PennDOT Form MV-700RT: Return Dealer Plates PA – If you operate a motor vehicle dealership in Pennsylvania and are closing, downsizing, or discontinuing business operations, you must properly return all dealer registration plates to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The official form for this process is PennDOT Form MV-700RT, titled “Application for Returned Dealer Plates by an Out of Business Dealer.” This guide provides current, accurate information for U.S. dealers on when and how to use the form, legal requirements, and how to submit it correctly.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-700RT?
Form MV-700RT is the specific application used by licensed Pennsylvania motor vehicle dealers (or miscellaneous motor vehicle businesses) to return dealer plates when the business is closing or no longer qualifies to hold those plates. The current version is marked MV-700RT (2-25). It is issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Dealer Unit.
The form collects essential information including the dealer name and Business Partner Identification Number, business address, phone number, date the business closed, a complete inventory of plates being returned (by plate type and number ranges), and the reason for the change in business status.
You can download the official Form MV-700RT directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website here: Download PennDOT Form MV-700RT (PDF).
When Must Dealer Plates Be Returned in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania regulations clearly define the timelines for returning dealer, manufacturer, and miscellaneous motor vehicle business registration plates. Under 67 Pa. Code § 53.7:
- Immediately — if the registration has been revoked or suspended by PennDOT, or if the State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons has suspended, revoked, or not renewed the dealer’s license.
- Within 5 days — if there is a change in the nature of the business so that the registrant is no longer a dealer, manufacturer, or miscellaneous motor vehicle business, or if the business is discontinued.
Failing to return plates on time can leave the former dealer responsible for any improper use of the plates and may create additional administrative or legal complications. Returning the plates promptly also helps protect against potential vehicle fraud.
Who Should Use Form MV-700RT?
This form is intended for:
- Licensed Pennsylvania vehicle dealers going completely out of business
- Dealers who are downsizing and returning excess plates
- Businesses whose dealer license has been suspended, revoked, or not renewed
- Miscellaneous motor vehicle businesses that no longer qualify to hold dealer-type plates
Note that ordinary passenger or commercial registration plates use a different process (typically Form MV-141 and the Return Tag Unit). Form MV-700RT is specifically for dealer plates returned by out-of-business or changing-status dealers.
How to Complete PennDOT Form MV-700RT?
The form is straightforward and divided into clear sections:
- Applicant Information — Enter the dealer/business name, Dealer/Business Partner Identification Number, full street address, city, state, ZIP code, phone number, and the exact date the business closed.
- List All Plates Being Returned — Provide the plate type and the beginning and ending plate numbers for every plate (or sequential range of plates) being surrendered. Use additional sheets if necessary to list all plates accurately.
- Change of Business Reason — Check the appropriate box: Closed/Out of Business, Downsizing, or Other (and specify the reason).
There is also a Bureau Use Only section that PennDOT staff will complete upon receipt (including who received the plates and the date).
Print the form clearly in ink or type the information. Double-check that every plate number is listed correctly to avoid delays or follow-up requests from the Dealer Unit.
Where and How to Submit Form MV-700RT and the Plates
Mail the completed Form MV-700RT together with all physical dealer plates to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Dealer Unit
1101 South Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8289
It is strongly recommended to use a trackable shipping method (certified mail, UPS, FedEx, etc.) and retain proof of mailing and delivery. Once PennDOT receives and processes the plates, they are marked accordingly in the system.
For general questions about motor vehicle services, you may also contact PennDOT at 717-412-5300 (TTY callers dial 711) or visit the official Driver and Vehicle Services website at www.pa.gov/dmv.
Related Legal and Practical Considerations for U.S. Dealers
Pennsylvania dealers must also address other closing-out responsibilities, such as notifying the State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons regarding the dealer license, settling any outstanding title and registration work, and handling surety bonds. While Form MV-700RT focuses specifically on the return of dealer plates, coordinating all required steps helps ensure a clean business closure.
Keep copies of the completed form and shipping records for your files. These documents serve as evidence that the plates were properly returned within the required timeframe under state regulations.
Download the Official Form and Stay Current
Always use the most recent version of the form available on the official Pennsylvania government website. Download Form MV-700RT here:
For the full regulatory text governing the return of dealer plates, refer to 67 Pa. Code § 53.7 on the official Pennsylvania Code website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to return dealer plates with Form MV-700RT?
The form itself does not list a fee for returning plates when a dealer goes out of business. Confirm current requirements with the Dealer Unit if you have questions about any residual fees or credits.
What if I am only downsizing and not fully closing?
Form MV-700RT includes a “Downsizing” option. List only the plates you are returning and note the reason clearly.
Can I drop plates off in person?
The form is designed for mail submission to the Dealer Unit address listed above. Contact PennDOT at 717-412-5300 to ask about any alternative acceptance methods.
What happens after I return the plates?
PennDOT records the return. The plates are no longer valid for use, protecting both the former dealer and the public from unauthorized activity.
By following the instructions on Form MV-700RT and the requirements of 67 Pa. Code § 53.7, Pennsylvania dealers can properly close out their plate inventory and meet state obligations. Always verify the latest form version and contact information on official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania websites before submitting.