FAQs
Thinking of junking your car in Pennsylvania? From junking with liens to surrendering plates, get expert support from Wheelsaway!
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Pennsylvania License Plate Surrender Guide
Get free guidance on returning your Pennsylvania license plate, including return options and PennDOT requirements.
Quick Navigation
PennDOT Plate Return Information
View contact information, hours, mailing details, fees, and links.
Phone
TTY / Relay 711
Hours
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat–Sun: Closed
Mailing Address
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Return Tag Unit
P.O. Box 68597
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597
Return Tag Unit
P.O. Box 68597
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597
Fees
$0
License Plate Return
Helpful Tip
Consider using a trackable mailing method so you have proof that your plate was sent.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow this general process to surrender your Pennsylvania license plate.
Confirm You Need to Return Your Plate
You should return your Pennsylvania plate if:
- You sold or transferred your vehicle and aren’t transferring the plate.
- You moved out of Pennsylvania and received a plate from your new state.
- You canceled insurance and aren’t replacing the coverage.
- PennDOT requires the plate as part of a registration suspension.
Planning to register another vehicle soon? You may be able to transfer your existing plate instead of returning it.
Prepare Your Plate & Documents
Gather your plate and any documents required for your situation before sending them to PennDOT.
- Remove your Pennsylvania registration plate.
- Include your registration card when required.
- Complete Form MV-141 if it applies to your surrender.
- Include any PennDOT notice related to an insurance lapse or registration suspension.
Send Your Plate to PennDOT
Surrender your plate in person at an authorized tag and title location or by mail to PennDOT’s Return Tag Unit.
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Return Tag Unit
P.O. Box 68597
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597
Return Tag Unit
P.O. Box 68597
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597
Helpful Tip: Consider using a trackable mailing method so you have proof that your plate was sent.
Save Proof of Return
Save your receipt, tracking information, or other proof that your plate was returned.
- Once received, PennDOT marks the plate as a dead tag on the vehicle record.
- Save any receipt or return confirmation.
- Follow any additional PennDOT requirements for your situation.
Important: If you’re returning your plate because insurance was canceled, PennDOT may require the plate and registration card within 30 days to avoid a registration suspension.
Select Your Situation
Choose your situation to learn about any additional requirements or special considerations.
I Sold My Car
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Pennsylvania plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle.
- Remove the plate from the vehicle.
- Transfer it to another eligible vehicle, if applicable.
- Otherwise, surrender the plate to PennDOT.
- Save your mailing or tracking information.
I’m Moving Out of State
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Return your Pennsylvania plate after moving if it isn’t being transferred.
- Get your new state’s registration and plate.
- Remove your Pennsylvania plate.
- Surrender your Pennsylvania plate to PennDOT.
- Save proof that you mailed it.
My Vehicle Was Totaled
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If your vehicle is totaled, remove the Pennsylvania plate before it leaves your possession.
- Remove the plate from the vehicle.
- Transfer it if you’re eligible to use it on another vehicle.
- Otherwise, return it to PennDOT.
- Follow PennDOT’s requirements if you’re canceling insurance.
Lost or Stolen Plates
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If your Pennsylvania plate is lost or stolen, report it to state or local law enforcement.
- Report the missing plate to law enforcement.
- Complete Form MV-44 if you need a replacement.
- Include the required fee when applicable.
- Keep the police report or incident information for your records.
I’m Canceling Insurance
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Important: If you cancel insurance without replacement coverage, PennDOT must receive your plate and registration card within 30 days.
- Remove your Pennsylvania plate.
- Include your registration card.
- Surrender both to PennDOT using an accepted return method.
- Save your receipt or other proof of return.
Registration Suspended
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If you’re serving a registration suspension, surrendering your plate and registration card may be required to begin receiving suspension credit.
- Follow the instructions in your PennDOT suspension notice.
- Surrender your plate and registration card as directed.
- Save your receipt or proof of surrender.
- Complete restoration steps before registering again.
Important Things to Remember
Keep these important reminders in mind before surrendering your Pennsylvania license plate.
Insurance Has a 30-Day Rule
PennDOT must receive your plate and registration card within 30 days of canceling insurance.
Save Proof of Return
Keep your mailing receipt or tracking information in case you need to verify when your plate was sent.
Plates Become Dead Tags
Once received, PennDOT marks the returned plate as a dead tag on the vehicle record.
Transfer or Return
If you’re transferring your plate, don’t return it. Otherwise, return it to PennDOT when no longer needed.
FAQs
No. Form MV-141 is only required in certain situations. Depending on why you’re surrendering your plate, you may be able to return the plate without the form.
Yes. PennDOT advised that plates can be surrendered in person at certain tag and title locations or in Harrisburg. You can also return your plate by mail.
If you cancel insurance without replacement coverage, PennDOT must receive your plate and registration card within 30 days. Otherwise, you may face a three-month registration suspension.
Yes. PennDOT advised that the fee to transfer a registration plate is $11. Current fees can be checked on PennDOT’s MV-70S fee schedule.
Pennsylvania Resource Center
Everything you need to junk a car in Pennsylvania, from paperwork and titles to pricing and expert advice.
No title for your car in Pennsylvania? Learn what paperwork you’ll need and how Wheelsaway makes the process simple from start to finish. How much your junk car is worth in Pennsylvania? We break down pricing factors, recycling advantages, and the parts that pay the most.
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