MV-426B is the Pennsylvania application, issued by PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, for titling a vehicle that is reconstructed, specially constructed, collectible, modified, flood-damaged or a recovered theft, or that is a street rod. You use it when the vehicle's history or build calls for a branded Pennsylvania Certificate of Title, backed by an enhanced safety inspection and supporting documents. On FillingPDF you can fill out the form online and download or print the completed PDF; PennDOT publishes the printed form and its completion instructions at the official source link.
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What is MV-426B?
Form MV-426B, Application for Reconstructed, Specially Constructed, Collectible, Modified, Flood, Recovered Theft Vehicles and Street Rods, is the PennDOT Bureau of Motor Vehicles application used to obtain a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title, branded to match the vehicle's history, for those vehicle categories.
The form is built in lettered sections. You describe the applicant and the vehicle type (A and B), then check the explanation that fits the vehicle in Section C, which also states which brand the title will carry: reconstructed, specially constructed, flood, recovered theft, street rod, collectible, modified, or a combination such as reconstructed/flood. Later sections record the vehicle inspection and VIN verification (D), a weight certification for trucks, truck-tractors and trailers (E), the major components replaced or repaired (F), the fee calculations (G) and the signatures of the applicant, the Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspector and the Certified Document Reviewer (H).
The completion instructions printed on the form tie it to several companion documents: Form MV-1, Application for Certificate of Title, Form MV-41, Application for Correction of Vehicle Record or Verification of Vehicle Identification Number, Form MV-70S, Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees, and Forms MV-904 and MV-904SR for personalized plates. Unlike Form MV-1, which changes or establishes ownership on a title, MV-426B is the form that requests the brand.
Not every case needs it. An individual who has not been paid the replacement value for a recovered theft vehicle and has no certificate of salvage may keep using the existing certificate of title.
Who needs to file MV-426B?
Owners who need a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title for a reconstructed, specially constructed, collectible, modified, flood or recovered theft vehicle, or for a street rod, use Form MV-426B. Section C lists the situations: work done to reconstruct a vehicle, a vehicle already branded in another state, flood and recovered theft vehicles, vehicles assembled from a kit or from parts, and requests for street rod, collectible or modified status.
Other groups the instructions name:
- Authorized dealers, who check box M when parts from business inventory were used and are listed on the vehicle bill of sale.
- Owners of previously abandoned vehicles and of vehicles that were impounded and then sold, which PennDOT treats as reconstructed vehicles; they check "Other" in the vehicle type block.
- Owners of mobile homes, who write "mobile home" in the "Other" block.
Exclusions and limits: an individual who has not been paid the replacement value for a recovered theft vehicle and has no certificate of salvage may use the existing title without a new application. A Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin that marks the vehicle as not intended for highway use cannot be titled in Pennsylvania.
If the title or salvage certificate was issued to co-owners, both must sign, or Form MV-1 must be completed to change ownership. A vehicle titled to a business must be signed by an owner or corporate officer. A person signing for a purchaser or seller needs a power of attorney; an agent signing for an employer does not.
When to file MV-426B
File Form MV-426B when you need a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title for a vehicle that has been reconstructed, specially constructed, modified, flooded or recovered after theft, or when you want it titled as a collectible or street rod. The form prints no deadline of its own.
Timing matters for driving the vehicle. A vehicle arriving on an out-of-state title that is already branded may obtain a temporary Pennsylvania registration and be operated while MV-426B is processed. A vehicle arriving on an out-of-state salvage certificate must meet every requirement of the MV-426B process and may not be operated while the application is processed.
If the vehicle was purchased outside Pennsylvania within the previous six months, the instructions require proof of sales tax paid with the application. The form gives no processing time.
Documents you need
- Proof of ownership: a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title or Certificate of Salvage, an out-of-state salvage certificate or title showing the vehicle was reconstructed there, or an MCO/MSO from a recognized manufacturer. A specially constructed vehicle may use a bill of sale if no other ownership document exists.
- Form MV-1, Application for Certificate of Title, if your name is not on the face of the title or salvage certificate, or a co-owner is being removed. Out-of-state proof of ownership must also come with a completed MV-1.
- Appraisal report for flood or recovered theft vehicles where damage does not exceed replacement value: licensed appraiser's name, signature and license number, the VIN, the level of damage in dollars and the vehicle's actual cash value before the flood or theft.
