A few Words about Samples

For many years, PennDOT has issued sample plates.  Over the years, many different PA plate types have been issued as samples, but certainly not all.  Certain plate types have been issued for a period of time and later discontinued as samples.  For example, at one time Governor, State Senator, State Representative, and Implement of Husbandry have all been issued as samples.  At present none of these is available as a sample plate, and again the focus of this website is current types.

The format of sample plates has also varied over the years; however, today all plates are produced either with the word SAMPLE on them or some form of the word ‘sample,’ such as SAMP.  It should be noted that not all sample plates shown on this website reflect this format as some do not have the word sample on them, and they may or may not reflect the latest plate format issued by PennDOT.  It should also be pointed out that other current plate type samples may exist, particularly for Special Organization plates, but they have not been marketed by PennDOT.

To obtain samples you will need to submit a REQUEST FOR SAMPLE REGISTRATION PLATE, Form MV-902.  This form is apparently not available on-line.  You may request it from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Sample Plate Sales, P.O.  Box 68267, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8267.  When completed, this form may be mailed or taken to PennDOT.  It has been my experience that the form is usually out of date, as there are samples available that are not listed on the form.  Plates cost $5.00 each in quantities of 1 to 10, and $4.00 for more than 10, any combination.

As always comments, suggestions and corrections are welcome.

UPDATE

At PennDOT headquarters on 1/6/05, a counter person indicated that PennDOT will soon discontinue selling sample plates.  Once the remaining stock is depleted there will be no more.  In fact a number of types were already out of stock.  To my knowledge PennDOT or their predecessor produced samples from the mid-1920s on.  The reason for this change is unknown.  It was suggested that PennDOT does not like the marketing (reselling) of their sample plates via third party entities such as eBay.  If anyone knows more about this please let me know and I'll post it.