How Much Does It Cost to Get a License Plate in Pennsylvania in 2025?

Factors That Influence the Total License Plate Cost in Pennsylvania

The cost of obtaining a license plate in Pennsylvania is influenced by several factors, which include:

• Type of Vehicle: Different vehicle types, such as passenger cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles, have varying registration fees.
• Type of License Plate: Standard, specialty, and personalized plates have different costs associated with them.
• Duration of Registration: The length of time for which the registration is valid can affect the total cost.
• County of Registration: Some counties may have additional fees or taxes that impact the overall cost.
• Additional Services: Services such as expedited processing or mailing may incur extra charges.

Specialty License Plates in Pennsylvania

Specialty license plates in Pennsylvania offer vehicle owners the opportunity to support various causes or organizations. These plates often come with additional fees, which are typically used to fund the associated cause or organization. Examples of specialty plates include:

• Organizational Plates: Available for members of certain organizations, these plates often require proof of membership.
• Military Plates: Available to veterans and active-duty military personnel, these plates may have specific eligibility requirements.
• Charitable Plates: These plates support various charitable causes, with a portion of the fee going to the respective charity.

The cost for specialty plates generally includes:

• Initial Fee: Ranges from $25 to $50, depending on the plate type.
• Annual Contribution: Some plates require an additional annual contribution to the associated cause.

Personalized License Plates in Pennsylvania

Personalized license plates allow vehicle owners to customize their plate numbers. The process for obtaining a personalized plate involves:

• Application Submission: Applicants must submit a request form specifying their desired plate configuration.
• Availability Check: The requested configuration is checked for availability and compliance with state guidelines.

The costs associated with personalized plates include:

• Initial Fee: $79 for the issuance of a personalized plate.
• Annual Renewal Fee: Standard renewal fees apply, with no additional charge for maintaining the personalization.

Pennsylvania License Plate Renewal Fee

License plate renewal in Pennsylvania is required to maintain valid vehicle registration. The renewal process involves:

• Standard Renewal Fee: $38 for passenger vehicles.
• Additional Fees: May include county-specific fees or taxes.
• Renewal Period: Typically, registration is renewed annually, but multi-year options may be available.

Vehicle owners can renew their registration online, by mail, or in person at a PennDOT service center.

Pennsylvania License Plate Replacements Fee

In the event that a license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement must be obtained. The process for replacing a license plate includes:

• Application for Replacement: Submission of a completed application form for a replacement plate.
• Replacement Fee: $11 for a standard plate replacement.
• Additional Costs: If a personalized or specialty plate is being replaced, additional fees may apply.

How Much Is the Tag Transfer Fee in Pennsylvania

When transferring a license plate from one vehicle to another, a tag transfer fee is applicable. The process involves:

• Eligibility: The transfer is typically allowed between vehicles owned by the same individual or entity.
• Transfer Fee: $9 for transferring a tag to a new vehicle.
• Additional Registration Fees: Any difference in registration fees between the old and new vehicle may also be required.

Exemptions and Discounts

Certain exemptions and discounts are available for specific groups or under certain conditions:

• Senior Citizens: Reduced registration fees may be available for senior citizens meeting specific income criteria.
• Military Personnel: Active-duty military personnel may qualify for exemptions or reduced fees.
• Disability Plates: Individuals with disabilities may be eligible for special plates at reduced rates or with waived fees.

These exemptions and discounts are subject to eligibility verification and may require additional documentation.