Other Vehicle Registrations in Pennsylvania

By Javier Marín, Editor·Last reviewed September 2026·How we check this

Beyond standard passenger cars, PennDOT registers trailers, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, antique and classic cars, and a handful of specialty vehicle types. ATVs and snowmobiles are registered separately by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) rather than by PennDOT.

Trailers

All trailers used on a Pennsylvania highway must be registered with PennDOT, including utility, boat, horse, and travel trailers. Trailer registrations are issued in three weight classes:

Class 1 (under 3,000 lbs): $7 for one year or $13 for two years.
Class 2 (3,001-10,000 lbs): $33 for one year or $66 for two years.
Class 3 (over 10,000 lbs): based on registered gross weight, ranging from $46 to $300 per year.

Trailers do not require an annual safety inspection unless they have a registered gross weight over 10,000 pounds, but they do need a current registration sticker.

Motorcycles

Motorcycle riders need a Class M license endorsement, taken in addition to a Class C standard license — see the driver license page. Motorcycle registration uses the same MV-1 / MV-4ST forms as cars, with the smaller motorcycle plate. Fees:

Standard motorcycle: $24 for one year or $48 for two years.
Title certificate: $58 (one-time).
Plate fee: $11.50 for new plates.

Pennsylvania repealed its universal helmet law in 2003, but riders under 21 and riders with less than two years of motorcycle experience are still required to wear a DOT-approved helmet. Motorcycles must pass an annual safety inspection at any of the licensed motorcycle inspection stations; the typical fee is $12-$25.

ATVs

All-terrain vehicles in Pennsylvania are registered through the DCNR Snowmobile and ATV Section, not PennDOT. The fee is $20 for two years for residents and $40 for non-residents. ATVs cannot be operated on public roads except for limited highway crossings and on streets that have been specifically posted for ATV use. Riders under 16 must complete a state-approved ATV safety course; riders under 14 cannot operate an ATV with an engine over 70cc.

Snowmobiles

Snowmobiles are also registered through the DCNR. The fee is $20 for two years; snowmobile-club members pay a discounted rate. Snowmobile operation is allowed on most state forest trails and certain designated highway shoulders during winter operating periods. Helmets are required, and minimum operator age is 10 with adult supervision.

Recreational vehicles

Self-propelled motorhomes (Class A, B, C) are registered like passenger vehicles but on a separate weight schedule:

Class B / camper van (under 8,000 lbs): $50 per year.
Class A / large motorhome (8,001-11,000 lbs): $100 per year.
Heavier RVs: based on registered gross weight, up to $250 per year.

Travel trailers and fifth-wheels are registered as trailers under the standard trailer schedule. RVs must pass the annual safety inspection at any licensed inspection station and the annual emissions inspection in the 25 emissions counties.

Antique vehicles

Pennsylvania offers an antique vehicle registration for vehicles 25 years or older that are used only for shows, parades, exhibitions, and occasional pleasure driving (not regular transportation). Benefits:

Permanent registration — pay an $80 fee one time and never renew the registration again.
Exempt from the annual safety inspection.
Exempt from the annual emissions inspection.
Eligible for the antique-vehicle plate, with a year-of-manufacture plate option for collectors.

The application is on form MV-1 with the antique-vehicle box checked and an affidavit confirming non-daily use.

Classic and collectible vehicles

For vehicles 15-24 years old, Pennsylvania offers a "classic vehicle" registration with a slightly different fee structure and a less-restrictive use rule (occasional commuting is permitted). Classic vehicles must still pass the annual safety inspection and, in 25 counties, the annual emissions inspection. Pennsylvania also allows owners of pre-1956 vehicles to use a year-of-manufacture license plate as long as the plate number is registered with PennDOT.

Mopeds and motor-driven cycles

Pennsylvania classifies mopeds as motor-driven cycles, requiring a Class C license but not a Class M motorcycle endorsement. Registration is $9 per year, the lowest of any registered vehicle in the state. Helmet is required for the operator and passenger; maximum speed for a moped under PA law is 25 mph.