What Is a Temporary License Plate in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania issues a temporary registration plate, temporary registration card, and temporary registration permit as a set under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1310.1. Together, they allow road use while PennDOT processes the permanent registration.
Licensed dealers, manufacturers, full agents, and the PennDOT Bureau of Motor Vehicles issue these documents. Card agents only handle plate transfers and do not issue new temporary plates.
The plate itself is metal for in-state registrations or cardboard for out-of-state transport. The temporary registration permit is a paper sticker on the windshield, attached to the lower left rear window.
What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Pennsylvania?
| Class | Official Name | Trigger | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-State | Temporary Registration Plate (Metal) | Application for Title and Registration in PA | Dealer, Full Agent, or Bureau |
| Out-of-State Transport | Temporary Registration Plate (Cardboard) | Vehicle Purchased in PA for Another State | Dealer, Full Agent, or Bureau |
| Transporter | Transporter Registration Plate | Dealer or Manufacturer Transport | PennDOT Bureau |
PennDOT may allow a one-time extension of the temporary registration card by fax request from the initial issuing agent under 67 Pa. Code § 43.5.
When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Pennsylvania?
- A dealer must issue a temporary registration plate upon delivery for each vehicle sold with a new title application in Pennsylvania.
- An out-of-state buyer purchasing a vehicle in Pennsylvania receives a cardboard temporary registration plate to transport the vehicle home under 67 Pa. Code § 43.6.
- A full agent issues a temporary registration plate when processing a title transfer or title conversion from another state for a PA resident.
- Dealers and manufacturers use transporter registration plates to move unregistered inventory; a temporary plate is not required for this use.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Pennsylvania?
- Gather the vehicle title (or out-of-state title), proof of Pennsylvania insurance, valid photo ID, and applicable fees.
- Visit a licensed dealer at the point of sale, an authorized PennDOT full agent, or the Riverfront PennDOT Office Center in Harrisburg.
- Complete Form MV-1, Application for Certificate of Title, with the agent or dealer.
- Pay the title, registration, and plate fees (see the fees section below).
- Receive the metal or cardboard plate and windshield permit at the counter.
The PennDOT transfer page details the MV-1 Form requirements for out-of-state titles.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Pennsylvania?
| Class | Fee | Automation / Additional | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Temporary Plate | $20.00 (agent’s plate cost) | None | Buyer (via agent markup) |
| Cardboard Temporary Plate | $20.00 (agent’s plate cost) | None | Buyer (via agent markup) |
| Transporter Plate | $70.00 annual registration | None | Dealer or Manufacturer |
Authorized agents charge a market service fee in addition to the statutory PennDOT fee as published in the PennDOT fee schedule. The agent’s service fee varies by location.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Pennsylvania?
No. PennDOT does not sell temporary registration plates directly to consumers online.
Agents registered in the Online Registration Program (OLRP) process title and registration through a live connection with PennDOT. OLRP agents can immediately deliver the registration product to the customer at the counter.
The in-person path goes through any authorized full agent or the Riverfront PennDOT Office Center in Harrisburg. For vehicle purchases, the dealer handles issuance at the point of sale.
Buying from a dealer in Pennsylvania is the easiest path; the dealer issues the temporary plate upon delivery without the need for a separate visit.
How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Pennsylvania?
| Class | Validity Period | Mileage or Geographic Restriction | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Temporary Plate | 60 days from issuance | Statewide and IRP jurisdictions | By agent fax request to PennDOT |
| Cardboard Temporary Plate | 30 days from issuance | Transport to destination state | None |
| Transporter Plate | Annual (registration period) | Business use only | Annual renewal |
Driving after expiration triggers prosecution under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1301, which carries a $75 fine or double the registration fee.