Replacing a Lost Registration in Pennsylvania
Finding out your registration is missing is never a joyous moment, and having to take time out of your already busy day to replace it can complicate things even more.
Luckily, The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) makes the replacement process fairly simple. Keep reading for details!
How to Get a Duplicate PA Registration
In order to be compliant with Pennsylvania law, you need to apply for a replacement registration as soon as possible. PennDOT allows you to replace your registration online or by mail.
If you want to apply in person, contact your local PennDOT office for information.
Replace Registration Online
When you replace your registration online, you’ll need to print your duplicate registration card on your own. You will NOT receive a card by mail, so make sure you have access to a printer before you begin the process.
To use Pennsylvania’s online vehicle services system, you will need your:
- Title number and plate number to log in.
- Car insurance information.
- Vehicle’s odometer reading.
- Driver’s license number (if you need to change your address).
- Debit or credit card to pay the $7 replacement registration fee*.
- The fee is $2 if you are also replacing a registration plate.
Once you’ve provided all the necessary information and fees, you’ll be able to print your new PA registration card!
*NOTE: Your fee is waived:
- If you are ordering a duplicate registration card because you never received the original within 90 days of its issuance date.
- There is a printing error of your duplicate registration and you request another duplicate.
Replace Registration By Mail
To replace your Pennsylvania vehicle registration by mail, you’ll need to submit a:
- Completed Application for Duplicate Registration Card, Replacement of Registration Plate or Weight Class Sticker (Form MV-44).
- If your current address is different from that on your original registration, fill out the application’s change of address section AND a Self Certification for Proof Residency (Form MV-8) if your new address is out-of-state.
- Check or money order for the $7 replacement fee*, made payable to “The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
- The fee is $2 if you are also replacing a registration plate.
Mail the required items above to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68593
Harrisburg, PA 17106
After PennDOT receives and approves your application, you should receive your new registration in the mail.
*NOTE: If you are ordering a duplicate registration card because you never received the original within 90 days of its issuance date, your fee is waived.
Avoiding Registration Penalties
If an officer pulls you over before you receive your duplicate registration, you can avoid penalties by providing EITHER:
- An affidavit stating that:
- The registration was lost or stolen within the last 20 days.
AND - You applied for a replacement within 48 hours of learning the registration card was missing.
- The registration was lost or stolen within the last 20 days.
- Provide a valid registration card to the arresting officer or issuing authority within 5 days of the violation.
If you have further questions about lost registration penalties, give the PA Department of Transportation a call at (717) 412-5300.