Key Takeaways
- PennDOT will mail you a reprint registration if you request it online through their website or by mail using Form MV-44.
- A reprint costs between $10 and $15 and takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
- You need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and driver's license number to request a reprint online.
- A reprint is a duplicate of your existing registration and does not change your registration expiration date or renewal requirements.
- If your registration was lost, stolen, or damaged, a reprint serves the same legal purpose as the original.
When You Need a Reprint Registration
Order a reprint when your original registration certificate is lost, stolen, damaged, or straightforward misplaced. You may also need one if you're selling your vehicle and the buyer requests a clean copy, or if you're moving and want a backup before the move. A reprint is an exact duplicate of your current registration — it has the same expiration date and vehicle information as the original.
Do not confuse a reprint with a renewal. A reprint is a copy of what you already have. A renewal happens when your registration is about to expire and you need to update it for another year. If your registration has already expired, you cannot get a reprint; you must renew instead.
Requesting a Reprint Online Through PennDOT
The fastest way to request a reprint is through the PennDOT website. Go to www.dmv.pa.gov and look for the "Vehicle Registration" section. Select "Order a Duplicate Registration" or "Reprint Registration" — the exact wording varies slightly depending on which page you land on, but the function is the same.
You will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), your current registration number, and your Pennsylvania driver's license number. The system will verify that the vehicle and registration match your identity. Once you submit the request and pay the fee online (usually $10 to $15 by credit or debit card), PennDOT will mail the reprint to the address on file with your registration. Expect it to arrive within one to two weeks.
If you cannot locate your registration number, you can call PennDOT's customer service line at 717-391-6190 to look it up before you start the online request. Have your VIN and driver's license ready when you call.
Requesting a Reprint by Mail
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can request a reprint by mail using Form MV-44 (process for Duplicate Registration Certificate). read the form from the PennDOT website or request a copy by calling 717-391-6190.
Fill out the form with your vehicle information, current registration number, and driver's license number. Include a check or money order for the reprint fee (typically $10 to $15 — confirm the current amount on the form or by phone). Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the form, which is usually PennDOT's Harrisburg office.
Processing by mail takes longer than the online method — usually two to three weeks from the time PennDOT receives your form. Add time for your mail to reach them and for the reprint to return to you. If you need the reprint quickly, the online method is faster.
What Information You Will Need
Before you start, gather the following details:
- Your vehicle identification number (VIN) — found on your dashboard, driver's side, or on your insurance card
- Your current registration number — printed on your existing registration certificate
- Your Pennsylvania driver's license number
- The address where your registration is currently mailed (usually your home address)
If you have lost your registration and do not have the registration number memorized, call PennDOT at 717-391-6190 with your VIN and driver's license number, and they will provide it. You do not need to visit an office to retrieve this information.
What Happens After You Request a Reprint
Once PennDOT processes your request, they will print a new registration certificate that is identical to your original. It will have the same expiration date, vehicle information, and owner name. The reprint is mailed to the address on file with your registration — typically your home address.
Your registration expiration date does not change when you receive a reprint. If your original registration expires on December 31, 2025, the reprint will also expire on that date. You are still responsible for renewing your registration on time, just as you would be with the original certificate.
Once you receive the reprint, it is legally equivalent to the original. You can use it to prove registration and ownership for any purpose — showing it to a police officer during a traffic stop, providing it to an insurance company, or presenting it to a buyer if you sell the vehicle.
Cost and Payment Methods
The reprint fee is typically $10 to $15, though the exact amount can vary slightly. When you request online, you can pay by credit card or debit card at the time of your request. If you request by mail using Form MV-44, you must include a check or money order with your process.
Do not send cash by mail. If you are unsure of the current fee, check the PennDOT website or call 717-391-6190 before you submit your request. Some counties or municipalities may have additional fees, though this is uncommon for a straightforward reprint.
If Your Registration Was Stolen or Compromised
If your registration was stolen or you suspect someone may be using it fraudulently, contact PennDOT when ready at 717-391-6190. Explain the situation and ask whether you should request a reprint or take additional steps to protect your vehicle.
In most cases, a reprint is sufficient because the old certificate becomes invalid once the new one is issued. However, if you believe your vehicle information has been altered or misused, PennDOT may recommend additional steps, such as filing a police report or placing a fraud alert on your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a reprint registration?
Online requests typically arrive within one to two weeks. Mail requests take two to three weeks from the time PennDOT receives your form, plus time for your mail to reach them. If you need it urgently, order online rather than by mail.
Can I get a reprint if my registration has expired?
No. If your registration has expired, you must renew it instead of requesting a reprint. A reprint is only for current, valid registrations. Contact PennDOT or visit the website to start a renewal if your registration is no longer active.
Does a reprint change my registration expiration date?
No. A reprint is an exact duplicate of your original registration and has the same expiration date. If your original expires on December 31, 2025, the reprint will also expire on that date. You must still renew on time.
What if I never received my reprint after two weeks?
Contact PennDOT at 717-391-6190 with your registration number and request confirmation that your reprint was mailed. Provide your mailing address and ask them to verify it is correct. If the address is wrong, you may need to submit a new request with the correct address.
Can I request a reprint for someone else's vehicle?
No. Only the registered owner or a person authorized by the owner can request a reprint. If you are not the owner, the owner must submit the request themselves or provide you with written authorization and their driver's license information.