New license plates have started rolling out for Pennsylvania residents, but that does not mean drivers should replace the ones on their vehicles.
The new design, which features the Liberty Bell to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States, became the standard in June; state welcome signs have a similar look. The previous plate design was introduced in 2005.
When do drivers need to replace their license plates?
Drivers in Pennsylvania need to replace license plates that are not legible, or that show blistering, discoloration or loss of reflectivity, according to PennDOT.
PennDOT may also order a general registration plate reissuance for plates that start with G, H, J or K; and trucks registration plates that start with Y. The Transportation Department has also started replacing passenger registration plates beginning with D, E and F. Those configurations are among the oldest on the road and should be replaced, PennDOT said.
How will they be replaced?
A vehicle owner may request a new plate when a PennDOT representative or law enforcement member determines it is illegible, according to PennDOT. Mechanics who perform safety inspections are PennDOT representatives and can determine if a plate is illegible.
The form to request a new plate may be found here.
Drivers with plates that PennDOT is reissuing will get a letter from PennDOT about it.
Those requesting a new plate should get one within 15 days, and a personalized plate could take six to eight weeks, according to PennDOT.
Damaged license plate event being held in Lehigh County
State Sen. Nick Miller’s office and Whitehall police are hosting a free license plate inspection event 4-6 p.m. Wednesday at the police department building at 3223 MacArthur Road, according to Miller’s office.
Residents can have their license plate examined and start the process of getting a replacement.