What to Do If Your License Plate Is Deemed Ineligible in Pennsylvania

If your Pennsylvania license plate has become difficult to read, peeling, or faded, it may be considered illegible and need replacement. The good news: replacing an unreadable plate is usually simple—and often free.

When Is a Plate Considered Illegible?

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) considers a plate illegible when:

• Letters or numbers cannot be read from 50 feet away, or
• The plate shows peeling, blistering, discoloration, or loss of reflectivity.

Driving with an unreadable plate can lead to inspection issues or citations, so it’s important to address the problem promptly.

How to Replace an Illegible Plate (Free Replacement)

PennDOT allows vehicle owners to request a free replacement plate once illegibility is verified.

Steps to follow:

1. Print Form MV-46 (Application for Replacement of Illegible Registration Plate).
2. Take the form to:
   • A law enforcement official, or
   • A certified PA inspection station (inspection mechanics can verify illegibility).
3. After verification, sign and submit the completed form to PennDOT.
4. PennDOT will mail your replacement plate at no charge.

Automatic Plate Reissuance

Some older plate series are being replaced automatically:

• Passenger plates beginning with D, E, or F are currently being replaced by mail.
• Passenger plates starting with G, H, J, or K, and truck plates beginning with Y, will generally be replaced the next time they are transferred to another vehicle.

Drivers will receive a notification letter if their plate is scheduled for automatic replacement.

Return Your Old Plate

Returning your old plate helps protect you from potential vehicle fraud. Mail it to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Return Tag Unit
P.O. Box 68597
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597

Once received, the plate will be marked as inactive (“dead tag”) in the system. help when insurance does not cover the full cost of care or when a patient is uninsured.

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What This Means for You

A damaged or unreadable plate can cause unnecessary headaches during inspections, registration updates, or traffic stops. Taking a few minutes to request a replacement ensures your vehicle stays compliant and avoids preventable issues.

At Blue Marsh Insurance, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the small details that can make a big difference—from registration reminders to coverage reviews and everyday insurance guidance. If you ever have questions about vehicle requirements or how they may affect your auto insurance, our team is always just a call or message away.

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A little more about Blue Marsh Insurance…

When he founded Blue Marsh, Tom Davenport wanted to create a different kind of insurance company. One that’s built on personal relationships and a local presence. One where you, the customer, feel more like a friend.

As an independent insurance agency, Blue Marsh Insurance represents a carefully selected group of financially strong, reputable insurance companies. Therefore, we are able to offer you the best coverage at the most competitive price.

If you’re interested in starting a quote online or having us take a look at your current policies, click here!