How to Fill Out Pennsylvania DEP Aboveground Storage Tank Registration + FAQs

The Pennsylvania DEP Storage Tanks Registration/Permitting Application (Form 2630-PM-BECB0514, Rev. 10/2016) is the form every owner of a regulated aboveground storage tank (AST) must file with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to legally store fuel, oil, or other regulated substances in a tank holding more than 250 gallons. It works as both your registration and your operating permit application under the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act, so getting it right is the difference between a legal tank and an illegal one.

Since November 5, 1989, the Commonwealth has required every owner to register regulated tanks, and using an unregistered tank is against the law. Anyone who delivers product into an unregistered tank can be held liable for releases from it, and a single confirmed leak can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in cleanup. This guide walks you through the form line by line so you can register on the first try.

Here is what you will learn in this guide:

• 📋 What the form is, who must file it, and which tanks count as “regulated”
• 🗂️ Every document and ID number you need to gather before you start
• ✍️ A section-by-section walkthrough of all 12 parts of the form
• 💲 Exact fees, deadlines, filing channels, and penalties to avoid
• ⚠️ The most common mistakes filers make and how to dodge each one

What the Form Is and Who Must File It

The Storage Tanks Registration/Permitting Application is the official document the DEP uses to track every regulated storage tank in Pennsylvania. The Bureau of Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields receives and processes the form, and the Division of Storage Tanks manages the registration program day to day. The form does two jobs at once: it registers your tank and it serves as your application for the operating permit you need to legally place product in the tank.

You must file this form if you own a regulated AST. A regulated AST is a stationary tank with a capacity of more than 250 gallons where 90 percent or more of its volume sits at or above the ground and can be visually inspected. This includes tanks you can inspect inside a building or in an underground room. Each compartment of a multi-compartment tank counts as a separate tank and must be registered on its own.

Some tanks are exempt and do not need registration. For example, exemption code A2 covers tanks of 30,000 gallons or less that store heating oil used on the premises, and A3 covers tanks of 1,100 gallons or less storing motor fuel for non-commercial use. The program runs under the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act of 1989 (Act 32) and its rules at 25 Pa. Code Chapter 245. Ignoring the Act means your tank stays illegal, so check the exemption list before you assume you do not need to file.

Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need

Gather everything below before you open the form, because an incomplete form gets returned and your registration gets delayed. The DEP will not let you use the tank until it is fully registered and permitted, so missing data costs you time and money.

• Federal Employer ID Number (EIN). This is required and lets DEP identify your organization; without it, your form is incomplete and will be returned.
• DEP Client ID#, Site ID#, and Facility ID#. These speed up processing if you already have them; a new filer can skip them and DEP will assign them.
• Legal organization or individual name. DEP cross-checks this against its records, and a mismatch slows processing.
• Site physical address and written directions. No P.O. Box is allowed for the site location, and missing directions can stall the file.
• County and municipality with type (city, borough, or township). DEP uses this to assign your two-digit county code in the Facility ID#.
• NAICS code for your business activity. At minimum you need the two-digit sector code; a wrong code can misclassify your facility.
• Tank details: capacity in gallons, substance stored, and construction type. These set your fee tier and your technical rules.
• Certified installer information. A DEP-certified installer must handle and certify tank installation, and the form needs their certification.
• Flammable & Combustible Liquid Permit Number. You need this from the Department of Labor and Industry before installing tanks storing product with a flash point under 200°F.

If any item is missing when you submit, the DEP returns the form and the clock keeps running on your 30-day deadline. Pulling these together first is the single best way to register on the first attempt.

Where to Get the Form and How to Access It

The official form is the Storage Tanks Registration/Permitting Application (2630-PM-BECB0514), and DEP posts it in both Microsoft Word and PDF formats. You can download it, type your answers on a computer, and print it for mailing, which cuts down on handwriting errors. Always use the most recent version of the package, because outdated forms can be rejected.

To find the form on the agency site, go to the DEP website, then choose Businesses, then Land, then Storage Tanks, then Forms and Applications. The form package includes the instruction booklet, the Client Code list, the NAICS code list, and the Site-to-Client Relationship codes you will need to complete several boxes. Reading the instruction booklet first saves you from guessing at codes.

For annual fee payments and many amendments, DEP strongly recommends the Storage Tank ePermitting application on Greenport. A Quick Pay option now lets you pay registration fees and pull your certificate with no login. If you have any trouble, call the Division of Storage Tanks at 717-772-5599 or 1-800-42-TANKS within Pennsylvania.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form 2630-PM-BECB0514 Line by Line

The form has twelve sections, labeled I through XII. Type or print in ink for every item except the signatures of the owner, installer/remover, and inspector. Always write the Storage Tank Facility ID No. at the top unless this is a brand-new facility, and use a separate form for each facility.

