PennDOT MV-165: Vertical Motorcycle Plate Application

PennDOT MV-165: Vertical Motorcycle Plate Application – Motorcycle owners in Pennsylvania who prefer a vertical registration plate now have a dedicated option through PennDOT. Form MV-165, officially titled “Application for a Vertical Motorcycle Registration Plate (EQ),” allows eligible riders to request a specially designed plate intended for vertical display only. This guide covers everything U.S. residents need to know about the form, eligibility, fees, application process, and important rules based on current official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) information.

What Is PennDOT Form MV-165?

Form MV-165 is the official application used by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Motor Vehicles to request a vertical motorcycle registration plate. The plate type is designated “EQ.” These plates were authorized under Act 89, signed into law in November 2013, and became available starting February 24, 2014.

The vertical motorcycle plate features the familiar Pennsylvania “Family of Plates” color scheme (blue, white, and yellow). “Pennsylvania” appears at the top, and the letters “MC” appear at the bottom. Standard sequential plates typically begin with the letter “M,” followed by characters, and end with the letter “C.”

Important: A vertical motorcycle registration plate may only be displayed vertically. A standard horizontal motorcycle plate cannot legally be mounted or displayed in a vertical position.

Who Can Apply for a Vertical Motorcycle Registration Plate?

Any owner of a properly titled and currently registered motorcycle in Pennsylvania may apply for a vertical plate using Form MV-165, provided the motorcycle has a vertical plate assembly or mounting that accommodates the vertical design. The plate is issued in sequential number order and cannot include a Person with Disability symbol.

Applicants must complete the form using information that exactly matches their current registration card. Co-owners must also sign when applicable.

Current Fees for Vertical Motorcycle Plates

Fees are set by PennDOT and subject to periodic Consumer Price Index adjustments under Act 89. As of the most recent schedule (Form MV-70S):

• Vertical Motorcycle registration plate issuance fee: $28.00
• Additional fee to personalize the plate: $136.00 (bringing the total with personalization to $164.00)

These fees are one-time issuance charges and are paid in addition to the standard annual or biennial motorcycle registration fee ($25.00 for one year or $50.00 for two years). Duplicate registration cards cost $2.00 each if requested.

Always verify the latest fees on the official Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees (Form MV-70S) before submitting your application, as amounts can change.

How to Complete and Submit Form MV-165

Follow these steps carefully to avoid delays or rejection:

1. Download the current version of Form MV-165 (edition 3-25 or later).
2. Complete Section A with vehicle description and applicant information exactly as it appears on your current registration card (title number, registration plate number, VIN, make, year, owner name(s), address, PA driver’s license or photo ID number, date of birth, and telephone numbers).
3. If requesting personalization, complete Section B with up to three choices. Personalized vertical motorcycle plates may contain a maximum of five letters or numbers in combination. Only one space is permitted; no hyphens or other special characters are allowed. Use capital letters and clearly distinguish the number zero (Ø or mark with a slash).
4. Sign and date Section C. All owners/lessors must sign. By signing, you certify the information is true and correct under penalty of law.
5. Prepare payment by check or money order payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” Do not send cash. Include the correct total fee (issuance + personalization if applicable + any extra registration cards).
6. Mail the completed form and payment to:
   Bureau of Motor Vehicles
   1101 S. Front Street
   Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516

Processing times vary. Personalized plates generally take longer (often 6–8 weeks or more after approval). Once you receive the new plate, return your old registration plate to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Return Tag Unit, P.O. Box 68597, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597, to avoid potential citations.

Personalization Rules for Vertical Motorcycle Plates

Personalization is optional and requires an additional fee. Key restrictions include:

• Maximum of five characters (letters and/or numbers).
• Only one space permitted; the space counts toward the five-character limit.
• No hyphens or special characters.
• PennDOT reserves the right to reject any combination for cause.
• Availability is checked on a first-come, first-served basis. You can preview availability through the official Personalized Registration Plate tool on the PennDOT website, but configurations are not reserved until a completed application and payment are received and approved.

The personalization fee covers only the plate order and does not renew your vehicle registration. If your registration is expired or will expire within three months, include a completed renewal form (MV-105 or MV-140) and a separate payment for the renewal fee.

Important Rules and Restrictions

• Vertical plates may be displayed only in the vertical orientation.
• No refunds are issued if you cancel after the order is placed with the manufacturer.
• Vertical plates cannot carry a Person with Disability symbol.
• Lost, stolen, or defaced plates follow different procedures (typically Form MV-44). Illegible plates may qualify for free replacement under specific conditions using Form MV-46.
• Telephone numbers provided on the form are kept confidential and used only if there is a problem with the application.

Download Pennsylvania Form MV-165

Obtain the official, fillable PDF directly from PennDOT:

Download Form MV-165 – Application for a Vertical Motorcycle Registration Plate (EQ)

Always use the most recent version available on the official Pennsylvania government website to ensure acceptance.

Additional Official Resources

• Official PennDOT page: Apply for a Vertical Motorcycle Registration Plate
• Form MV-70S – Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees
• PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services homepage
• Customer service: 717-412-5300 (TTY: 711)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I display a regular horizontal motorcycle plate vertically?
No. Only plates specifically issued as vertical (via Form MV-165) may be displayed in the vertical position.

Does the $28 fee include registration renewal?
No. The vertical plate fee is a one-time issuance charge separate from the annual or biennial motorcycle registration fee.

How long does it take to receive the plate?
Standard sequential plates typically process faster than personalized ones. Personalized vertical plates often require several weeks after PennDOT processes and approves the application.

What if my registration is about to expire?
Include a completed renewal form and separate payment for the registration fee along with your MV-165 application.

Using the official Form MV-165 and following current PennDOT instructions ensures a smooth process for obtaining a vertical motorcycle registration plate in Pennsylvania. Always confirm the latest form edition, fees, and mailing address on the official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website before submitting your application.