The application procedure for specially constructed or antique vehicle registration in Pennsylvania must be completed by vehicle owners if they want to legally drive on public roads within the state. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT) issues collectible or antique license plates to applicants who meet the imposed registration requirements.

When registering a custom car or an antique vehicle, drivers will be mandated to prepare certain paperwork and pay the applicable fees for the registration plates before visiting a local DOT office. For more information about the procedure for Pennsylvania classic car registration and license plates, continue reading the sections below.

Definition of a Custom or Antique Vehicle in Pennsylvania

Prior to requesting Pennsylvania classic car license plates, applicants need to become familiar with the exact type of vehicle they own. Antique license plates are required for antique vehicles, which are those manufactured at least 25 years before the current year, and classic motor vehicles, manufactured at least 15 years before the current year.

Both antique and classic vehicles are maintained in or restored to an original manufactured condition. Title and registration for custom cars is necessary for specially constructed vehicles such as: collectible vehicles, modified, reconstructed, flood, recovered theft vehicles and street rods.

These specially constructed vehicles are not originally constructed with specifications like those from a recognized manufacturer.

Note: A custom car registration will be also required from owners of collectible vehicles – motor vehicles that have been reconstructed or modified from the original specifications and maintained as part of a collection.

Steps in the Pennsylvania Antique Vehicle Registration Process

When applying for antique license plates in Pennsylvania, drivers need to complete a procedure by satisfying certain requirements and submitting the mandated documentation at a local PennDOT office.

Drivers may apply for antique, classic, collectible or vintage registration plates, depending on the exact type of vehicle they own. The application process for antique and classic license plates requires drivers to do the following:

• Provide a PA certificate of title and a completed Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration form.
• Complete an Application for Permanent, Antique or Classic Registration Plate.
• Submit a payment for the applicable sales tax, title and registration fees.

Drivers who want to apply for vintage registration plates in Pennsylvania will also need to complete an Application to Display a Vintage Registration Plate and submit an additional payment for vintage license plates.

Steps in the Pennsylvania Custom Vehicle Registration and Title Process

A Pennsylvania custom car registration and title procedure is needed when drivers own specially constructed, reconstructed, collectible, modified, flood, recovered theft vehicles and street rods. Drivers can apply for custom car titles by completing the following steps:

• Submit to an enhanced vehicle safety inspection.
• Complete an Application for Reconstructed, Specially Constructed, Collectible, Modified, Flood, Recovered Theft Vehicles and Street Rods.
• Provide proof of ownership.
• Complete an Application for Certificate of Title, if needed.
• Provide proof of car insurance.
• Provide a description of the configuration of the vehicle.

Once you obtain a custom car title for your collectible vehicle, you will be able to apply for collectible registration plates by providing your certificate of title and a completed Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration form, a completed Application for Reconstructed, Specially Constructed, Collectible, Modified, Flood, Recovered Theft Vehicles and Street Rods, four color photos of the vehicle, as well as payment of the applicable fees.

Fees to Register a Custom or Antique Vehicle in Pennsylvania

The final step in the Pennsylvania custom vehicle registration and title procedure is to provide payment for the applicable fees. Note that when registering a custom car or an antique vehicle, the fees may differ depending on the type of vehicle you own.

For instance, the fee for antique, classic, collectible, or vintage license plates is $78. When applying for license plates for a street rod, the fee will amount $53. Moreover, when registering a custom car in Pennsylvania, drivers may wonder about the cost of the license plates for their motor vehicle.

They are encouraged to contact the PA Department of Transportation and learn the exact plate and registration fee they have to pay.

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