- Bill of sale if your name is not on the title or salvage certificate (not required of sales-tax-exempt dealers): seller's name and signature, buyer's name, VIN, date of sale and price. Form MV-13ST, Affidavit of Gift, may replace it for a salvaged vehicle reassigned free of charge.
- Power of attorney for anyone signing for a purchaser or seller. An agent signing for an employer does not need one.
- Retention (buy-back) letter from the insurance company, on its or its agent's letterhead, if the vehicle was totaled and you kept it to retitle it; it shows the amount deducted from the settlement.
- Copies of receipts for every component replaced. For parts taken from another vehicle, attach the title or salvage certificate in your name for that parts vehicle. Only businesses titling in the business name may claim parts from inventory.
- Weight slip for a truck, trailer or truck-tractor if the correct unladen weight is not on the title or salvage certificate.
- Detailed description, on separate 8 ½" X 11" paper, of how a specially constructed, collectible or modified vehicle or street rod was configured and assembled.
- Photographs of the front, rear, left and right sides, signed and dated by the enhanced vehicle safety inspector. Mobile home photographs need no inspector signature; extra photographs may be required for mobile homes, motor homes and collectibles.
- Check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for all applicable fees. Cash is not accepted.
- Unpaid sales tax on the purchase, insurance buy-back or untaxed purchases. If bought outside Pennsylvania within six months, attach a sales tax receipt, notarized bill of sale or notarized seller's letter showing the tax paid.
- Form MV-41, Application for Correction of Vehicle Record or Verification of Vehicle Identification Number, if a replacement VIN plate is required, for example after a truck cab is replaced.
- Form MV-904, or Form MV-904SR for a street rod plate, if you want a personalized registration plate; an additional fee applies.
How to fill out MV-426B
Enter applicant information
In Section A, type the name and address exactly as they should appear on the title, with a physical address. Individuals enter a PA DL/Photo ID#; businesses enter a Bus. ID# such as the E.I.N. Add the co-applicant, the DIN/Business Partner ID# if applicable, and an optional e-mail address.
Check the vehicle type
In Section B, check Passenger, Truck, Truck-Tractor, Motorcycle, Motor Driven Cycle, Bus, Taxi, Motor Home, Trailer or Other. Write "mobile home" in the Other block for a mobile home; for an abandoned or impounded vehicle sold later, check Other and explain how it was acquired and the level of damage.
Select your Section C explanation
Check every statement, A through L, that applies, and read the brand each one says the title will carry. Box K asks you to mark street rod, collectible or modified; box L needs a detailed explanation on separate 8 1/2" X 11" paper; box M is for authorized dealers only.
Record the inspection and VIN verification
Section D is completed by the enhanced inspector: date, VIN, station number, printed name, signature, station phone, inspector number and sticker serial number. Check the VIN-issued-by-PennDOT or out-of-state title box if either applies, and note the odometer reading or that mileage was reset to zero.
Complete the weight certification
Section E applies to trucks, truck-tractors and trailers when the correct weights are not on the title or salvage certificate. A certified inspector enters the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Combination Weight Rating, checks the weight slip box if one is attached, and signs and dates.
List components replaced or repaired
In Section F, check Replaced, Repaired or both for each major component, from the front clip assembly to the air bag module. Attach a receipt, invoice or salvage certificate for each replaced component; if a truck cab is replaced, attach Form MV-41.
Work through the fee calculations
Section G, lines A through M, covers purchase or buy-back price, sales tax or exemption code, title, registration, renewal, county, duplicate card, plate transfer and lien recording fees. The instructions say the certified document reviewer completes and signs the calculations; check the plate option and Proof of Insurance Attached, and enter unladen and registered weights if applicable.
Collect the required signatures
In Section H, the applicant and any co-applicant sign and date, print their names and add a daytime phone number. The Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspector signs (not required for mobile homes), and the Certified Document Reviewer checks the brand block and signs.
Gather attachments and companion forms
Use the Application Attachment Checklist on page 5 and 6 of the form: proof of ownership, bill of sale, appraisal report, receipts, photographs, payment and any Form MV-1, MV-41 or MV-904. Check each item against your Section C choice.
