-1L is an essential document. Officially titled the “Application for Lessee Information,” this form allows vehicle owners (lessors) or authorized representatives to add, change, or delete lessee information on PennDOT records for leased vehicles. It is commonly required when applying for a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title and registration for a leased vehicle using Form MV-1.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-1L?
Form MV-1L is the official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation application used to report or update lessee information for a leased vehicle. The form is titled “Application for Lessee Information – Application to Add, Change or Delete Lessee Information for a Leased Vehicle.”
The current version of the form is MV-1L (2-25). It is used exclusively for leased vehicles (including daily rental vehicles in certain cases) and works in conjunction with the primary title application, Form MV-1. The title itself remains in the name of the vehicle owner (lessor). The MV-1L simply records who is leasing the vehicle and designates who receives registration documents, the registration plate, and renewal notices.
According to official PennDOT instructions, if a vehicle is leased and registration is requested, Form MV-1L must be attached to the title application. Failure to include it will result in the application being rejected.
When Is Form MV-1L Required?
You must submit Form MV-1L in the following situations:
- When applying for a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title and registration for a newly leased vehicle (using Form MV-1).
- When a new resident titles and registers an out-of-state leased vehicle in Pennsylvania.
- When adding lessee information for the first time on a leased vehicle already titled in Pennsylvania.
- When changing existing lessee information (name, address, or other details).
- When deleting lessee information (for example, at the end of a lease).
- When converting between a daily rental vehicle and a long-term leased vehicle (or vice versa). Any change in lease type requires a new MV-1L.
- In certain registration-related transactions (such as Form MV-140) if MV-1L has never previously been filed for that vehicle.
Leasing companies (lessors) are typically responsible for completing and submitting the form. In some cases a Power of Attorney from the leasing company may also be required.
Official PennDOT resources confirm that new residents titling a leased vehicle must have the leasing company complete Form MV-1L. The same requirement appears in fact sheets for out-of-state vehicle transfers and military personnel registering vehicles while assigned out of state.
How to Complete Form MV-1L?
The form is divided into clear sections. Check the appropriate box at the top to indicate the type of transaction:
- Daily Rental Vehicle – Complete Sections A, B, and E.
- Leased Vehicle – Select one of the following and complete the indicated sections:
- Add Lessee Information – Complete Sections A through E.
- Change Lessee Information – Complete Sections A, C (if changed), D (if changed), and E.
- Delete Lessee Information – Complete Sections A and E.
Section A – Vehicle Information
Provide the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Title Number (if applicable), and Registration Plate Number (if known).
Section B – Vehicle Owner Information
Enter the lessor’s full legal name or business name, street address, city, county, state, and ZIP code. Note that the title is always issued in the owner’s name and mailed to the owner or lienholder.
Section C – Lessee Information
List the person or company leasing the vehicle. Include full name(s), current street address, Pennsylvania driver’s license or photo ID number (or business ID number), and date of birth for individual lessees.
Section D – Mailing Information
Use the provided checkboxes to designate who keeps the registration plate when the lease expires, who receives the registration documents and VIN plate, and who receives the registration renewal application. Available combinations range from all documents going to the vehicle owner to all documents going to the lessee (Block 2 is commonly used when the lessee is responsible for all registration documents).
Section E – Certification
The vehicle owner or authorized representative must sign and certify that all information is true and correct.
Important note from the form itself: Any changes to the information provided on the original application (including switching between daily rental and long-term lease) require a new MV-1L to be completed and returned to PennDOT.
Where to Submit Form MV-1L?
Form MV-1L is normally submitted together with Form MV-1 (Application for Certificate of Title) and any supporting documents to an authorized PennDOT agent (most notaries, dealers, or messenger services). Online messengers can often process title and registration requests more quickly.
If mailing directly, use the address shown on the form:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 68593
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8593
Always use the unique post office box printed on the accompanying Form MV-1 when applicable. Do not send cash; use a check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for any required fees.
Download the Official PennDOT Form MV-1L
Always download the most current official version of the form directly from PennDOT to ensure accuracy and avoid outdated information.
Official Download Link:
Download Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-1L (PDF)
You can also find the form and related resources on the official Driver and Vehicle Services website at pa.gov/dmv.
Additional Tips and Common Requirements
- The form must be completed accurately. Incomplete or incorrect information can delay processing or cause rejection.
- When the lessee is designated to receive registration documents (commonly Block 2), the lessee may be permitted to sign certain related applications once MV-1L is on file.
- For address changes on leased vehicles, contact the leasing company so they can submit an updated MV-1L.
- Proof of Pennsylvania insurance, a valid Pennsylvania photo ID (or accepted alternative), and VIN verification are typically required as part of the overall title/registration process.
- New residents must apply for Pennsylvania title and registration within 20 days of establishing residency.
For the most current fees, processing times, or additional guidance, visit the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services pages or call 717-412-5300 (TTY callers dial 711).
Conclusion
Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-1L is a straightforward but mandatory document for properly recording lessee information on leased vehicles. Whether you are a leasing company adding a new lessee, a new Pennsylvania resident bringing a leased vehicle into the state, or updating existing records, completing and submitting the current version of MV-1L ensures your title and registration application is accepted without delay.
Download the official form today, complete it carefully according to the instructions, and submit it with your Form MV-1 package through an authorized agent or by mail. Staying compliant with PennDOT requirements helps keep your vehicle legally titled and registered on Pennsylvania roads.