PennDOT Form MV-6IS: PA Salvage Certificate Application

PennDOT Form MV-6IS: PA Salvage Certificate Application – Insurance companies and registered salvage dealers in Pennsylvania use PennDOT Form MV-6IS to request a Certificate of Salvage for vehicles that are currently titled in the Commonwealth. This official application, revised as MV-6IS (1-25), streamlines the process when a vehicle qualifies as a salvage vehicle under Pennsylvania law. Whether handling a single total-loss claim or processing multiple vehicles, Form MV-6IS allows applicants to request original or duplicate salvage certificates efficiently.

This comprehensive guide covers everything U.S.-based insurers, salvage dealers, and industry professionals need to know about Form MV-6IS, including eligibility, required documents, step-by-step completion instructions, branding rules, and submission details. All information is based on current PennDOT guidance and the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.

What Is PennDOT Form MV-6IS?

Form MV-6IS is the official Insurer / Salvage Dealer Application for Certificate of Salvage Vehicles Currently Titled in Pennsylvania. It is specifically designed for insurance companies (as defined by the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law) and registered Pennsylvania salvage dealers.

Key features of the form include:

Support for single or bulk applications (up to 10 vehicles per form)
Options for original or duplicate Certificates of Salvage
Ability to brand the certificate for flood (“W”) or theft (“N”) total losses
Requirement to attach the properly assigned Pennsylvania Certificate of Title for each vehicle

Unlike Form MV-6 (used by individual vehicle owners) or Form MV-6SV (used for stolen vehicles), MV-6IS is reserved exclusively for insurers and salvage dealers dealing with vehicles already titled in Pennsylvania.

Official Download: Download PennDOT Form MV-6IS (PDF)

Who Must Use Form MV-6IS?

Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1161 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, any person—including an insurer or self-insurer—who owns, possesses, or transfers a vehicle that qualifies as a salvage vehicle must apply for a Certificate of Salvage.

Form MV-6IS is required when:

An insurance company takes title to a vehicle after paying the insured the replacement (actual cash) value in a total-loss settlement
A registered Pennsylvania salvage dealer acquires a titled vehicle for salvage, dismantling, or recycling purposes
A duplicate Certificate of Salvage is needed because the original was lost, stolen, defaced, or never received

Note: If the insurance company cannot obtain the assigned title within 30 days after the owner accepts a total-loss settlement, a different form (MV-4IS) may apply. Form MV-6IS is used only when the Pennsylvania title has been properly assigned and is available for attachment.

Required Documents and Supporting Materials

To avoid processing delays or rejection, submit the following with every MV-6IS application:

Completed and signed Form MV-6IS
The original Pennsylvania Certificate of Title for each vehicle, properly assigned to the insurer or salvage dealer (must match the information listed on the form exactly)
Any required branding documentation (for flood or theft cases)

No processing fee is typically required for this form when submitted by insurers or salvage dealers in the standard manner. Always verify the most current fee schedule on the official PennDOT website if additional services are involved.

How to Complete Form MV-6IS Step by Step?

Follow these instructions carefully. Incomplete or inaccurate applications are frequently returned by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

1. Select the Type of Certificate
Check either “Original Certificate of Salvage” or “Duplicate Certificate of Salvage.” Do not mix both types on a single application. Complete separate forms if both original and duplicate certificates are needed.

2. Section A – Applicant Information
Enter the full legal name of the insurer or salvage dealer to whom the Certificate(s) of Salvage will be issued. Include:

DIN / Business Partner ID number (for salvage dealers)
Telephone number
Complete street address where the certificates should be delivered (city, state, ZIP code)

3. Section B – Vehicle Information
List up to 10 vehicles. For each vehicle provide:

Vehicle Title Number (do not include any letter prefix)
First seven letters of the last name (or business name) of the original title holder

The information must agree exactly with the face of the attached title(s). Attach the titles in the same order listed.

4. Branding Options
For each vehicle, check the appropriate box if applicable:

“W” brand – Total loss due to flood
“N” brand – Total loss due to theft

5. Section C – Certification
Check the applicable box indicating whether you are a registered Pennsylvania Salvage Dealer or an insurer under the PA Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law. Sign and print the title of the signer. The certification is made under penalty of law (misdemeanor of the third degree, punishable by fine up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment up to one year under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904(b)).

Where to Mail Form MV-6IS?

Mail the completed application and all required attachments to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68596
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8596

Use a trackable mailing method and retain copies of everything submitted. Processing times vary; applicants can check status or ask questions by calling 717-412-5300 or visiting www.pa.gov/dmv. TTY callers should dial 711.

Important Distinctions From Related PennDOT Forms

Form MV-6 – Used by individual owners or the last assignee of a title for nonrepairable or salvage certificates
Form MV-6SV – Used by insurance companies specifically for stolen vehicles
Form MV-4IS – Used when an insurer cannot obtain the assigned title within 30 days after settlement acceptance

Using the correct form prevents unnecessary delays and rejection.

What Happens After Submission?

Once PennDOT processes a properly completed MV-6IS application, the department issues a purple Certificate of Salvage. This document authorizes the holder to possess the vehicle or transfer ownership by endorsement. A regular Certificate of Title will not be reissued until the vehicle meets reconstruction requirements (if applicable) under Pennsylvania law.

Salvage certificates branded “W” (flood) or “N” (theft) carry permanent notations that appear on future titles if the vehicle is later reconstructed.

Tips for Successful Processing

Double-check that every title number and owner name matches the attached Pennsylvania title exactly
Do not skip lines or leave blank spaces; correct errors by drawing a line through the incorrect entry and using the next available line
Keep original and duplicate requests on separate applications
Ensure the applicant is either a registered Pennsylvania salvage dealer or a qualified insurer
Retain proof of mailing and copies of all documents

Additional Resources

For the most current version of the form, fee schedules, and related publications, always visit the official Pennsylvania Driver and Vehicle Services website:

Form MV-6IS remains the standard tool for insurers and salvage dealers handling Pennsylvania-titled salvage vehicles. Completing it accurately and attaching the required titles ensures timely issuance of the Certificate of Salvage and full compliance with Commonwealth law.