PennDOT Form MV-300 Official State University Plate Guide – Pennsylvania state universities and certain affiliated institutions use special Official State University registration plates on vehicles titled in their name. These plates are issued exclusively through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Motor Vehicles using Form MV-300. This guide explains everything U.S. residents and university administrators need to know about the current Form MV-300 (revision 2-25), eligibility, available plate options, completion steps, and submission requirements.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-300?
Form MV-300 is the official application used by authorized representatives of Pennsylvania state universities to request Official State University registration plates. These plates identify vehicles owned and registered by the institution for official use. The form is not available for private individuals, alumni, students, or fans seeking specialty university-themed plates (those use separate applications).
The current version of the form is labeled MV-300 (2-25). Applicants must complete the form in full and mail it to the address listed on the document. Official plates must be returned to PennDOT when the vehicle is no longer used for university purposes.
Download the official Form MV-300 here: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bmv/bmv-forms/mv-300.pdf
Who Is Eligible to Apply for an Official State University Registration Plate?
Only vehicles titled and registered in the name of a qualifying Pennsylvania state university or designated institution may receive these plates. An authorized university official must complete and sign the application. Private vehicle owners, faculty, staff, or supporters are not eligible for Official State University plates through Form MV-300.
The vehicle information entered on the form must match the details shown on the current Pennsylvania certificate of title or registration card.
Available Official State University Registration Plates
Form MV-300 lists the following plate options. Applicants select one by checking the appropriate box:
- Bloomsburg University
- California University of PA
- Cheyney University
- Clarion University
- East Stroudsburg University
- Edinboro University
- Indiana University
- Kutztown University
- Lock Haven University
- Mansfield University
- Millersville University
- PA College of Technology
- Shippensburg University
- Slippery Rock University
- West Chester University
- Lincoln University Official Use (H9)
- Penn State University Official Use (25)
- Temple University Official Use (H7)
- University of Pittsburgh Official Use (H8)
- Pennsylvania Official Use (33)
In 2019, PennDOT redesigned several of these Official Use plates to match the “Family of Plates” color scheme (blue, white, and yellow). Pennsylvania appears at the top of the plate, and the university name is printed at the bottom. Older-style plates remain valid, and plates are now issued as single plates rather than pairs.
How to Complete Form MV-300
Follow these sections carefully:
Section A – Applicant Information
Enter the title number, owner name (university name), street address, city, state, ZIP code, vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration plate number, and phone number exactly as they appear on the vehicle’s title or registration card.
Section B – Official State University Registration Plate Requested
Check the box next to the specific university plate being requested.
Section C – Certification
An authorized individual must sign and date the form, print their name, list their official title, and provide a telephone number. The certification states that the information is true and correct under penalty of law (falsification is a misdemeanor of the third degree).
Incomplete applications are typically returned, so double-check every field before mailing.
Where to Mail the Completed Form MV-300?
Mail the fully completed application to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 68031
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8031
No additional documentation is required beyond the completed Form MV-300 unless specifically requested by PennDOT. Payment instructions, if any fees apply, follow standard Pennsylvania vehicle registration procedures. Official Use plates generally do not carry the extra specialty fees charged for public specialty plates.
Returning Official State University Registration Plates
When the vehicle is no longer used for official university purposes, the Official State University registration plate must be returned to PennDOT. Send the plate to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Return Tag Unit
P.O. Box 68597
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597
Returning the plate helps keep university vehicle records accurate and prevents misuse.
Contact PennDOT for Assistance
For questions about Form MV-300 or Official State University registration plates, visit the official Driver and Vehicle Services website at www.pa.gov/dmv or call 717-412-5300. TTY users should dial 711. Call center hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time (excluding holidays).
Important Notes for University Fleet Managers
- Use only the current version of Form MV-300 (2-25).
- Ensure the vehicle is already titled and registered in the university’s name before applying for the Official Use plate.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application and any correspondence for university records.
- Monitor plate expiration and renewal through normal Pennsylvania vehicle registration processes.
By following the official instructions on Form MV-300 and mailing the completed application to the correct address, Pennsylvania state universities can efficiently obtain the proper Official State University registration plates for their fleet vehicles.