In Pennsylvania, we take pride in our rides, whether you're cruising down Broad Street in Philly, catching scenic views in the Poconos, or tailgating outside Beaver Stadium. Our cars are more than just a way to get around; they’re part of our personality. And nothing shows that off better than a custom license plate.
Here are the most popular license plate categories in Pennsylvania -
- Special Fund Plates
- Military Plates
- Special Organization Plates
- Collegiate Plates
A custom PA license plate lets you speak your mind, support your hometown, or pay tribute to the things you love. In this guide, we at Seat Cover Solutions (yep, the folks who keep your interiors looking fresh) break down the best license plate options in Pennsylvania, plus how you can get one that fits your style.
Best License Plate Options in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers more than 450 license plate options, so there's definitely one (or ten) with your name on it. Whether you're showing off your college pride, honoring military service, or want your car to scream "IYKYK," these license plates help tell your story.
Special Fund License Plates in Pennsylvania
These license plates help fund wildlife conservation, heritage programs, and public safety initiatives.
- Honoring Our Veterans – If you want to proudly recognize those who’ve served.
- Wild Resource Conservation Fund – For those who care about protecting PA’s wildlife.
- Pennsylvania Zoos – Perfect if you want to help support local zoos like Philly Zoo.
- Preserve Our Heritage – If you're all about PA's rich historical roots.
- Pennsylvania Hunting Heritage – For the deer hunter or duck caller in your life.
- Share the Road – Support bicycle safety with this sleek yellow and black plate.
- You’ve Got a Friend – If suicide awareness and mental health advocacy matter to you.
- Pennsylvania Monuments – Show support for preserving the state's military memorials.
- Organ Donor Awareness – For those who believe in giving life beyond life.
- Special Olympics PA – If you're all about inclusion and cheering for every athlete.
- In God We Trust – Subtle and faith-driven.
- Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team – Help fund emergency animal rescue teams.
- Fishing Derbies Fund – Love local fishing tourneys? This one’s for you.
- PA Parks and Forests Foundation – Perfect for frequent hikers and campers.
- Respect Life – A quiet, powerful message for those who value every life.
Military License Plates in Pennsylvania
These special license plates honor past service, campaigns, or military family connections.
- Veteran Plate – If you served and want your ride to show it.
- Purple Heart – For recipients of this distinguished combat medal.
- Gold Star Family – If your family paid the ultimate price in service.
- Operation Desert Storm – Show your pride if you served in the Gulf War.
- Medal of Honor – For one of the highest military recognitions.
- U.S. Army – If you served or stand with the Army.
- U.S. Navy – For sailors past and present.
- U.S. Marine Corps – If the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor means something to you.
- U.S. Air Force – For the high-fliers and proud supporters.
- U.S. Coast Guard – Honor your maritime service or someone else's.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – If you belong to the VFW community.
- Disabled Veteran – For veterans with service-connected disabilities.
- Combat Action Badge Plate – If you've seen frontline action.
- Korean War Veteran – Commemorate your service or a loved one’s.
- Iraq War Veteran – A modern service badge for those who served.
Special Organization License Plates in Pennsylvania
Support your affiliations with groups that are doing well in PA and beyond.
- Firefighter – If you serve your community or want to honor someone who does.
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) – A must if you're a first responder.
- Rotary Club – Represent your service-driven organization with pride.
- Lions Club International – Show your commitment to vision, health, and community.
- Freemasons – If you’re proud to be a Mason, this is a great fit.
- Elks Lodge – Celebrate charity and brotherhood on every drive.
- Boy Scouts of America – Whether you earned Eagle Scout or lead a troop.
- Knights of Columbus – A faith-forward community service plate.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – For active members of this legendary org.
- Shriners – Help support hospitals and wear the fez on your bumper.
- Red Knights Motorcycle Club – For firefighters who ride.
- Fraternal Order of Police – Law enforcement members can show solidarity.
- American Legion – If you’re proud to be part of this historic group.
- National Ski Patrol – If you keep the slopes safe every winter.
- Civil Air Patrol – Show your connection to the Air Force auxiliary.
Collegiate License Plates in Pennsylvania
You can take the student out of the school, but you can’t take the pride out of their license plate.
- Penn State University – WE ARE… still showing off our Nittany Lion spirit.
- University of Pittsburgh – Represent the Panthers in every zip code.
- Temple University – Go Owls! A Philly favorite.
- Villanova University – Wildcat pride never fades.
- Drexel University – Dragons roll deep - especially in Center City.
- Shippensburg University – Great for Ship alumni looking for a unique tag.
- Millersville University – For proud Marauders who want to rep their roots.
- West Chester University – Ram pride, all day.
- Kutztown University – Show your Golden Bear identity.
- Slippery Rock University – For the most iconic name in the PSAC.
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) – Crimson Hawks, this one’s yours.
- Bloomsburg University – The BU community deserves its plate.
- Lincoln University – Honor the nation’s first degree-granting HBCU.
- La Salle University – Roll deep with the Explorers.
- Carnegie Mellon University – For the innovators and techies out there.
