Registration plates may only be deemed illegible by a Certified Safety Inspector, law enforcement official, or PennDOT authorized Online Messenger Service.
Illegible: one or more numbers or letters cannot be recognized from 50 feet, or the registration plate shows blistering, peeling, discoloration or loss of reflectivity.
Registration plate: the registrant must continue to use the registration plate they have in their possession until the new replacement plate is received.
Processing: typically, the new plate is received by the registrant within ten days of processing their request.
Out-of-state address: if changing the address to an out-of-state address, you must also complete and submit Form MV-8 and qualify for an out-of-state address.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Form MV-46 |
| Form Length | 2 pages |
| Fillable? | Yes |
| Fillable fields | 62 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 11 min |
| Edition | 7-25 |
| Where to send | Bureau of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 68593, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8593 |
| Who signs | The applicant, and the co-applicant if applicable |
| Matches the agency's file | Yes, checked October 2, 2026 |
| Other names | MV-46, MV46, MV 46, MV-46 form, Pennsylvania MV-46, Application for Replacement of Illegible Registration Plate |
| Official source | Form MV-46 (Rev 7-25), Bureau of Motor Vehicles |
MV-46 Form isn’t the one you’re looking for?