PennDOT MV-551 | PA Apportioned Registration Schedule B – Form MV-551, officially titled the Pennsylvania Apportioned Registration Application – Schedule B, is a critical document issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Motor Vehicles. It is used by commercial motor carriers operating under the International Registration Plan (IRP) to report fleet mileage by jurisdiction when applying for or renewing apportioned registration for multiple vehicles.
This form works together with Form MV-550 (Schedule A) for fleets with more than one vehicle. Accurate completion of MV-551 ensures proper calculation of registration fees based on actual distance traveled across IRP member jurisdictions in the United States and Canada.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-551?
Form MV-551 is the mileage schedule required for Pennsylvania-based apportioned (IRP) accounts with multiple vehicles. Under the Full Reciprocity Plan (FRP) adopted by the IRP effective January 1, 2015, registrants report actual distance traveled in each jurisdiction during the previous reporting period (July 1 through June 30). The form captures this data so PennDOT can apportion registration fees proportionally among the jurisdictions where the fleet operated.
Key points about Form MV-551:
- It is required for multi-vehicle fleets (use Form MV-550A instead for a single vehicle).
- New fleets without prior distance history pay fees based on the Average Per Vehicle Distance (APVD) Chart in the first year.
- Renewing fleets must list actual miles traveled in each jurisdiction.
- The form includes options to merge existing fleets and declare the type of operation.
- Current version is MV-551 (2-25).
Official guidance is detailed in PennDOT Publication 181, the Apportioned Registration Program Manual.
Who Needs to File Form MV-551?
You must complete Form MV-551 if you are establishing or renewing a Pennsylvania apportioned registration account for a fleet of two or more vehicles that qualify as apportionable under the IRP. An apportionable vehicle is generally a power unit that:
- Has a gross or registered weight exceeding 26,000 pounds, or
- Has three or more axles regardless of weight, or
- Is used in combination when the combination exceeds 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight,
and travels (or is intended to travel) in two or more IRP member jurisdictions for the transportation of persons for hire or primarily for the transportation of property.
Vehicles or combinations of 26,000 pounds or less with two axles may be apportioned optionally. Charter buses operating interstate are also required to obtain apportioned registration or trip permits.
Applicants must have an established place of business or residency in Pennsylvania (or be leased to a Pennsylvania-based motor carrier responsible for safety).
How to Complete Form MV-551 – Step-by-Step Instructions?
Follow these instructions carefully. Incomplete or inaccurate forms may be returned or delayed.
Section A – Applicant Information
Provide the registrant or business name, business account TIN/EIN number, and the registration year. Include the account number if you already have an established apportioned account.
Merge Fleet Option
At the top of the form, check “YES” or “NO” if you wish to merge multiple existing fleets into one. PennDOT recommends merging at renewal time. Merging outside of renewal may result in reassessment of fees on all vehicles in the new fleet.
Section B – Jurisdiction Distance Information
List the actual mileage traveled in each jurisdiction during the previous reporting period (July 1 through June 30). Leave the box blank for any jurisdiction where no distance was accrued.
Under the Full Reciprocity Plan:
- New fleets: Distance is calculated using the Average Per Vehicle Distance Chart. All IRP jurisdictions appear on the cab card.
- Renewing fleets: Report only actual distance traveled. Fees are based solely on jurisdictions where travel occurred.
Note: Mileage entered for non-IRP participants (Alaska, Mexico, and Northwest Territories) is not used to calculate registration fees.
Type of Operation
Check the box that best describes your operation, such as:
- Haul for Hire
- Private Carrier
- Exempt Carrier
- Household Goods Carrier
- Passenger Carrier
- Rental Company (less than 60 days or over 60 days)
- Exempt Commodity (specify)
Section C – Signature and Certification
The owner or authorized representative must sign, print their title, and date the form. By signing, you certify that:
- The information is true and correct.
- The vehicles are motor carrier vehicles with valid safety inspections.