Review, sign and download the PDF
Check names, VIN, section C boxes and fee lines against your documents, then download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF. Assemble the package for the channel described under How to submit.
How to submit MV-426B
Form MV-426B reaches PennDOT either through an Online Business Partner or by mail, depending on the application.
- Online Business Partner: applications for reconstructed and flood branded titles must be processed through an Online Business Partner. Find one at www.pa.gov/dmv: click the Business Partner link under Information Centers, select the Online Registration Program tab, then open the "Online Registration Program (OLRP) Location Guide (PDF)". Additional processing fees may be charged.
- By mail: all other applications go to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Special Services Unit, P.O. Box 69007, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9007.
- Forwarded to PennDOT: the form says the application must be sent to PennDOT for processing when PennDOT is to issue the VIN, when an out-of-state title or salvage certificate is attached, for mobile homes, when Form MV-41 is attached for a replacement VIN plate, when a vehicle's GVWR was raised, and when the Certified Document Reviewer's online-processing block is not signed.
A fee may apply. Pay by check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; do not send cash. Current amounts are in Form MV-70S at www.pa.gov/dmv. Questions go to 717-412-5300; TTY callers dial 711. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Entering a P.O. box alone or an out-of-state address as the applicant address; a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title is issued only to a physical address.
- Attaching an unacceptable ownership document, such as Form 907A from New York or any title, MCO or salvage certificate marked parts only, not suitable to be rebuilt or titled, or not intended for public roads, including ATV statements of origin.
- Using a repair estimate as a receipt when it is not marked "Paid" or is not signed and dated by someone the repair facility authorizes.
- Having the inspection done at a station that is not an appointed Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspection Station under contract with PennDOT.
- Mailing a reconstructed or flood title application straight to PennDOT when it must be processed through an Online Business Partner.
- Leaving out Form MV-1 when your name is not on the face of the title or salvage certificate, or when out-of-state proof of ownership is used.
- Not listing "RECON" in the "OLD ODOMETER" block of Form MV-431 or MV-480.
- Signing for only one owner when the title or salvage certificate was issued to co-owners, or having someone other than an owner or corporate officer sign for a business.
- Sending cash instead of a check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MV-426B form used for?
The MV-426B form is the PennDOT application for a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title for a reconstructed, specially constructed, collectible, modified, flood or recovered theft vehicle, or a street rod. The explanation you check in Section C decides which brand the title carries.
Can I fill out Form MV-426B online?
Yes. You can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF. FillingPDF does not submit it to PennDOT: it goes through an Online Business Partner or by mail, with the inspector and document reviewer signatures and attachments the form requires.
Where do I mail Form MV-426B?
Mail applications that do not need an Online Business Partner to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Special Services Unit, P.O. Box 69007, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9007. Reconstructed and flood branded title applications must go through an Online Business Partner.
Do reconstructed and flood title applications go to PennDOT directly?
No. The instructions require applications for reconstructed and flood branded titles to be processed through an Online Business Partner, which may charge additional processing fees. The Location Guide is on www.pa.gov/dmv under Business Partner, then the Online Registration Program tab.
What documents do I attach to MV-426B?
Proof of ownership comes first, plus a bill of sale, appraisal report, receipts for replaced parts, weight slip, detailed description or photographs where your vehicle type calls for them. The Application Attachment Checklist on the last pages of the form lists each item and its condition.
Who has to sign Form MV-426B?
The applicant, the enhanced vehicle safety inspector (not required for mobile homes) and the certified document reviewer must sign. Co-owners on the prior title must both sign, and a business application must be signed by an owner or corporate officer.
Can I drive the vehicle while MV-426B is being processed?
It depends on the title. A vehicle coming on an already-branded out-of-state title can get a temporary Pennsylvania registration and be operated during processing. A vehicle on an out-of-state salvage certificate may not be operated while the application is processed.
Is there a fee to file Form MV-426B, and how do I pay?
The form may require a fee. Pay by check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; do not send cash. Amounts are in Form MV-70S at www.pa.gov/dmv, and an Online Business Partner may charge additional processing fees.
Do I need a new title for a recovered theft vehicle?
Not always. An individual who has not been paid the replacement value for the recovered theft vehicle and has not received a certificate of salvage may use the existing certificate of title without applying for a new one.
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