PennDOT Form MV-753: PA Vehicle/Driver Record Authorization – Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-753 — Authorization for Release of Motor Vehicle / Driver Record Information is the official document used by authorized agents and messengers in Pennsylvania to obtain customer permission before accessing driver license or vehicle records.
This form protects privacy under Pennsylvania law while allowing legitimate business partners of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to process transactions efficiently. It is not the form ordinary drivers use to request their own records.
What Is Form MV-753?
Form MV-753 (revised February 2025, marked MV-753 (2-25)) is titled “Authorization for Release of Motor Vehicle/Driver Record Information.” It is restricted to authorized agents and/or messengers only.
These are private businesses contracted with PennDOT to handle titling, registration, and certain driver licensing services. They may charge a market-driven service fee in addition to official PennDOT fees.
The form authorizes the agent or messenger to inquire into a customer’s Pennsylvania driver record or vehicle record for specific, limited purposes related to a transaction. A new form is required for every inquiry.
Key notes printed on the form itself:
- The completed form must be kept in the requester’s office for three years and is subject to PennDOT audit without prior notice.
- Agents must obtain the customer’s signature before accessing any driver or vehicle information needed to assist with a motor vehicle or driver license transaction.
- The form may be emailed or faxed to an authorized agent (contact the agent for details).
- Do not mail the form to PennDOT. The department does not process or return these forms.
Who Uses Form MV-753?
- Authorized agents – Businesses that complete title and registration applications, issue temporary plates, and handle related transactions.
- Messengers (including online messengers) – Contracted services that process applications and may inquire into records to complete customer business.
- Customers – Pennsylvania drivers, vehicle owners, or lessees who must sign the authorization so an agent can access their information.
Ordinary individuals requesting their own driver history or vehicle record should not use MV-753. Instead, use:
- PennDOT’s online Individual Driver Records service, or Form DL-503 for driver information.
- Form DL-135 for vehicle information.
Purpose and Permitted Reasons for Inquiry
Section C of the form lists the allowable reasons an agent may access records. These include:
- Checking suspension status or printing a restoration requirements letter.
- Resolving an error message during application processing (e.g., already renewed, commercial driver indicator, out-of-state or USCIS indicator, or other specified issues).
- Verifying work previously submitted to PennDOT by the same agent/messenger (list additional records on the back if needed).
- Lien inquiry (valid for up to 60 days from the original authorization date; attach this form to the original).
- Incorrect record accessed (provide correct information).
- Quality control of work processed on specific dates.
- Other legitimate purposes, with a brief description of the information needed and how it will be used.
These limited purposes help ensure compliance with privacy rules governing the sale, publication, or disclosure of driver and vehicle records.
How to Complete Form MV-753? (Step-by-Step)
Follow the instructions printed on the form carefully. Incomplete or incorrect forms can delay transactions.
For a Driver License Inquiry
Complete Sections A, C, and D or E (not both).
For a Motor Vehicle Inquiry
Complete Sections B, C, and D or E (not both).
Section A – Driver Information
- Last name, first name, middle name
- Pennsylvania driver license or photo ID number
- Date of birth
Section B – Vehicle Information
- Owner’s last name, first name, middle name, and date of birth
- Co-owner’s information (if applicable)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Title number
- Registration plate number
Section C – Reason for Inquiry
Check the appropriate box(es) and provide any required details or explanations.
Section D – Driver / Vehicle Owner / Lessee Release
This is the customer authorization section. The owner or lessee states they request PennDOT to furnish the information to the named requester for the purpose listed in Section C. They certify the vehicle (if applicable) is titled or registered in their name and that they are using an agent service.
The form includes a legal affirmation under penalty of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4903(a)(2) (false swearing), which can result in a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
Fields:
- Printed name of requester
- Printed name, signature, and date of the driver/vehicle owner/lessee
- Printed name, signature, and date of any co-owner/lessee
Section E – Agent / Messenger Information
Use this section only for permissible inquiries that do not require a customer release signature.
Include:
- Printed name of the agent/messenger employee accessing the record(s)
- User ID
- Date
- Signature of the employee
- DIN / Messenger number
Download the Official Form
Download the current official Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-753 (February 2025 revision) directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
Always obtain the form from the official pa.gov source to ensure you have the latest version. Third-party sites may host outdated copies.
Important Compliance and Retention Rules
- Retain every completed MV-753 in your office files for three years.
- The form is subject to unannounced PennDOT audit.
- Never send completed MV-753 forms to PennDOT.
- A separate form is required for each individual inquiry.
- For lien inquiries, the 60-day window and attachment requirement apply.
These rules help maintain accountability and protect personal information.
Related Official Resources
- PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services: www.pa.gov/dmv or call 717-412-5300 (TTY: 711).
- Public records FAQs explain how individuals request their own driver or vehicle records using DL-503 or DL-135.
- Information on becoming or locating authorized agents and messengers is available on the official PennDOT business partner pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use MV-753 to get my own driving record?
No. Use the online service or Form DL-503.
Do I need a notary?
The form itself does not require notarization for the customer signature in Section D.
What happens if the form is not retained for three years?
It can result in audit findings and potential contractual issues for the agent or messenger.
Is the February 2025 version the current one?
Yes. Always verify against the official pa.gov download.
Form MV-753 plays a critical role in balancing customer privacy with the practical needs of authorized PennDOT business partners. By completing it accurately and retaining it properly, agents, messengers, and customers help ensure smooth processing of Pennsylvania motor vehicle and driver license transactions while remaining fully compliant with state requirements.
For the most up-to-date instructions or assistance, visit the official PennDOT website or contact an authorized agent near you.