Benefits · Tax Relief
How to apply for Pennsylvania Retired Person's Vehicle Registration Processing Fee
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Who it's for
Retired Pennsylvanians with limited income can register one passenger vehicle or light truck for a small processing fee (about $11 in 2026) instead of the full annual registration fee. To qualify you must be retired and receiving Social Security, SSI, retirement benefits, or another pension or annuity, and your total income from all sources must be $30,778 or less (the limit rises each year with the Consumer Price Index; veterans' benefits do not count). You must be listed on the vehicle's registration and be its principal driver, and the vehicle must weigh 9,000 pounds or less. Apply once with Form MV-371 by mail, or choose "Retired Registration Rate" when renewing online at pa.gov/dmv.
The income test counts income from all sources (except veterans' benefits) and applies to the applicant, not the household — this check screens on your household income as a rough proxy. You must actually be retired and receiving Social Security or a pension; people who only receive unemployment or public assistance do not qualify. Only one vehicle per retiree.
What you'll need
- Completed Form MV-371 (Application for a Retired Person's Processing Fee on a Vehicle Registration)
- Your vehicle registration renewal notice or Form MV-140
- Check or money order for the processing fee (no cash)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
Renewals
annual (select the retired rate at each registration renewal)
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.