Section I: Purpose of Submittal

This section tells DEP why you are sending the form. You check Initial for a first-time registration at a new facility, Amended for changes to a facility that is already registered, or Change of Ownership when tanks are bought and stay at the same facility.

To answer it, read the three boxes and check only the one that matches your situation. For a new gas station opening with fresh tanks, you check Initial.

Example: Carlos opens a new fueling site and checks the Initial box because no Facility ID# exists yet.

A common edge case is relocating a tank to a different facility you also own, which is not a change of ownership and instead needs two amended forms. The most common mistake here is checking both Initial and Amended on the same form, which confuses DEP and gets the form returned. Many filers wrongly believe Change of Ownership covers moving tanks between sites, but that box is only for tanks that stay put while the owner changes.

Section II: Current or New Tank Owner/Client Information

This section names the person or company that owns the tanks. You enter the DEP Client ID# if you have one, your Client Type & Code, your organization name, and your Employer ID# (EIN).

To answer it, write your legal organization name exactly as it appears on legal papers, then add the EIN, which is required. Partnerships list the partnership name as it appears on legal partnership papers, and individuals using a trade name fill in the Organization Name line.

Example: “Keystone Fuel Holdings LLC” enters its EIN as 23-1234567 and skips the optional Dun & Bradstreet number.

A useful edge case is the Fee Kind box: volunteer fire companies and EMS groups are exempt from UST fees, state government tanks are fee-exempt, and federal government tanks get a 20 percent discount. The most common mistake is leaving the EIN blank, which makes the form incomplete and triggers a return. Some filers think the optional Social Security Number is required, but it is not, and DEP keeps it private from the public and other agencies.

Section III: Site Information

This section describes the physical place where the tanks sit. You enter the DEP Site ID# if known, the Site Name, the county and municipality, the site location address, and written directions.

To answer it, give the full physical address with the ZIP+4 and never use a P.O. Box for the site location. Spell out the city name without abbreviations and add landmarks in the directions field.

Example: Carlos lists his site as “Carlos Fuel Stop, 415 Market Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837” and notes it sits half a mile east of Route 15.

An edge case is the NAICS code box, where you must enter at least the two-digit sector code, with the six-digit code optional. The common mistake is entering a township name in the city box, which DEP rejects because township goes in the municipality field instead. People often think a mailing P.O. Box can stand in for the site location, but DEP needs a real physical address to inspect the tanks.

Section IV: Facility Information

This section identifies the tank facility, its operator, and its fire permit. You enter the Storage Tank Facility ID# (left blank for new facilities), the Facility Name, and the Facility Kind code that best fits your operation.

To answer it, pick the first Facility Kind that matches, starting at the top of the list. A gas station uses code MFULS (Motor fuel for sale), a farm uses FARM, and a durable-goods plant uses MFGIN.

Example: Carlos selects MFULS because his site is a service station selling motor fuel.

An edge case is the Facility Operator block: if the operator is the same as the owner in Section II, you check the box and skip ahead. The common mistake is choosing a Facility Kind lower on the list when a higher one also fits, which misclassifies the facility. Owners often think the Flammable & Combustible Liquid Permit# is optional, but tanks storing product with a flash point under 200°F need that permit from the Department of Labor and Industry first.

Section V: Change of Ownership Information

This section applies only when tanks are sold and stay at the same facility. The new owner submits an amended form with Owner, Facility, Contact, and Change of Ownership sections completed, and the previous owner signs Section V.

To answer it, the buyer fills in the change details, and if only some tanks are purchased, the previous tank numbers must be supplied. When all tanks transfer, the facility keeps its old Facility ID#; when only some transfer, DEP assigns the buyer a new Facility ID#.

Example: Janet buys all tanks at an existing terminal, so the site keeps its Facility ID# and the seller signs Section V.

An edge case is a missing seller signature: the buyer can instead provide a deed of transfer or other proof of ownership. The common mistake is using this section for tanks being moved to a new site, which actually requires the Relocating Tanks process and separate forms. Buyers often believe they get a brand-new facility number in every sale, but a full purchase that keeps tanks in place retains the original ID.

Section VI: Storage Tank Description

This section lists each regulated tank at the facility. You assign a Tank Number, where aboveground tanks start at 001A and continue (002A, 003A), and you record the Previous Status and New Status using DEP status codes such as C for “Currently in Use.”

To answer it, number tanks in sequence and never reuse a number from a removed tank. Enter the capacity in gallons and the substance stored for each tank, since these drive both your fee and your technical rules.

Example: Carlos labels his single 10,000-gallon gasoline tank 001A with a new status of C.

An edge case is a tank temporarily out of use, which takes a different status code than one currently in service. The common mistake is reusing the number of a closed tank for a new tank, which scrambles DEP’s records. Filers often think capacity is a rough estimate, but it sets your exact fee tier, so an error here means the wrong invoice and a possible compliance flag.

