Who issues permanent registration cards and plates in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, permanent registration cards and plates are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). This authority is responsible for managing vehicle registrations and ensuring that all vehicles operating on Pennsylvania roads meet state regulations. When a vehicle is registered, PennDOT assigns a unique registration number and issues a registration card and physical plates to the vehicle owner.

This process involves maintaining an official database that tracks vehicle ownership and registration status, which is crucial for law enforcement and public safety. Local car dealerships, private registration companies, and authorized mechanic shops do not have the legal authority to issue permanent registration materials, as they are not part of the state's official motor vehicle registration process. Their roles may include facilitating the sale of vehicles or performing inspections but do not extend to the issuance of registration cards and plates.