PennDOT Form MV-9: PA Clean Vehicles Compliance – If you are titling a model year 2008 or newer passenger car or light-duty truck in Pennsylvania, you may need to complete PennDOT Form MV-9, officially titled “Compliance or Exemption for the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program (Self-Certification Form).” This form is a critical part of the state’s Clean Vehicles Program, which requires certain low-mileage vehicles to meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards or qualify for a specific exemption.
This comprehensive guide explains what Form MV-9 is, who needs it, how to complete it correctly, available exemptions, and where to download the official current version. All information is based on official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sources.
What Is the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program?
The Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program requires that model year 2008 and newer passenger cars and light-duty trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds or less and fewer than 7,500 miles on the odometer must be certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) or certified for sale in all 50 states before they can be titled or registered in Pennsylvania.
This program, administered jointly by PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), adopts key provisions of California’s Low Emission Vehicle standards to reduce mobile-source air pollution. Vehicles that meet the criteria are considered “qualified vehicles” under the program.
For more details on the program’s history and regulations, visit the DEP Clean Vehicle Program page.
When Is PennDOT Form MV-9 Required?
Form MV-9 is a self-certification form submitted with an Application for Certificate of Title (typically Form MV-1) in two main situations:
- The vehicle meets the certification requirements of the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program, but a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) is not available (common with resales or out-of-state titles).
- The vehicle qualifies for one of the listed exemptions from CARB certification requirements.
Dealers, title agents, and vehicle owners use the form to document either compliance (by verifying the Vehicle Emissions Control Information label under the hood) or a valid exemption.
If neither an MCO/MSO with proper certification language nor a completed Form MV-9 is provided for a qualified vehicle, PennDOT will reject the title application.
How to Download the Official Form MV-9
Always use the current official version of the form directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The latest revision is MV-9 (1-25).
Download the official PennDOT Form MV-9 PDF here:
https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bmv/bmv-forms/mv-9.pdf
You can also access it through the official service page: Submit a Certification of Compliance with the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program.
How to Complete Form MV-9 – Step-by-Step Guide?
Form MV-9 is divided into clear sections. Complete only the sections that apply to your situation.
- Section A – Vehicle Information: Enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), year, make, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and current odometer reading (exclude tenths).
- Section B – Vehicle Owner Information: Provide the owner’s (and co-owner’s, if applicable) full name, PA Driver’s License or Photo ID number (or Business ID for companies), date of birth, and current address.
- Section C – Compliance Certification: Check this box only if the vehicle is CARB-compliant (or 50-state certified) and you have visually verified the manufacturer’s installed label under the hood. This section is used when no MCO/MSO is available.
- Section D – Exemption Certification: Check the appropriate exemption box if the vehicle does not need to meet CARB standards (see full list below).
- Section E – Signature: The owner (and co-owner if applicable) must sign and date the form under penalty of law. Falsification is a third-degree misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment up to one year.
Submit the completed Form MV-9 together with your title application to a PennDOT-authorized agent or as directed by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program Exemptions Listed on Form MV-9
If your vehicle qualifies for an exemption, complete Section D of Form MV-9 by checking the applicable box. Official exemptions include:
- This is an emergency vehicle.
- This vehicle is being transferred for use exclusively off-highway.
- This vehicle was granted a national security or testing exemption under Section 203(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.A. Section 7522(b)(1)).
- This vehicle was acquired for the purpose of replacing a vehicle which was damaged, or became inoperative, beyond reasonable repair or was stolen while out of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the replacement vehicle was acquired out of this Commonwealth at the time the previously owned vehicle was damaged, became inoperative, or was stolen. (You must list the VIN of the replaced vehicle.)
- This vehicle was transferred by inheritance or court decree.
- This vehicle was titled and registered while the owner or lessee was a resident of another state and the owner or lessee is moving to Pennsylvania.
- This vehicle has more than 7,500 miles at the time of completing the application for a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title.
These exemptions are also detailed on the official PennDOT Clean Vehicle Program page.
Important Tips for Vehicle Buyers and Title Agents
- Always check the Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) label under the hood for language indicating California or 50-state certification.
- Out-of-state purchases of low-mileage 2008+ vehicles carry risk — sellers outside Pennsylvania are not required to ensure CARB compliance.
- Non-CARB certified vehicles cannot be retrofitted or modified to become compliant. Attempting to alter emission systems is illegal under both state and federal law.
- Form MV-9 is a self-certification. Title agents are not required to verify the accuracy of the owner’s statements but must ensure the form is completed and submitted when required.
- For questions about specific vehicles or program compliance, contact PennDOT at 717-412-5300 or visit www.pa.gov/dmv. DEP Clean Vehicle Program staff can also assist with certification issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form MV-9
Do I need Form MV-9 if my vehicle has more than 7,500 miles?
No. Vehicles with more than 7,500 miles at the time of the title application are exempt and you may check that box on Section D if needed, or the form may not be required depending on the circumstances.
Can I title a non-CARB certified 2008+ vehicle with low mileage in Pennsylvania?
Only if it qualifies for one of the specific exemptions listed on Form MV-9. Otherwise, the title application will be rejected.
Where do I submit the completed form?
Submit Form MV-9 with your Application for Certificate of Title through a PennDOT-authorized issuing agent or as instructed by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 68593, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8593.
Conclusion
PennDOT Form MV-9 plays a key role in enforcing the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program while providing clear pathways for legitimate exemptions. Whether you are certifying compliance via the under-hood emissions label or claiming an exemption, accurate completion of this self-certification form is essential for a smooth vehicle title process in the Commonwealth.