Sections VII through XII: Installation, Closure, Certification, and Special Programs

These sections cover installation and closure details, the owner and certified installer/inspector signatures, and special program requirements. Section IX typically holds the required signatures, and the owner, installer/remover, and inspector signatures must be original ink, not typed.

To answer them, complete the sections marked “R” (required) for your purpose of submittal and any “M” (may be required) sections that apply to your situation. A new tank to be used requires Sections I, II, III, IV, VI, VII, IX, and X at minimum, per the form’s completion guide.

Example: Carlos’s certified installer signs the installer block, and Carlos signs the owner block in blue ink.

An edge case is closure: removing an AST greater than 21,000 gallons requires a written notice of intent 30 days before closure and a Closure Report kept for at least three years. The common mistake is typing or printing the signature blocks, which voids them because the form demands ink signatures. People often assume they can install a tank themselves, but Pennsylvania requires a DEP-certified installer to handle, modify, and close regulated tanks.

Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios

These three scenarios show how different owners complete the most important sections of the form. Each follows one named filer from start to finish.

Scenario 1: Carlos registers a new gas station AST

Form Section	What Carlos Enters
Section I – Purpose of Submittal	Checks Initial (new facility)
Section II – Owner/Client	Carlos Fuel Stop LLC, EIN 23-1234567
Section II – Fee Kind	Leaves blank (no exemption)
Section III – Site	415 Market Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837
Section III – NAICS	44 (Retail trade)
Section IV – Facility Kind	MFULS (Motor fuel for sale)
Section VI – Tank Number	001A, 10,000 gallons, gasoline
Section VI – New Status	C (Currently in Use)
Section IX – Signatures	Owner and certified installer sign in ink

Scenario 2: Maria registers a farm diesel AST

Form Section	What Maria Enters
Section I – Purpose of Submittal	Checks Initial (new facility)
Section II – Owner/Client	Maria Lopez, individual, EIN if business
Section III – Site	Farm address with written directions, no P.O. Box
Section III – County/Municipality	Union County, checks township
Section IV – Facility Kind	FARM (more than 50% is a farm)
Section VI – Tank Number	001A, 1,500 gallons, diesel
Section VI – Substance	Diesel used for commercial trucking
Section IX – Signatures	Owner and certified installer sign in ink

Scenario 3: Janet handles a change of ownership

Form Section	What Janet Enters
Section I – Purpose of Submittal	Checks Change of Ownership
Section II – Owner/Client	Riverside Terminals Inc., new owner EIN
Section IV – Facility	Existing Facility ID# retained (all tanks bought)
Section V – Change of Ownership	New owner details completed
Section V – Previous Owner	Seller signs Section V
Section VI – Tanks	Lists previous tank numbers 001A–004A
Section VI – New Status	C for all active tanks
Section IX – Signatures	New owner signs in ink

How to File the Completed Form

You can file the registration form by mail, and you can handle fee payments and many amendments online. Each channel has its own steps, costs, and proof you should keep.

By mail. Send the completed form to the DEP central office, Bureau of Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields, Rachel Carson Building, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. There is no fee to submit the registration form itself; DEP sends an invoice after it processes your form. Keep a copy of the full form and use certified mail so you have proof of the filing date.

Online. Use the Storage Tank ePermitting application on Greenport to pay annual registration fees and submit amendments. The Quick Pay tool lets you pay and download your certificate with no login, and standard payment methods include electronic check and card. Save the confirmation and your printed certificate as proof.

The annual registration fees are set by 25 Pa. Code § 245.42 and depend on tank size.

AST Capacity	Annual Fee Per Tank
5,000 gallons or less	$50
5,001 to 50,000 gallons	$125
Greater than 50,000 gallons	$300

For questions on any channel, call the Division of Storage Tanks at 717-772-5599. Processing times vary, so file well before your 30-day deadline.

What Happens After You File

After DEP receives your initial Registration/Permitting Form, it assigns a Facility ID# made of a two-digit county code and a five-digit number, such as 12-12345. DEP then generates an invoice for the initial fee and mails it to the tank owner. Fees are payable within 60 days of the invoice date and become delinquent 90 days after that date.

Each year after the first, DEP automatically invoices you for the coming year’s registration. The fee is prorated to reflect the time left in the registration year from your initial registration or change-of-ownership date. You must keep the registration current and active for as long as the tank exists, even while it sits out of service.

DEP may register your tank but withhold or deny the operating permit if you are out of compliance, including unpaid fees. Until you hold a valid operating permit, you may not store, dispense from, or place a regulated substance in the tank. Keeping your fees current is the simplest way to protect your permit.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form

Each field on this form is its own chance to slip up, so review your work against this list before mailing. Every mistake below carries a direct cost.

