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Central Registration Plate Reissuance Frequently Asked Questions

1. ​ Why is my plate being replaced?
2. My plate looks fine, it is not peeling or bubbling, why does it need replaced?
3. I like my plate configuration, can I keep it?
4. What should I do with my old plate when I recieve the new one?
5. What do I need to do?
6. Will my registration expiration date change?
7. My registration is going to expire soon, what should I do?
8. It has been more than 5 weeks since I received the letter telling me to expect a new registration plate and I have not received it. What should I do?

1.​ Why is my plate being replaced?

PennDOT's last general reissuance of license plates occurred in the 1999/2000 timeframe. Since then, customers have been permitted to keep their license plates and asked to replace them when they became worn or unreadable. Your plate is among those whose life expectancy has been reached and our records indicate that you are due for a replacement plate, which will be provided at no charge to you. The standard issue passenger registration plates currently being replaced were originally issued during the previous reissuance program in the 1999/2000 timeframe.  They are among the oldest plates on the road today.

2. My plate looks fine, it is not peeling or bubbling, why does it need replaced?

Some of the plates that are still in circulation are over 20 years old and, although the vinyl covering may still be intact, the components that make it reflective at night were not designed to be effective for that much time. Your plate may have lost its reflective properties making it harder to read, especially at night.

3. I like my plate configuration, can I keep it?

If you want to keep your current registration plate's configuration, you must request that it be remade as a personalized plate. Please complete form MV-904 and submit it with all required fees to the address on the form. 

4. What should I do with my old plate when I recieve the new one?

We recommended that the customer return the old plate to the department by sending it to Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Return Tag Unit, P.O. Box 68597, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597. You can also destroy the plate yourself and have it recycled. Retaining the old plate could open the registered owner to fines or legal actions should the plate be stolen and used by another person.

5. What do I need to do?

If you have received a letter from PennDOT letting you know that your plate is to be replaced, watch for the new registration plate in the mail and place it on your vehicle immediately upon receipt. Please keep the letter you received regarding the replacement of your registration plate with your registration card until you receive your new registration card and registration plate in the mail.  Once issued, the new registration plate is your active registration and you will need to present the letter with your current credentials while it is in transit to prove valid registration.

6. Will my registration expiration date change?

No, your current registration expiration date will remain the same.

7. My registration is going to expire soon, what should I do?

You may try to renew through PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services' website. If you get an error message saying "The information you provided does not match our records. If your information was typed incorrectly, please try again.", please double check your entry, and if correct, your new registration license plate is in the mail. You may renew after you receive the new registration license plate.

If you are renewing through the mail – Go ahead and submit the renewal as usual.

If you plan to renew by visiting an agent – They should be able to assist you.

Please Note: If you allow your registration to expire before your new plate is issued, your old plate will not be replaced. 

8. It has been more than 5 weeks since I received the letter telling me to expect a new registration plate and I have not received it. What should I do?

Email ra-pdplatereissuance@pa.gov and provide your title number, registration license plate number and contact information. You can also call (717) 787-2171 with your current registration card ready to provide this information.

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