Oct. 01, 2021
CLARION – Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest) today reminded drivers that if their vehicle license plate is difficult to read, that replacement plates are available for free. To help facilitate the process to turn in the illegible plate for a new one, Oberlander is teaming up with Clarion County Sheriff Rex Munsee for a special event on Tuesday, Oct. 19, at her district office.
“Just like other parts of a vehicle, license plates are susceptible to damage and weather, and sometimes the letters and numbers can be difficult to read over time,” Oberlander said. “Most motorists are unaware that replacement plates are available at no additional cost from PennDOT, and my office will help facilitate that process for affected drivers.”
From 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 19, drivers can bring their vehicles to the parking lot at Oberlander’s office along South Second Avenue to begin the replacement process. While there, personnel from the Clarion County Sheriff’s Office will determine if the plate is illegible, and if so, Oberlander’s staff will help drivers fill out the appropriate paperwork. A notary will be on site to assist.
Once submitted to PennDOT, the new replacement plates should arrive from Oberlander’s office in approximately two weeks.
According to PennDOT, a registration plate is deemed illegible when one or more numbers or letters cannot be recognized from 50 feet or if the registration plate shows any blistering, peeling, discoloration or loss of reflectivity. When a registration plate becomes illegible, PennDOT has two main ways of replacing them. First, the law allows PennDOT to reissue a registration plate upon request of a vehicle owner when an authorized representative of PennDOT or law enforcement determines that a registration plate is illegible.
“We daily see many license plates that are not readable,” said Munsee. “This program will assist motorists in obtaining new plates efficiently and quickly.”
Residents who are unable to make the event can always reach out to Oberlander’s office regarding the process.
She also reminded residents that if they have any Pennsylvania license plates that are no longer in use, they can drop them off at her office during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More information about illegible plates is available by visiting
DMV.pa.gov or contact Oberlander’s district office in Clarion at (814) 226-9000.