Pennsylvania license plate replacements are processed using Form MV-44 and can be completed through PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services centers, PennDOT-authorized notaries, or tag services. The standard replacement fee is $13 per plate.
If your plate is lost, stolen, damaged, or unreadable, replacing it quickly helps protect you from toll violations, traffic citations, and registration issues.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Replacement Form | MV-44 |
| Standard Replacement Fee | $13.00 |
| Online Replacement Available | No |
| In-Person Replacement Available | Yes |
| Mail Replacement Available | Yes |
| Police Report Required | No |
| Police Report Recommended | Yes |
| Front Plate Required | No |
| Rear Plate Required | Yes |
What Shall I Do If My Plate is Lost or Stolen in Pennsylvania?
A stolen Pennsylvania plate can generate camera citations, E-ZPass toll violations, parking tickets, and traffic enforcement actions under your registration record.
Pennsylvania’s major travel corridors, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Interstate 95, and the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, use extensive tolling and enforcement systems. Acting quickly helps limit potential liability.
Step 1: File a Police Report
Contact your local police department or the Pennsylvania State Police and report the theft.
While PennDOT does not require a police report to replace a stolen plate, having one creates an official record and can help dispute future violations connected to the missing plate.
Keep the incident report number for your records.
Step 2: Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance carrier and report the theft.
Provide your policy information and police report number to create an additional record of the incident.
Step 3: Complete Form MV-44
Download and complete Form MV-44 (Application for Duplicate Registration Card, Replacement of Registration Plate, Renewal Sticker or Weight Class Sticker).
The form can be submitted through PennDOT or an authorized tag service.
Step 4: Apply for Replacement Plates
Submit Form MV-44 with:
- Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or state ID
- Proof of Pennsylvania insurance
- Replacement fee payment
Applications may be submitted at a PennDOT center, authorized tag service, notary, or by mail.
Step 5: Monitor for Violations
Continue monitoring:
- E-ZPass notices
- Toll violation letters
- Traffic camera citations
- Parking violations
- Enforcement correspondence
If violations appear after the theft date, your police report and replacement documentation can help support a dispute.
How to Get a Replacement Pennsylvania Plate
In Person at PennDOT Center or Authorized Tag Service
Submit your completed Form MV-44, valid Pennsylvania driver’s license, proof of insurance, and payment at any PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services center or authorized tag service.
PennDOT processes the application and mails replacement plates to the registered owner. Temporary registration documentation may be issued if necessary.
By Mail
Mail the following:
- Completed Form MV-44
- Copy of your Pennsylvania driver’s license
- Proof of insurance
- Check or money order payable to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Mail to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
1101 South Front St
Harrisburg, PA 17104
Allow approximately two to three weeks for processing and delivery.
Documents Needed for Plate Replacement
Required for All Replacements
Before applying, gather:
- Completed Form MV-44
- Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or state ID
- Proof of Pennsylvania liability insurance
- Payment for the replacement fee
Additional Documents for Stolen Plates
For theft-related replacements, it is recommended to have:
- Police report or incident number
- Remaining plate if only one plate is missing
Providing theft documentation can simplify future disputes involving the stolen plate.
Pennsylvania License Plate Replacement Fees
| Fee / Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration plate replacement | $13.00 |
| Duplicate registration card | Contact PennDOT |
| Replacement sticker | Contact PennDOT |
PennDOT may update fees periodically, so verify current costs before submitting your application.
Pennsylvania’s Plate Reissuance Program
PennDOT operates an ongoing plate reissuance program to replace older plates that no longer meet visibility and reflectivity standards.
If your plate series is selected for reissuance, PennDOT automatically mails replacement plates.
Current reissuance groups include certain J-series passenger plates announced in 2024.
Important Things to Know
- Reissued plates are separate from theft or loss replacements
- Your registration expiration date does not change
- New plates should be installed immediately upon receipt
- Old plates are deactivated once replacement plates are issued
What Happens if Your Plate Is Damaged or Unreadable?
Pennsylvania requires license plates to remain clearly visible and legible.
You should replace a plate if it becomes:
- Cracked
- Bent
- Severely faded
- Peeling
- Difficult to read
Driving with an unreadable plate can result in citations and registration complications.