No two Pennsylvania drivers are the same, and neither are their vehicles. What we drive says a lot about where we’re from, what we do, and how we live. From city streets to country lanes, the Keystone State’s roads are a rolling showcase of personalities, preferences, and purpose.
- In Philly and Pittsburgh, you’ll spot compact, city-friendly rides like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Subaru Impreza, weaving through tight streets and parallel parking like pros.
- Head out to the suburbs or small towns like Hershey or State College, and you’ll find a healthy mix of crossovers and family SUVs like Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 doing the daily hustle.
- In the more rural stretches of the state, from the rolling farms of Lancaster to the backroads of Tioga County, pickup trucks like the Ford F150, Ram 1500, and Chevy Silverado are the go-to workhorses.
How to Apply for a Custom License Plate in Pennsylvania
Getting a personalized plate in PA is easier than you think. Whether you're applying online or mailing in paperwork, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it right the first time.
Step 1: Pick Your Plate Style
Visit PennDOT’s official plate gallery to explore available styles by category—whether you’re supporting a cause, repping your university, or honoring your military service.
Step 2: Personalize It
Choose your custom message, up to 7 characters for most license plates. Use letters, numbers, and sometimes spaces. Avoid slang, profanity, or anything that could be considered offensive. PennDOT will reject any inappropriate or unclear wording.
Step 3: Check Availability
Before you get attached, plug your license plate idea into the Personalized Plate Availability Tool to make sure it’s up for grabs.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
- For standard personalized plates, use Form MV-904.
- For collegiate, military, or organizational plates, download the corresponding form linked on the plate's info page.
Submit the form via mail or through an authorized PennDOT agent. Some specialty plates may require proof of eligibility (like military ID or club membership).
Step 5: Pay the Fees
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you budget:
|
Plate Type |
First-Time Fee |
Renewal Fee |
|
Standard Personalized |
$112 |
$76/year |
|
Collegiate Plate |
$73 |
$28/year |
|
Special Organization |
$28 + $112 |
$28 + $76 |
|
Special Fund Plate |
$56 + $112 |
$56 + $76 |
Step 6: Wait for Delivery
Custom plates usually arrive in 6 - 8 weeks by mail. If there’s a problem with your submission (like denied text), PennDOT will notify you to resubmit.
Step 7: Install and Hit the Road
Once your license plate arrives, install it securely using the correct hardware. Then go ahead and take that first joyride; your car just got a personality upgrade.
Vehicle Customization Ideas in Pennsylvania
Your license plate might be the first thing people notice, but real drivers know that it’s the full setup that matters. Once you’ve added a personal touch to the outside, it’s only right to make the rest of your vehicle feel just as intentional.
Let’s start with the exterior. A lot of Pennsylvania drivers go beyond the basics with small but impactful upgrades. Think custom plate frames that show off your college pride or service affiliation, roof racks built for camping weekends in the Poconos, or fog lights that actually make sense for those hazy early mornings out west. These additions don’t just boost curb appeal but, they’re practical, too. They help your vehicle match your lifestyle, whether you're city-bound or trail-hopping.
But let’s not forget the inside of your vehicle; that’s where comfort, protection, and longevity really matter. Especially in a state where you’re constantly dealing with snow, mud, rain, and road salt. Your car's interior takes a beating. That’s where Seat Cover Solutions comes in.
We design seat covers and steering wheel covers for real life. Whether you're a parent shuttling kids to soccer practice, a dog owner making regular vet trips and need a pet seat protector, or someone who loves weekend drives through the countryside; our seat covers keep your interior clean, dry, and looking sharp. They're waterproof, breathable, and seriously easy to wipe down. You won't have to think twice about muddy boots or spilled coffee.
Conclusion
Whether you're carving through winding back roads in the Poconos or stuck in traffic outside Philly, what you drive and how it looks says something about who you are. The details matter. That’s where the magic lives.
From meaningful designs that show off your pride, passions, and affiliations, to subtle upgrades that elevate comfort and style, the options out there let you build a vehicle that actually fits your life. It’s not just about standing out; it’s about feeling good every time you hit the road.
So if you’re ready to make your ride feel a little more you, start by adding a license plate that tells your story and follow it up with interior upgrades built to handle your lifestyle. At Seat Cover Solutions, we help Pennsylvania drivers protect what matters while keeping things practical and personal.
Make your car unmistakably yours, from the license plates to the seats. Explore your perfect fit at Seat Cover Solutions!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I personalize a Pennsylvania specialty plate like military or wildlife tags?
Yes, many specialty plates allow custom text, but character limits may vary.
Do I need a Pennsylvania driver’s license to apply for a custom plate?
Yes, your vehicle must be registered in PA and linked to a valid state license.
Can I transfer my license plate to a new car?
You sure can. Just complete the plate transfer section when you register your new vehicle.
Are personalized plates renewable each year?
Yes, just like regular registration, you’ll need to renew it annually.
Can I use emojis or symbols on my license plate?
No, only letters, numbers, and some punctuation (like dashes or spaces) are allowed.