PennDOT Form MV-919 USA Semiquincentennial Plate Guide – As America approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Pennsylvania vehicle owners have a unique opportunity to display their patriotism with the official USA Semiquincentennial Registration Plate. This special plate, authorized under Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Section 1369.4, celebrates the nation’s founding and supports commemorative activities across the Commonwealth. To order it, drivers must complete PennDOT Form MV-919, the official “Application for USA Semiquincentennial Registration Plate.”
This comprehensive guide explains everything U.S. residents—especially Pennsylvania vehicle owners—need to know about the form, eligibility, fees, design, and application process using current official sources from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
What Is the USA Semiquincentennial Registration Plate?
The USA Semiquincentennial Registration Plate was created by Act 48 of 2020 (effective October 29, 2020) and remains available only through December 31, 2026. The plate features the iconic Liberty Bell with the years “1776-2026” above it and the phrase “250 years” beneath. It uses Pennsylvania’s “Family of Plates” color scheme of blue, white, and yellow. “Pennsylvania” appears at the top, while “Let Freedom Ring” is printed along the bottom.
Twenty-five dollars from every plate sold is deposited into the Semiquincentennial Restricted Account to fund activities of the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial.
Who Is Eligible to Apply Using Form MV-919?
According to PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, the plate is available for the following vehicle types:
- Passenger cars
- Trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds
- Motorcycles
- Motor homes
The vehicle must already be titled and registered in Pennsylvania (or the application can be submitted in conjunction with registration). Leased vehicles are also eligible; applicants simply indicate “Yes” on the form.
How to Download and Complete Form MV-919?
The official Form MV-919 (revised May 2026) is available as a fillable PDF directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website.
Download the official Form MV-919 here:
https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bmv/bmv-forms/mv-919.pdf
Key sections of the form include:
- Section A – Vehicle and owner information (must match your current registration card exactly)
- Section B – Optional personalization request
- Section C – Applicant signature(s)
Complete the form carefully. False statements are punishable as a misdemeanor of the third degree under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904(b).
Current Fees for the USA Semiquincentennial Plate
As listed on the current Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees (Form MV-70S, April 2026 version) and the official PennDOT Payments and Fees page:
- Standard USA Semiquincentennial plate: $58 (one-time fee in addition to regular registration fees)
- Personalized version: Additional $136
Of the $58 plate fee, $25 is directed to the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” Cash is not accepted, and no refunds are issued once the plate has been produced.
For the most up-to-date fee schedule, always consult the official PennDOT Payments and Fees page or Form MV-70S.
Personalization Rules on Form MV-919
Applicants may request a personalized configuration:
- Standard (passenger/truck/motor home) plates: up to five letters and/or numbers
- Motorcycle plates: up to three letters and/or numbers
Important notes:
- A pre-printed “FR” prefix appears before every personalized configuration and cannot be changed.
- One hyphen or one space is allowed (but not both).
- Special characters are not permitted.
- Use “0” for zero, not the letter “O”.
- Provide first, second, and third choices.
- Configurations are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are not reserved until the application and payment are approved.
Personalized plates typically take 8–10 weeks to arrive after PennDOT processes the application.
Where to Mail the Completed Form MV-919?
Mail the fully completed Form MV-919 along with the required check or money order to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68593
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8593
If you are replacing an existing plate, return the old plate to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Return Tag Unit
P.O. Box 68597
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597
For questions, contact PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services at 717-412-5300 (TTY: 711) or visit www.pa.gov/dmv.
Important Deadline and Final Notes
The USA Semiquincentennial Registration Plate is available only until December 31, 2026. After that date, new applications will no longer be accepted under the authorizing statute.
This limited-edition plate offers Pennsylvania drivers a lasting way to commemorate America’s 250th birthday while supporting statewide Semiquincentennial initiatives. Download Form MV-919 today, complete it accurately, and join thousands of fellow Pennsylvanians already displaying the Liberty Bell on their vehicles.