First Class Auto Tags and Service: We Know PennDOT!

Business Profile by Holly Stupak

Photos by Sierra Clark Photography www.SierraClarkPhoto.com

Michelle McFadden opened up First Class Auto Tags and Service seven years ago and considers it her “happy place.” After almost 40 years of experience in the auto tag business, she continues to help people with auto tag needs and more.

I started working in this business when I was 18 years old. I never thought I’d be in it this long, but I love it. I love helping people and taking some of the stress away from dealing with PennDOT.

Michelle grew up in Upper Darby and graduated from Upper Darby High School. After high school, she found a job working at a local Fotomat. While she was working there a family friend came in to develop pictures and offered her a job at Best Auto Tags in Darby, PA. After taking him up on the offer, she spent three decades there, learning the auto tag business, helping customers, and understanding all of PennDOT’s rules and regulations.

Michelle McFadden, Owner of First Class Auto Tags and Service

In 2013, she felt it was time for a change, so she decided to open up her own business on West Chester Pike in Broomall. “I was 54 years old when I left Best Auto Tags,” said Michelle. “I knew it would be hard to find another job at that age and it opened my eyes that I could actually start my own business. Even though it can be stressful at times, I know in the long run it was a good decision.”

Navigating PennDOT rules and regulations can be a challenge. Not only does Michelle understand their very specific rules, forms, and processes, but she loves a challenge.

I really want to take the burden off of the customer. By having the years of experience dealing with PennDOT, I’m often able to answer questions in a matter of minutes.

When First Class Auto Tags and Service first opened, they offered all of the core services such as title transfers, license restoration, and notary services. They’ve since grown to offer additional services to their customers such as FBI fingerprint and even traveling notary services.

Michelle McFadden outside of First Class Auto Tags and Service

Michelle’s daughter, Emily Walmsley, works alongside her mother, helping to run the business. “The best part of going to work is getting to work with my daughter every day,” said Michelle. “Emily is a hard worker and I respect her opinion on things. When we updated our website recently, Emily’s input was instrumental in bringing a lot more traffic to our site.”

Whether it’s a title transfer, a temporary tag (license plate), or a completely new license plate, Michelle and Emily can guide customers through the PennDOT protocols to get what they need quickly. “I want my customers to be happy when they walk out the door,” said Michelle. “It’s really rewarding knowing that we made the process go smoothly. We often work with people who are relocating and it’s an exciting time in their lives!”

Recently, a customer made a trip back into the store, to thank Michelle for her help. “We collect license plates here and we had a customer come back just to give us a plate he found for our collection,” she added.

When the pandemic hit in March, First Class Auto Tags and Service was forced to close for a few months. But since they reopened on June 8, they’ve been busier than ever. “We were so busy when we reopened that we ran out of tags in 2 days,” Michelle explained. “Even though there has been less downtime, I’m grateful that we’ve been able to make up for lost time.”

Michelle has lived in Broomall since 1998, making it easy for her to run over to the office even on her day off. When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her children (she also has two sons) and grandchildren, and she also enjoys traveling. Emily recently ran the business while Michelle took a much-needed vacation to Colorado, and Michelle hopes to see Emily take over the business someday.

Although there are many auto tag businesses in the area, this little abode located in Joe’s Cycles really specializes in all of your PennDOT needs. “We know PennDOT,” said Michelle. “And if there’s something we don’t know, we will quickly learn it!”

Specializing in All of Your PennDOT Needs

484-422-8509

2555 West Chester Pike, Broomall (parking available at Joe’s Cycles)

www.FirstClassAutoTagService.com

40 years of experience with PennDOT rules, forms, and processes

• Transfering a vehicle to/from a family member?

• Importing a vehicle from another country?

• In need of a PA Handicap Parking Tag?

• Need a Notary or FBI Fingerprinting Services?

• Need a Driver’s License Renewed or Replaced?

Come in and meet with us. We can figure it all out together!

WE ARE OPEN! To assist with social distancing, we recommend calling ahead to make an appointment, and please wear a face mask.