- You will preserve operational records (including Individual Vehicle Distance Records) for three registration years for audit purposes.
An acceptable Individual Vehicle Distance Record must include trip dates, origin/destination, odometer readings, total trip miles, miles by jurisdiction, unit/VIN, fleet number, trailer number, registrant name, and driver signature or name.
Required Supporting Documents
When submitting Form MV-551 with Form MV-550 (and MV-556 for new accounts), include:
- Proof of established place of business or residency in Pennsylvania (three identifying documents matching the account address; P.O. boxes are not acceptable for physical addresses).
- Title applications or proof of ownership (Pennsylvania title, out-of-state title, or MSO as applicable).
- Proof of payment of IRS Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290 Schedule 1) for vehicles 55,000 pounds or more.
- Current full liability insurance (non-trucking/bobtail insurance is not accepted).
- Current lease agreement if the vehicle is leased to a different motor carrier responsible for safety (MCRS).
- USDOT number and TIN for the motor carrier responsible for safety.
Where and How to Submit Form MV-551
Mail completed forms and supporting documents to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Commercial Registration Section
P.O. Box 68286
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8286
In-person processing is available at the PennDOT Riverfront Office Center, 1101 South Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104 (hours typically 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday). Same-day service may be available for complete applications.
For renewals, PennDOT generally mails a renewal invitation at least three months before the fleet expiration date. If you do not receive it, complete Forms MV-550 and MV-551 (or MV-550A for single vehicles) and submit them.
Contact the PennDOT Customer Call Center at 717-412-5300 (TTY: 711) with your account number ready for assistance.
Download the Official Form MV-551 PDF
Download the current official Pennsylvania Apportioned Registration Application – Schedule B (Form MV-551) directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website:
Download PennDOT Form MV-551 (PDF)
Always download the latest version from the official source to ensure you have the most current instructions and layout.
Related Forms and Resources
- Form MV-550 – Apportioned Registration Application – Schedule A (vehicle details for multi-vehicle fleets)
- Form MV-550A – Registration Application Schedule for New Account or Renewal (Single Vehicle Only)
- Form MV-556 – New Apportioned Account and Change of Address Requirements
- PUB 181 – Apportioned Registration Program Manual
- PennDOT Apportioned Registration Program page
- Apportioned Registration FAQs
- International Registration Plan (IRP) official site
Record-Keeping and Audit Requirements
Pennsylvania IRP registrants must maintain operational records supporting the mileage reported on Form MV-551 for a period of three registration years (records may need to be retained longer for related audits). PennDOT audits approximately three percent of renewed fleets annually to verify distance reported against Individual Vehicle Distance Records, trip logs, and related documents. Inaccurate reporting can result in adjusted fees and additional assessments.
Detailed record-keeping requirements are outlined in the fact sheet on the Pennsylvania Apportioned Vehicle Audit Program and in PUB 181.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form MV-551
Do I need Form MV-551 for a single vehicle?
No. Use Form MV-550A for single-vehicle new accounts or renewals.
What is the reporting period for mileage?
July 1 through June 30 of the year preceding the registration year.
Can I merge fleets on this form?
Yes. Check the Merge Fleet box. It is recommended to do so at renewal.
Where can I get help completing the form?
Contact the PennDOT Customer Call Center at 717-412-5300 or visit the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg. Review PUB 181 for comprehensive guidance.
Are electronic cab cards accepted?
Yes. IRP jurisdictions accept electronic images of cab cards. PennDOT may email credentials, but the registrant must still sign them (per Pennsylvania Vehicle Code) and may upload the signed version electronically or keep a paper copy.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-551 (Pennsylvania Apportioned Registration Application – Schedule B) is essential for multi-vehicle IRP fleets based in the Commonwealth. By accurately reporting jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction mileage for the prior July 1–June 30 period, carriers ensure correct fee apportionment under the Full Reciprocity Plan and maintain compliance with IRP and PennDOT requirements.