PennDOT Form MV-7: PA Salvage Dealer Scrap Report – Pennsylvania salvage dealers and scrap metal processors must properly report vehicles that have been flattened, crushed, or designated as nonrepairable. The official document for this purpose is PennDOT Form MV-7, titled “Salvage Dealer/Scrap Metal Processor Business Report of Vehicles Considered Scrap Material and Not to Be Titled or Reconstructed.”
This form ensures compliance with Pennsylvania Vehicle Code requirements, prevents illegal retitling or reconstruction of scrap vehicles, and maintains accurate motor vehicle records. The current version is MV-7 (2-25), issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Download the official Form MV-7 here: PennDOT Form MV-7 (PDF)
What Is PennDOT Form MV-7?
Form MV-7 is a mandatory business report used by licensed salvage dealers and scrap metal processors in Pennsylvania. It documents vehicles that are no longer suitable for titling or reconstruction because they have been:
- Flattened
- Crushed
- Processed into scrap material
- Designated as nonrepairable
Once reported on Form MV-7, these vehicles permanently lose vehicle status under Pennsylvania law. They cannot be retitled, reconstructed, or issued any certificate of title or salvage in the future.
The form supports Pennsylvania’s vehicle code provisions designed to combat title fraud, chop shops, and improper vehicle rebuilding.
Who Must File Form MV-7?
Only businesses that meet the legal definitions below are required (and authorized) to use Form MV-7:
- Salvage Dealer – Any person regularly engaged in acquiring and dismantling used, wrecked, damaged, abandoned, or salvage vehicles for the purpose of selling usable parts and selling the remaining vehicle hulk materials for recycling or processing.
- Scrap Metal Processor – A person whose principal business is operating an establishment with facilities for processing iron, steel, or nonferrous scrap metals, and whose principal product is scrap iron, scrap steel, or nonferrous scrap for resale for remelting purposes only.
Businesses check one or both boxes on the form to indicate their status.
Legal Basis for Form MV-7
Form MV-7 implements requirements under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, particularly Title 75 § 1163 (Transfer to scrap metal processor).
Key provisions include:
- When a vehicle is flattened, crushed, or processed so it is no longer identifiable as a vehicle, the certificate of title, salvage certificate, or nonrepairable certificate must be attached to a department-prescribed form (MV-7) and sent immediately to PennDOT.
- The vehicle scrap material is no longer considered a vehicle and shall not be reconstructed, retitled, or issued any certificate.
- Owners transferring vehicles or salvage vehicles to scrap metal processors must assign the certificate of title or salvage certificate. Notarization and corporate officer verification are not required for these transfers.
- Scrap metal processors must immediately forward the assigned title with Form MV-7 indicating the vehicle is designated nonrepairable.
False statements on the form constitute a misdemeanor of the third degree, punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment of up to one year (18 Pa.C.S. § 4904(b)).
How to Complete PennDOT Form MV-7?
The form is straightforward but requires accuracy. Follow these sections carefully:
Section A – Salvage Dealer / Scrap Metal Processor Business Information
- Full legal name of the business
- Telephone number
- Complete street address, city, state, and ZIP code
- Check the appropriate box(es): Salvage Dealer and/or Scrap Metal Processor
Section B – Vehicle Information
List up to 30 vehicles per form. For each vehicle provide:
- Item number (01–30)
- State of the certificate (Pennsylvania or out-of-state)
- Pennsylvania and/or Out-of-State Certificate of Title/Salvage number or Pennsylvania Nonrepairable Certificate number (do not include letters)
- First eight letters of the last name (or business name) of the original title holder
- Date the vehicle was flattened, crushed, or processed
Important: Attach the original certificates of title, salvage certificates, or nonrepairable certificates currently in the name of (or assigned to) the business. Certificates must be attached in the exact order listed on the form.
Section C – Certification
An authorized representative of the business must sign and date the form, certifying that:
- The listed vehicles have been flattened, crushed, or are nonrepairable
- They shall not be retitled or reconstructed
- All information is true and correct under penalty of law
Required Supporting Documents
- Original Pennsylvania or out-of-state certificates of title/salvage, or Pennsylvania nonrepairable certificates assigned to the business
- For salvage dealers: Assignment portion must include purchaser information, signatures and printed names of both purchaser(s) and seller(s), and odometer reading (notarization not required)
- For scrap metal processors: Same assignment requirements apply (notarization not required)
Certificates must match the order listed on the form.
Where to Mail Completed Form MV-7?
Mail the completed form and all attached certificates to:
PennDOT
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68596
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8596
Retain a copy of the form for your records as required by law.
Key Tips for Successful Submission
- Use the current version of the form (MV-7 2-25). Older versions may be rejected.
- Double-check certificate numbers and ensure they match the attached documents exactly.
- Do not include letter prefixes in certificate numbers.
- Ensure the total number of vehicles listed matches the number of certificates attached.
- Submit promptly after processing the vehicles.
- Keep a complete copy of the submitted package for your business records.
What Happens After Submission?
PennDOT updates its records to reflect that the vehicles are permanently designated as scrap/nonrepairable. This prevents future attempts to title or reconstruct the vehicles in Pennsylvania. The process supports statewide efforts to reduce vehicle theft and title fraud.
If a vehicle is reported as crushed in error, special reinstatement procedures exist (involving Form MV-6E and additional documentation). Contact PennDOT for guidance in such cases.
Additional Resources and Contact Information
- Official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website: www.pa.gov/dmv
- Customer Call Center: 717-412-5300 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET)
- TTY callers: Dial 711
- Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Title 75 (official statutes)
Always verify the latest form and instructions directly from the official PennDOT website, as requirements can be updated.