PA Vehicle Tag & Specialty Plate

Apply for license plate or in-transit temps.

Choose Shield Driving Center for fast, friendly, and reliable service when it comes to your tags and plates. Whether you're applying for a specialty plate or in-transit temps, the process simple and stress-free — no long lines, no guesswork.

As an independent service provider, we are dedicated to processing your requests promptly and correctly. However, please understand that final processing times are set by PennDOT and may vary.

We support your multilingual needs with translation services in more than 30 languages!

License Plates

Whether you're registering a new vehicle or just need a fresh set, we're here to make the process of getting and maintaining your standard license plates as smooth as possible. Feel free to contact us with any questions or to begin your service.

The Process

New Vehicle Registration: When you purchase a new or used vehicle, obtaining your standard license plates is typically part of the initial registration process. We can help you secure your initial Pennsylvania registration and plates quickly and efficiently. For your convenience, we can even issue temporary tags on the spot, allowing you to drive your new vehicle immediately.
Annual Renewals: Standard plates require annual renewal to remain valid. We offer fast processing of your annual renewals, providing you with a new sticker for your rear plate and an updated registration card immediately so you can maintain continuous compliance.
Replacements: If your existing standard plates, registration card, or validation sticker are lost, stolen, damaged, or become illegible, you'll need to apply for replacements.

When you get your standard license plates, you'll receive:

Physical License Plates (usually two, one for the front and one for the rear, though some vehicles may only require a rear plate)
Official Registration Card (which you should always carry in your vehicle)
Validation Sticker (for your rear license plate, indicating the current registration period)

View PennDOT Registration Fees

Commonly Used Forms

MV-50: Request a Replacement Plate or Card

for replacement of a registration card or license plate that was never received

MV-46: Request a Replacement Plate

for replacement of an illegible license plate

MV-44: Request a Duplicate Card, Replacement Plate, or Weight Sticker

for requesting a duplicate registration card or a replacement license plate replacement for one that was lost, stolen, or defaced

Personalized, Special Fund, or Organization Plates

Want your car to show off who you are or what you care about? Pennsylvania's specialty license plates let you do just that! These plates look different from regular ones and often have a special design. They usually cost a bit extra, but they're a great way to personalize your ride.

Types of Specality Plates

Personalized (Vanity) Plates: Choose a custom letter/number combination that reflects your name, business, hobby, or personality. Check if your idea is available.
Special Fund Plates: Support a cause by helping to raise money and awareness for programs like wildlife preservation, first responders, veterans’ services, and more.
Special Organization Plates: Show your loyalty and pride for groups you are a member of like colleges, professional associations, firefighter/EMS organizations, and civic groups.

Things to Keep in Mind:

Allow 8-10 weeks for delivery.
Your vehicle needs to have currently registration. The extra fee for the specialty plate doesn't cover your yearly registration renewal.
PennDOT has rules about what you can and can't put on personalized plates. They won't allow anything offensive.

At Shield Driving Center, we make it easy to turn your license plate into a statement. We can help you apply for Pennsylvania’s specialty license plates with ease.

View Specialty Plate Options

Commonly Used Forms

MV-911: Apply for a Special Fund Plate

for obtaining a Wild Resource Conservation Fund, Pennsylvania Zoological Council Fund, Preserve Our Heritage, Pennsylvania Monuments, Pollinator Conservation, or Pennsylvania Sportsman specialty license plate

MV-904: Apply for a Personalized License Plate

for obtaining a custom plate configuration (up to 7 letters/numbers, depending on the plate type)

Collectible Plates

Own a classic ride? Celebrate it with an official Pennsylvania Collectible License Plate — perfect for showcasing your vehicle's uniqueness and turning heads wherever you go. At Shield Driving Center, we make the process quick, clear, and convenient.

Personalized is also available for an additional fee. Check if your idea is available.

Vehicle Eligibility

At least 15 years old
Maintained in or restored to original or improved condition
Not your primary means of transportation

A collectible plate isn't just a registration — it’s a badge of honor for your vehicle. It adds value, validates your car’s unique status, and connects you to a community of enthusiasts. Avoid confusion at the DMV, let Shield Driving Center ensure everything is submitted correction so you can focus on enjoying your ride.

Commonly Used Forms

MV-11: Apply for a Collectible License Plate

for a permanent antique, classic, or collectible license plate

MV-426B: Title a Vehicle with Unique Circumstances

for titling vehicles with unique circumstances such as collectible, reconstructed, specially constructed, modified, street rods, flood, theft, etc.

Military Plates

Show your pride in your service with an official Pennsylvania military license plate. Whether you're active duty, a veteran, or a family member honoring someone who served, our team at Shield Driving Center is here to make the process simple and stress-free.

Most US Military registration plates may be personalized for an additional fee. Check if your idea is available.

Eligibility

Veterans and retirees of all military branches
Medal recipients (e.g., Purple Heart, Bronze Star)
Reservists and National Guard members
Family members of fallen service members

Stop by Shield Driving Center or contact us today to get started on your military license plate application. We're proud to support those who served and happy to help you determine which plate you are eligible and complete the application.

View Military Plate Options

Commonly Used Forms

MV-150P: Apply for a Military Plate with Honnors

for a vehicle owned or co-owned by a Veteran or service member who served or is serving in the Armed Forces of the United States who received a military honor (POW, Purple Heart, Star, etc.)

MV-150C: Apply for a Military Combat Plate

for a vehicle owned or co-owned by a Veteran or service member who served or is serving in the Armed Forces of the United States with combat distinction

MV-150V: Apply for a Veteran Plate

for a vehicle owned or co-owned by a Veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States

MV-150AD: Apply for an Active Duty Plate

for a vehicle owned or co-owned by a service member who is currently serving on active or reserve duty in the Armed Forces of the United States or the PA National Guard

In-Transit Vehicle Tags (Temps)

Just bought a car, truck, or motorcycle in Pennsylvania and need a temporary registration to get it home or to your next destination? An in-transit tag provides you with a temporary registration valid for 60 days. This allows you to legally operate your newly acquired vehicle while you complete the necessary title and registration paperwork in Pennsylvania or your home state.

Please Bring the Following

Pennsylvania Title for Your New Vehicle
Important: Pennsylvania titles require the seller's signature to be notarized. Please ensure the seller comes with their valid driver's license or state-issued photo ID for on-site notarization, OR the title is already notarized. You'll receive your original PA title back to complete your home state's DMV process.
Valid Out-of-State Driver's License or State-Issued Photo ID
Current Auto Insurance Card or Declarations Page Showing You as a Listed Driver