How to apply for Pennsylvania Retired Person's Vehicle Registration Processing Fee

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.

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

Step by step

1. Confirm you meet the eligibility rules before applying. You must be retired and receiving Social Security, SSI, a pension, or an annuity. Your total income from all sources — except veterans' benefits — must be $30,778 or less. The vehicle must weigh 9,000 pounds or less, and you must be listed on its registration as the principal driver. Only one vehicle per retiree qualifies.
2. Gather your required documents: a completed Form MV-371 (Application for a Retired Person's Processing Fee on a Vehicle Registration) and your vehicle registration renewal notice or Form MV-140.
3. Prepare your payment. A check or money order for the processing fee is required. Do not send cash.
4. Choose how you want to apply. To apply by mail, send your completed Form MV-371, your registration renewal notice or Form MV-140, and your check or money order to PennDOT's Bureau of Motor Vehicles. To apply online, go to pa.gov/dmv and select the 'Retired Registration Rate' option when completing your registration renewal.
5. Keep a copy of everything you submit — your form, your payment, and your renewal notice — for your records.
6. Renew your registration every year. At each annual renewal, select the retired registration rate again to continue receiving the reduced processing fee.

What to expect: After submitting your application, PennDOT will review your Form MV-371 and process your registration at the reduced fee. Processing times vary, so contact PennDOT's Bureau of Motor Vehicles directly if you need an estimate. If approved, your vehicle will be registered at the retired person's processing fee rate for that year. This benefit is not a one-time approval — you must select the retired registration rate at every annual renewal to keep receiving it. If your income rises above the limit or you no longer meet the eligibility requirements, you will need to pay the standard registration fee going forward.

Renewals

annual (select the retired rate at each registration renewal)