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The Daily Insight

How old does a car have to be to be a classic in PA?

Author

Abigail Rogers

Updated on April 23, 2026

Classic Pennsylvania Vehicle Registrations The application states the vehicle must be older than 15 years old. This really means that the vehicle has to be at least 16 years old.

What are the rules for classic plates in PA?

No person may operate a vehicle with antique or classic registration plates for commercial purposes or for general daily transportation. Permitted use is limited to participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades and similar uses, and for occasional transportation.

Do classic cars need inspection in PA?

Classic vehicles are subject to an annual vehicle safety inspection. Antique vehicles operated exclusively between sunrise and sunset are exempt from the normal lighting requirements of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, but must have their original lighting equipment.

What is considered to be a classic car?

For example, the Classic Car Club of America defines a classic as a “fine” or “distinctive” automobile built between 1915 and 1948. For insurance and registration purposes, the age of a classic car, in most cases, is at least 20 years old but not more than 40 years old.

What are the benefits of classic plates?

So, what are the benefits of antique plates? Having antique plates means you will usually only need to register your classic vehicle once with a one-time fee. You don’t need to do any inspection or emissions testing and you will also save on car insurance.

How much do classic plates cost in PA?

Applicants are required to provide the vintage plate they wish to display on their antique or classic vehicle. Form MV-11V, “Application to Display a Vintage Registration Plate”, has been created to accommodate these requests. The fee to apply to display a vintage registration plate is $84.

Can I register an old license plate in PA?

resident and other owners of old and antique cars can bolt them back on their vehicles to serve as official registration plates. Gov. Tom Corbett recently signed a law allowing the use of year-of-manufacture plates that were issued between 1906 and 1975 as official registration tags.

How much is a classic tag in PA?

How do I get temporary plates in Pennsylvania?

Obtain proof of insurance. Before you can be issued temporary plates you must verify current insurance coverage.

  • Go to your local DMV office. You may also go to any tag service or motor vehicle dealership that’s an authorized PennDOT agent.
  • Complete the Application for Temporary Registration Plates (MV-351).
  • Prepare your payment.
  • How do you replace a license plate in PA?

    Replace License Plates & Stickers. If you need a replacement Pennsylvania license plate because yours has been lost, destroyed, or stolen, you can get one by mail. You’ll need: The Application for Duplicate Registration Card, Replacement of Registration Plate, Renewal Sticker or Weight Class Sticker (Form MV-44).

    What is a classic plate?

    Classic Plates is a small business run with the main aim of helping the classic car enthusiast to make his pride and joy look as much like the original as possible.

    What are the different types of license plates?

    License Plates. KY issues over 150 different types of passenger and motorcycle license plates. License plates can be categorized into the following types: Regular (Standard Issue), Special, University, Independent College, Military, Military Motorcycle, Miscellaneous, Disabled, and Special Motorcycle Plates.