PennDOT MV-150C: PA Military Combat Registration Plate Guide

PennDOT MV-150C: PA Military Combat Registration Plate Guide – Pennsylvania honors the service and sacrifice of military personnel through a variety of specialty registration plates. One of the most meaningful options is the U.S. Military Combat Registration Plate, available exclusively through PennDOT Form MV-150C. This official application allows eligible veterans and service members to display recognition for specific combat-related awards on their passenger cars or light trucks.

This guide provides current, accurate information for U.S. residents—especially Pennsylvania drivers—on eligibility, fees, required documentation, personalization options, and the step-by-step application process using Form MV-150C.

What Is PennDOT Form MV-150C?

Form MV-150C is the official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) application titled “Application for U.S. Military Combat Registration Plate.” It is used solely for vehicles owned or co-owned by a veteran or active service member of the Armed Forces of the United States who has been awarded one of the following combat decorations:

  • Combat Action Badge (plate code IN)
  • Combat Infantryman Badge (plate code IO)
  • Combat Action Ribbon (plate code IP)
  • Combat Action Medal (plate code IQ)
  • Combat Medical Badge (plate code IR)

These plates feature the standard Pennsylvania registration plate colors of blue, white, and yellow, along with a graphic of the specific badge, medal, or ribbon. They may only be issued for a passenger car or truck with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds.

Download the official Form MV-150C (PDF) directly from the Pennsylvania government website.

Eligibility Requirements for the US Military Combat Registration Plate

To qualify for any of the five combat plates under Form MV-150C, the applicant must meet these criteria:

  • The vehicle must be owned or co-owned by a veteran or service member who served or is serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.
  • The applicant must have been awarded one of the five qualifying combat awards listed above.
  • The vehicle must be a passenger car or truck with a registered gross weight of 14,000 pounds or less.
  • The vehicle’s registration must be current (or the applicant must simultaneously renew registration).

Proof of eligibility is mandatory. Applicants must submit either:

  • Documentation from the service unit confirming eligibility for the requested plate, or
  • A legible photocopy of Form DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) that clearly shows the award of the specific badge, medal, or ribbon.

Falsifying information on the application is a misdemeanor of the third degree under Pennsylvania law (18 Pa.C.S. § 4904[b]), punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.

Current Fees for Form MV-150C Combat Registration Plates

Fees are set by PennDOT and are subject to periodic adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index. As of the most recent schedule (effective July 1, 2025):

  • First-time issuance fee for each Combat Action Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Action Ribbon, Combat Action Medal, or Combat Medical Badge plate: $28.00
  • Personalization fee (optional): an additional $136.00 (total $164.00 when personalizing)

These fees are in addition to any required vehicle registration renewal fees. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Cash is not accepted.

For the complete and most up-to-date fee schedule, refer to Form MV-70S – Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees.

How to Complete and Submit Form MV-150C?

Follow these steps to apply successfully:

  1. Download the form – Obtain the current version of Form MV-150C from the official PennDOT site using the download link provided earlier.
  2. Select the plate type – Check the box corresponding to the specific combat award you were granted (Combat Action Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, etc.).
  3. Complete Section A – Applicant Information – Provide full legal name, Pennsylvania driver’s license or photo ID number, date of birth, co-owner details (if applicable), current address, and telephone number.
  4. Complete Section B – Military Information – Enter branch of service, dates of active service, and service number.
  5. Complete Section C – Vehicle Information – List the title number, vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration plate number, expiration date, and registered gross weight if applicable.
  6. Optional Section D – Personalization – If desired, request up to five letters and/or numbers. Only one hyphen or space is allowed. A pre-printed “CO” configuration appears on most of these plates and cannot be changed. Use “Ø” for the number zero.
  7. Sign and date Section E – Both the applicant and any co-owner must sign, certifying that all information is true and correct and that eligibility requirements are met.
  8. Attach supporting documents – Include a legible copy of the DD-214 or service unit documentation, plus any registration renewal forms (MV-105 or MV-140) if the registration is expiring soon.
  9. Include payment – Attach a check or money order for the plate fee (and personalization fee if applicable) plus any registration renewal fees.
  10. Mail the complete package to:
    Bureau of Motor Vehicles
    1101 South Front Street
    Harrisburg, PA 17104

Processing times vary. Personalized plates typically take 6–8 weeks after PennDOT receives and approves the application.

Personalization Rules for Combat Registration Plates

Most combat plates issued under Form MV-150C may be personalized. Key restrictions include:

  • Maximum of five letters and/or numbers in combination.
  • Only one hyphen or one space is permitted (not both).
  • No other special characters are allowed.
  • The pre-printed “CO” letters on the plate design cannot be altered.
  • PennDOT reserves the right to reject any configuration that is offensive, misleading, or already in use.

To check availability of a desired configuration before applying, visit the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website and use the personalized plate search tool.

Additional Tips and Common Questions

Can I use the plate on a motorcycle or heavy truck?
No. These plates are restricted to passenger cars and trucks with a registered gross weight of 14,000 pounds or less.

What if my registration is about to expire?
You must renew the registration at the same time. Submit Form MV-105 or MV-140 with the appropriate renewal fee along with Form MV-150C.

Is the plate transferable?
The special combat plate stays with the vehicle while it remains registered to the eligible owner. If the vehicle is sold, the plate must be returned or transferred according to PennDOT rules.

Where can I find more military plate options?
PennDOT offers many other U.S. Military and veteran plates. Review the official U.S. Military Registration Plates Fact Sheet for a complete list and required forms.

Official Resources and Contact Information

Always verify the most current version of forms and fees on the official Pennsylvania government website before submitting your application. Using outdated information can result in processing delays or rejection.

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