Form MV-44 at a glance
What it is: Form MV-44 is the Application for Duplicate Registration Card or Replacement of Lost, Stolen or Defaced Registration Plate.
Who signs: Both the applicant and co-applicant, if applicable, are required to sign the application when requesting a defaced registration plate.
A filled-in Form MV-44 example: replacing a lost registration card
How to fill out Form MV-44, box by box
Check proper block
For an Application for Duplicate Registration Card(s), complete Sections A, B and D. Fee required, depending on request. Free registration cards are available at www.pa.gov/dmv.
For Replacement of Lost, Stolen or Defaced Registration Plate (Fee required), complete Sections A, B, D and C if applicable. This application will replace your current registration plate with the same style of registration plate. Do not use this application for replacement of dealer or apportioned registration plates.
For Replacement of Lost, Stolen or Defaced Personalized Registration Plate (No Fee), complete Sections A, B, C, and D. This application will replace your current registration plate with the same style and configuration of registration plate, unless it is lost or stolen. If lost or stolen, you must select a new configuration in Section C.
There is a replacement registration plate fee, unless the registration plate is personalized, then it is free.
A. Applicant and vehicle information as listed on current registration card
Complete applicant information exactly as it appears on current registration card.
Enter the Title Number, Vehicle Identification Number, Registration Plate Number, Registration Plate Type and Expiration Date (MO: YR:).
Enter the Last Name (or Full Business Name), First Name, Middle Name, PA DL/Photo ID# or Bus. ID# and Date of Birth.
Under Applicant Last Name, enter the Applicant Last Name, Middle Name, First Name, PA DL/Photo ID# and Date of Birth.
Individuals should list their PA Driver's License (PA DL) or Photo ID # in the space provided.
Owner's Change of Address
Owner's Change of Address: Complete only if different from registration card. 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.
Print address change in space provided, if applicable: the New Street Address and the City, State, Zip Code.
B. Application for duplicate registration card(s) or replacement of
Indicate the reason for the replacement and the desired number of registration cards in Section B: check (ü) the appropriate blocks for REASON: Lost, Stolen, Defaced or Other.
A registration plate is considered to be defaced when the registration plate is damaged by a specific incident such as a traffic accident, cutting, scraping or damage caused by intense cleaning or harmful chemicals.
If the registration plate is lost or stolen, it must be reported to the State Police or your local law enforcement office.
Replacement Registration Card: There is a $2 fee for a replacement registration card. Number of duplicate registration cards requested @ $2 each. (checked October 20, 2026)
Replacement Registration Plate: There is a fee for a replacement registration plate. In conjunction with replacement of your plate, you will receive one registration card. Number of duplicate registration cards requested. NOTE: For a complete listing of motor vehicle fees, refer to Form MV-70S, "Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees," found on the website at www.pa.gov/dmv.
Please make sure to indicate that you are replacing a defaced personalized registration plate on the front of this form.
C. Authorization to replace a lost, stolen or defaced registration plate
On this date, registration plate number on a Year Make has been determined to be lost, stolen or defaced.
By signing this form, the owner or registrant is requesting and will receive a replacement registration plate. There is a fee for a replacement registration plate or it is free if the registration plate was personalized. For personalized registration plate, please ensure the configuration is reflected exactly in the registration plate number boxes, including spaces and dashes. Please also attach a photo of your personalized plate.
Personalized registration plates that are lost or stolen are not able to be replaced with the same configuration. The registration plate will be produced with the new configuration if it is available.
D. Applicant signature
Both the applicant and co-applicant, if applicable, are required to sign the application when requesting a defaced registration plate.
If replacing a registration plate, the owner and the co-owner's signatures are required in Section D.
If the vehicle is owned by a company or a corporation, a letter is required on company letterhead identifying the person who is authorized to sign in Section D to receive the replacement registration plate on behalf of the business.
This letter must be attached to the application before submitting to PennDOT.
Declare under penalty of perjury under the law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, that this is true and correct, and that application was made for the product or that the items as indicated were never received in the mail.
Enter the Signed on the day of, at (county or other location, and state), (country).
Enter the Printed Name of Applicant or Authorized Signer, the Signature of Applicant or Authorized Signer, the Printed Name of Co-Applicant, and the Signature of Co-Applicant/Title of Authorized Signer.
More rules for Form MV-44
If registration plate has not been received within 90 days of issuance, please complete Form MV-50, "Application for Replacement of a Never Received Product.” No fee is due if product was never received in the mail within 90 days from the original issuance date.
The replacement registration plate will take approximately 7-10 business days to receive in the mail from the time PennDOT receives and processes the application.
The registrant MUST continue to use the registration plate they have in their possession until the new replacement plate is received.
When the application is being submitted through an agent/messenger, a legible photocopy of the applicant's valid photo identification (front and back) must be attached.
Common questions about Form MV-44
Where do I file it?
Make check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and mail to the address listed on the front of the application.
Is there a penalty?
Any statement made on or pursuant to this application is subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification), which include criminal prosecution and a term of imprisonment, the maximum of which may be one year, or up to two years. In addition to any other penalty, a person convicted under this section shall be sentenced to pay a fine of at least $1,000 (checked October 20, 2026).
Sources
[1] Form MV-44 (10-25), Application for Duplicate Registration Card or Replacement of Lost, Stolen or Defaced Registration Plate, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (the Official source link on this page).
