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:

  • 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.
    OR
  • 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. 

Forms

MV-8
Self Certification for Proof of Residency Form
Use this form to certify your residency when applying for a PA car registration if your home address is located out-of-state (due to military service or work).
MV-44
Application for Duplicate Registration Card, Replacement of Registration Plate or Weight Class Sticker
Application for duplicate Pennsylvania registration card, license plates, OR weight class sticker.
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