How old does a car have to be to be a classic in PA? check this out | pa classic tags
Mia Lopez
Updated on July 16, 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. The vehicle must be in the good, original condition meaning it was like that it is like when it left the factory.
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 are the benefits of classic plates?
Antique vehicle registration may provide certain benefits, such as a reduced or waived registration fee, exemption from vehicle inspection, and/or distinctive vehicle registration plates. However, the owner’s privilege of driving the vehicle may be significantly curtailed.
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.
Are vehicles over 25 years old tax exempt?
As well as generally looking fantastic, classic cars that are more than 40 years old are actually exempt from vehicle tax altogether. The exemption originally applied to any vehicle over 25 years old on the basis that they would be incapable of racking up much mileage.
How much are classic plates 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.
What’s the difference between classic and antique plates?
ANTIQUE PLATE: Vehicle Age > 25 Years: Available for vehicles that are more than 25 years old and owned solely as collector’s items. CLASSIC CAR PLATE: Vehicle Age >= 25 Years: Available for vehicles that are more than 25 years old, registered annually as everyday vehicles, and used for general transportation.
Is classic car insurance cheaper than normal?
Classic car insurance is usually much cheaper than regular car insurance. According to Baily Insurance Agency, a classic car policy costs around $200 to $600 annually. If you own an abnormally expensive vehicle, your rates may be higher. In contrast, regular car insurance usually costs over $1000 per year.
What year cars are exempt from emissions in PA?
Smog Check Exemptions for Pennsylvania Drivers
Vehicles that were driven less than 5000 miles and owned by the current owner for more than a year. New vehicles that were driven less than 5000 miles. Vehicles with antique, collectible or classic vehicle registrations. Vehicles registered as street rods.
How old does a car have to be to be considered a classic?
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. If you are going to register it (and insure it) as a classic, it should have been kept to its original design and specifications.
How many miles can you drive an antique car?
Once you register with antique plates, most states restrict you from using your classic car as a daily driver. In fact, most states put a restriction of around 5,000 miles per year.
How do you get a special license plate in PA?
To apply for a standard personalized registration plate, Form MV-904 (PDF), “Application for Special Registration Plate,” must be completed. Personalized registration plate applicants must have a valid registration plate, which the applicant shall retain pending receipt of the requested personal plate.
Can I use an old license plate in PA?
What does a vehicle owner do with the old registration plate? A. It should be destroyed or returned to PennDOT to be recycled. Old registration plates may be returned to: Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Return Tag Unit, P.O. Box 68597, Harrisburg, PA 17106- 8597.
How much are classic plates?
Each of those designs will need to hit 7,500 applications by 2015 for the DMV to issue them. All plates cost $50 for the initial application, which is refundable if that plate doesn’t hit the 7,500 mark. Renewal will be $40, and drivers can personalize the plates if they wish.
How do I get vintage plates?
In the state of California, you are allowed to register Vintage License Plates from 1914 to 1980 under this program. You must have a pair (except 1945-46) and they must be clear through DMV. The year of the plates must match the year of the title of the vehicle.
Are vehicles over 40 years old tax exempt?
My car is over 40 years old, is it automatically tax-free? The short answer to that question is no. As with most things, there will be some paperwork to complete. Most owners will have already done this if you’re buying a classic car made before 1 January 1981 but it’s not too difficult to sort yourself.
Is a 1981 motorcycle tax exempt?
You do not need to pay vehicle tax if your vehicle was built before 1 January 1981. (If you do not know when your vehicle was built, but it was first registered between 1 and 7 January 1981, you do not have to pay vehicle tax.)