• Leaving the EIN blank in Section II makes the form incomplete and gets it returned.
• Typing the signatures instead of signing in ink voids the signature blocks.
• Using a P.O. Box for the site location violates the rules and stalls the filing.
• Checking both Initial and Amended in Section I confuses DEP and triggers a return.
• Reusing a closed tank’s number scrambles DEP’s tank records.
• Entering a township name in the city box gets the address rejected.
• Misstating tank capacity puts you in the wrong fee tier and flags compliance.
• Skipping the Flammable & Combustible Liquid Permit# delays approval for flammable-product tanks.
• Installing a tank without a DEP-certified installer makes the installation noncompliant.
• Missing the 30-day deadline for new tanks or changes exposes you to enforcement.
• Combining multiple facilities on one form is not allowed and gets the form returned.
• Forgetting the Facility ID# at the top of an amended form slows processing.

Do’s and Don’ts

These quick rules keep your registration clean and on time. Each one has a reason behind it.

Do: – Do gather every document first, because incomplete forms get returned and waste your 30 days. – Do use the newest form version, since outdated packages can be rejected. – Do sign the owner and installer blocks in ink, because typed signatures are void. – Do register each compartment separately, since DEP treats each as its own tank. – Do keep certified-mail proof, because it documents your filing date. – Do call 717-772-5599 when unsure, since a quick question beats a returned form.

Don’t: – Don’t use an unregistered tank, because it is illegal and creates liability for releases. – Don’t guess at capacity, since the wrong number sets the wrong fee. – Don’t use a P.O. Box for the site, because DEP needs a physical inspection address. – Don’t reuse a removed tank’s number, since it corrupts your records. – Don’t ignore the invoice, because fees go delinquent 90 days after the invoice date. – Don’t install or close a tank yourself, since only certified handlers may do that work.

Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help

Many small owners file themselves, while larger facilities hire consultants or certified installers. Weigh these points before you decide.

Pros of filing on your own: – You save consultant fees, which matters for a single small tank. – You learn your own tank data, which helps with future amendments. – You control the timeline directly and avoid waiting on a third party. – The form is downloadable and the instructions are public, so the process is doable. – Quick Pay lets you handle annual fees online without help.

Cons of filing on your own: – A wrong Facility Kind or NAICS code can misclassify your facility. – You still need a certified installer, so you cannot avoid that cost. – Mistakes get the form returned and burn your 30-day window. – Complex change-of-ownership or relocation rules confuse many first-timers. – You carry full responsibility for compliance and any missed deadline.

FAQs

What is a regulated aboveground storage tank in Pennsylvania? Yes, it is a stationary tank holding more than 250 gallons of a regulated substance where 90 percent of its volume sits at or above ground and can be visually inspected.

Do I have to register a tank that stores only heating oil? No, a tank of 30,000 gallons or less storing heating oil used on the premises is exempt under code A2, though larger tanks may still be regulated.

Is it illegal to use an unregistered regulated tank? Yes, using an unregistered regulated tank is illegal, and anyone delivering product into it can be liable for releases from that tank.

What number do I write in the Tank Number box for my first AST? Yes, you write 001A, because aboveground tank numbers begin with 001A and continue in sequence, and removed numbers are never reused.

Do I check Initial or Amended in Section I for a brand-new tank at a new site? Yes, you check Initial, because the Initial box is only for first-time registrations at facilities that have no Facility ID# yet.

Should I enter my township name in the City box in Section III? No, do not put a township in the City box; the township goes in the municipality field, and a township entry in City gets rejected.

Can I use a P.O. Box for the site location? No, no P.O. Box is accepted for the site location, because DEP needs a real physical address to inspect the tank.

Is the Employer ID Number required on the form? Yes, the EIN is required, because DEP uses it to identify your organization and prevent duplicate data entry.

Do I need to register each compartment of a multi-compartment tank? Yes, each compartment must be registered as a separate tank for both aboveground and underground tanks.

How much is the annual registration fee for a 10,000-gallon AST? Yes, it is $125 per year, since tanks from 5,001 to 50,000 gallons fall in the middle fee tier under 25 Pa. Code § 245.42.

How long do I have to file after installing a new tank or making a change? Yes, you have 30 days, because owners must submit the form within 30 days of installation or any change to previously submitted information.

Can I install my own storage tank to save money? No, Pennsylvania requires a DEP-certified installer to install, modify, and close regulated tanks, and self-installation is noncompliant.

Do typed signatures count on the form? No, the owner, installer/remover, and inspector signatures must be original ink, and typed signatures void those blocks.

When does my registration fee become delinquent? Yes, it becomes delinquent 90 days after the invoice date, and it is payable no later than 60 days after that date.