PennDOT MV-552A Form – PA Apportioned Registration Guide

PennDOT MV-552A Form – PA Apportioned Registration Guide – Pennsylvania motor carriers operating under the International Registration Plan (IRP) rely on Form MV-552A, the Apportioned Registration Supplement Application, to make changes to existing apportioned fleets. Issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Motor Vehicles, this form is essential for adding vehicles, deleting units, transferring plates, updating weights, or correcting information during the registration year.

Whether you manage a large commercial fleet or a smaller operation based in Pennsylvania, understanding how to properly complete and submit Form MV-552A helps avoid processing delays and keeps your vehicles legally registered across IRP member jurisdictions in the United States and Canada.

What Is PennDOT Form MV-552A?

Form MV-552A is the official PennDOT document used as a supplement to existing apportioned registration accounts. It is not used to open a new account. Instead, current apportioned registrants use it for mid-year or renewal-related changes to their fleet.

According to official PennDOT guidance, the form supports transactions such as:

Adding one or more vehicles to an existing apportioned fleet
Deleting vehicles that are no longer operated
Transferring registration plates between vehicles
Increasing registered weight
Correcting or updating vehicle or account information

The current version of the form is MV-552A (2-25). You can download the official fillable PDF directly from PennDOT here: Download PennDOT Form MV-552A (PDF).

When Do You Need to File Form MV-552A?

You must submit Form MV-552A in these common situations:

Adding a newly purchased or leased vehicle to your Pennsylvania-based IRP fleet
Removing a sold, junked, or permanently out-of-service vehicle
Transferring an existing apportioned plate to a different vehicle
Increasing the gross vehicle weight or combination weight on a currently registered unit
Updating applicant information, insurance details, or other fleet data
Making changes at the time of annual renewal when vehicles do not appear on the pre-printed renewal schedule

PennDOT specifically directs carriers to use MV-552A when adding vehicles during the registration year or when correcting information on a renewal application. For new accounts, carriers must use Forms MV-550/MV-550A, MV-551, and MV-556 instead.

Key Sections of Form MV-552A Explained

The form is divided into clear sections. Completing each one accurately is critical for timely processing.

Section A – Applicant Information

Provide your existing apportioned account number, legal name of the applicant exactly as it appears on the account, business address, and mailing address (if different). Include:

USDOT number
TIN/EIN
Contact person name and telephone/fax numbers
Email address (check the box if you want credentials emailed upon payment)
Registration year

Select the appropriate transaction type (New Vehicle Only, Lease Buy Out, Registration Transfer with Weight Increase, Increase Weight, Correct Information/Update, Delete Only, etc.).

Section B – Weights

Enter the maximum registered weight requested for each IRP jurisdiction in which the vehicle(s) will operate. Under the Full Reciprocity Plan (FRP), cab cards list all jurisdictions, but fees continue to be based on actual distance traveled in the prior reporting period.

Section C – Vehicle Additions

For each vehicle being added, supply:

Title number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Equipment number, year, make, body type (TR – Tractor, TK – Truck, BS – Bus), axles, seats, and fuel type
Unladen/chassis weight, gross vehicle weight, and gross combination weight
Purchase price, purchase date, and factory price
Vehicle owner/lessor name if leased
Pennsylvania registration plate number (if transferring an existing plate for credit)
Utah Spec Truck indicator and Colorado Miles indicator when applicable
Whether the vehicle is a wrecker and whether the motor carrier responsible for safety will change during the year

If the vehicle is leased, attach a current lease agreement and identify the USDOT number and TIN/EIN of the carrier responsible for safety.

Section D – Delete or Transfer

Indicate whether the action is a deletion or transfer. Provide the equipment number, VIN, and current registration plate number of the affected vehicle. When deleting a vehicle, the physical plate must be returned to PennDOT’s Commercial Registration Section. Once a plate has been used or a temporary credential issued, no refund is available.

Section E – Insurance and Acknowledgement

List full liability insurance information (NAIC number, company name, policy number, effective and expiration dates). Non-trucking or bobtail policies are not accepted. Sign and date the form. The signature acknowledges compliance with financial responsibility and motor carrier safety requirements.

Required Supporting Documents

When submitting Form MV-552A, include the following as applicable:

Certificate of title (or out-of-state title with VIN verification and weight verification by an authorized Pennsylvania agent)
Current lease agreement if the vehicle is leased to a different motor carrier responsible for safety
Proof of Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) payment for vehicles 55,000 pounds or more (IRS Form 2290 Schedule 1)
Proof of full liability insurance
Returned registration plate when deleting a vehicle

Out-of-state titled vehicles generally require a VIN tracing and weight verification performed by a certified Pennsylvania inspection mechanic, notary employed by a manufacturer/dealer, or authorized full agent.

How to Submit Form MV-552A?

Mail the completed form and all supporting documents to:

Commercial Registration Section
P.O. Box 68286
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8286

Same-day service is available at the PennDOT Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg for complete applications. Temporary Authority (TA) agents can also accept and forward applications; temporary credentials issued by TA agents are typically valid for 60 days.

For questions, contact PennDOT at 717-412-5300 or visit the official Apportioned Registration Program page: PennDOT Apportioned Registration Program.

Related PennDOT Forms and Resources

Carriers frequently use these companion forms:

Additional official resources include the Apportioned Registration FAQs and the International Registration Plan website.

Tips for Smooth Processing

Double-check that the account number and applicant name match PennDOT records exactly.
Use red ink when making corrections on pre-printed renewal documents.
Ensure weight declarations do not exceed the weight shown on the vehicle title.
Keep detailed distance records (equipment number, date, origin/destination, odometer readings, and routes) for audit purposes.
Request electronic credentials by checking the email option on the form when available.

Download Form MV-552A Now

Stay compliant and keep your fleet moving. Download the latest official Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-552A – Apportioned Registration Supplement Application:

Download Official MV-552A PDF from PennDOT

For the most current requirements, always refer to the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website at www.pa.gov/dmv or call 717-412-5300 (TTY: 711).