Some PA Drivers To Get New License Plates: What To Know

PENNSYLVANIA — Many motorists across the state soon will be receiving a new license plate courtesy of PennDOT.

The department is initiating a replacement program for older plates that are more than two decades old.

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According to the PennDOT website, passenger license plates that start with a tag configuration ‘D’, ‘E’ and ‘F’ are the oldest plates on the road. PennDOT has begun replacing the ‘D’, ‘E’ and ‘F’ configuration through the mail.

Motorists will receive a letter informing them when they should expect to receive their new plate. They should arrive within three weeks after the notification occurs.

The new plates will feature the state's latest design, which includes the Liberty Bell and the "Let Freedom Ring" slogan. It was introduced last year.

Out was the blue, white and gold design promoting the state tourism website VisitPA.com.

"With all eyes on Pennsylvania as we prepare to host our country’s 250th birthday in 2026, our new license plates will celebrate the best of what the Commonwealth has to offer and show the country why Pennsylvania is the great American getaway and the birthplace of American freedom," Gov. Josh Shapiro said when the new plates were introduced in July.

The new plates have not come without issues.

They feature a zero with a line through the middle of it, originally stylized that way because older readers were having issues distinguishing between zero and the letter 0.

That facet has impacted agencies and that use license plate recognition software such as traffic cameras.

The new design has led to an unknown number of drivers receiving tickets meant for somebody else. It's not clear how many drivers have been affected.

Despite that issue, once the new plate is delivered, motorists should install it immediately. PennDOT says the older plates are deactivated shortly after replacements are issued. If an outdated plate remains on a vehicle, it could result in a traffic stop by police.