PennDOT Form MV-956: Salvor’s Application Guide – Authorized salvors in Pennsylvania rely on PennDOT Form MV-956, the official “Salvor’s Application/Invoice for Settlement,” to close out abandoned-vehicle cases. Whether an owner reclaims a towed vehicle or the salvor seeks settlement or disposal authorization, this single form is the required document submitted to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Abandoned Vehicle Unit.
This guide explains the purpose of Form MV-956, who must use it, the four scenarios it covers, step-by-step completion instructions, mailing requirements, and related Pennsylvania Vehicle Code provisions. All information is drawn from current PennDOT publications and Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-956?
Form MV-956 is the official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) document used exclusively by licensed salvors. It serves as both an application and an invoice for settlement when processing abandoned vehicles under Chapter 73 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.
The current revision is MV-956 (3-25). You can download the official PDF directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
Download Official PennDOT Form MV-956 (PDF)
Detailed procedural guidance appears in the current PennDOT Salvor Manual (PUB 460, 5-25).
Who Must File Form MV-956?
Only a person or business holding a valid Certificate of Authorization as a salvor may complete and submit Form MV-956. To become authorized, an applicant must first be registered as a Vehicle Salvage Dealer or (in limited circumstances) a Repair or Towing business, then file Form MV-951 together with supporting documents.
Unauthorized individuals or towing companies cannot process abandoned vehicles or use this form. Operating as a salvor without authorization is prohibited under 75 Pa.C.S. § 7301.
Four Primary Uses of Form MV-956
According to the Salvor Manual, Form MV-956 is used in these specific situations:
- Reclaimed Abandoned Vehicle – The owner or lienholder reclaims the vehicle. The salvor remits the $25 portion of the reclaim fee to PennDOT.
- Salvage Vehicle – Owner Known – The vehicle is salvage and remains unclaimed after the required notice period. The salvor applies for a Certificate of Salvage branded “formerly abandoned.”
- Unclaimed Salvage Vehicle – No Owner – No last-known owner or lienholder can be identified. A published newspaper advertisement is required.
- Unclaimed Vehicle with Value – The vehicle has residual value and remains unclaimed. The salvor requests authorization to dispose of it by public auction.
Before completing the form in any of these cases, the salvor must contact the law-enforcement agency that declared the vehicle abandoned to confirm that no appeal of the abandonment determination was filed.
How to Complete Form MV-956 Step by Step?
The form contains four labeled sections. Which sections you complete depends on the scenario selected at the top of the form.
Section A – Vehicle Information
Required in every case. Enter:
- Abandoned Vehicle Control Number (from the salvor notification letter)
- Make, model, year, body type, and color
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Title number and registration plate number/state (if available)
- Mileage reading (mandatory). Check the appropriate box if the odometer reading is not actual mileage or is unknown.
Section B – Notification of Reclaimed Abandoned Vehicle
Complete only when the vehicle has been reclaimed. Record the date of reclaim, indicate whether the reclaiming party is the owner or lienholder, and obtain the signature of the authorized person reclaiming the vehicle. Attach a check or money order for the $25 portion of the reclaim fee payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
Section C – Vehicle Disposition
Used for unclaimed vehicles. Check the appropriate statement indicating that the vehicle has remained unclaimed for the required period (normally 30 days after PennDOT notification) and state the requested action (settlement or public-auction authorization).
Section D – Certification
The authorized representative of the salvor must sign and date the certification under penalty of law. False statements can result in fines up to $2,500 and imprisonment up to one year.
Reclaim Fee Requirements
Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 7306, when an owner or lienholder reclaims an abandoned vehicle, that party must pay the salvor the costs of towing and storage plus a statutory reclaim fee of $50, of which $25 is transmitted to PennDOT with the completed Form MV-956.
Payment to PennDOT must be made by check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Cash is not accepted.
Where to Mail Completed Form MV-956?
Mail the original completed form (and any required attachments such as the $25 fee check or newspaper advertisement) to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Abandoned Vehicle Unit
P.O. Box 68594
Harrisburg, PA 17106
Failure to submit Form MV-956 promptly when a vehicle is reclaimed can leave the “abandoned” indicator on the vehicle record, preventing the owner from renewing registration or completing other title transactions.
Related Abandoned-Vehicle Forms and Resources
Salvors commonly use these companion documents:
- Form MV-952 – Police Request for Removal of Abandoned Vehicle (must be submitted within 48 hours of towing)
- Form MV-951 – Application for Certificate of Authorization as a Salvor
- Form MV-957 – used in certain nonrepairable or scrap dispositions
The complete set of current motor-vehicle forms and the fee schedule (Form MV-70S) are available on the official PennDOT website: www.pa.gov/dmv.
For questions about abandoned-vehicle processing, contact the Abandoned Vehicle Unit help desk at 717-705-1163 or email [email protected].
Key Legal References
The rules governing salvors and abandoned vehicles are found primarily in:
- Title 75 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Chapter 73 (Abandoned Vehicles and Cargos)
- 67 Pa. Code Chapter 253 (Salvors)
- PennDOT Publication 460 – Salvor Manual (current edition 5-25)
Always verify the most recent version of Form MV-956 and any fee changes on the official Commonwealth website before filing, as forms and fees are updated periodically.
Conclusion
PennDOT Form MV-956 is the essential document that allows licensed Pennsylvania salvors to finalize abandoned-vehicle cases—whether by collecting the statutory reclaim fee, obtaining a branded salvage certificate, or securing authorization to sell or scrap an unclaimed vehicle. Accurate completion and timely submission protect both the salvor’s reimbursement rights and the integrity of the Commonwealth’s vehicle-title records.
Download the current form, follow the section-by-section instructions, and mail it with any required payment to the Abandoned Vehicle Unit in Harrisburg to keep your abandoned-vehicle processing compliant and efficient.