Real ID requirements will be in place on October 1st, 2021. If you intend to get a REAL ID, you will likely need to visit a DMV in person.

Read More >

Important Notice About Real ID Implementation

Read More >

Frequently Asked Questions

We Are Here to Help - Search Our FAQs

Navigate

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?
If your driver s license was stolen, you are encouraged to file a police report with local law enforcement. Although it is not a requirement, doing so will prevent identity theft and save you money. With the police report in hand, visit your local DMV office to report the stolen drivers license and request a replacement. Because you have proof of the theft, the replace license fee will be waived.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Pennsylvania Driver’s License or ID Card

How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?
The official Pennsylvania drivers manual is available online. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website, and head to the Pennsylvania Driver s Manual Page. You will find several types of driver manual options from CDL license to motorcycle that can be downloaded and viewed as a PDF. There are also drivers manuals available in Spanish.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver s License in Pennsylvania

How can I renew my drivers license?
To process a drivers license renewal in PA, drivers can take advantage of the popular renew drivers license online option. By visitingPennDOT, you can input your name, drivers license number and other identifying factors. So long as you don t have to make any corrections or changes, this is the best option.

If there are changes to make to your PA driving licenses like a name change or address change you can renew driving licenses by mail or in person by filling out a Non-Commercial Driver s License Application for Renewal Form DL-143.

For more information:How to Renew a Driver s License in Pennsylvania

How do I apply for a drivers license?
To apply for drivers licenses in Pennsylvania, residents must have held a learner s permit for the allotted amount of time. For beginning drivers under 18, this would be six months, for new drivers 18 and older, this is just one month s time. Having passed the DMV written exam to get your learner s permit, the final step is to take the drivers test at a DMV location.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver s License in Pennsylvania

How do I get a hardship license?
To apply for a hardship license in Pennsylvania, you must send the following items by mail to the Department of Transportation:
  1. Signed and completed Occupational Limited License Petition Form DL-15
  2. Copies of proof of insurance (including SR-22 if required)
  3. Check or money order for the OLL fee

For more information: Suspended License for Pennsylvania

How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
If you are an active duty military personnel and your drivers license is lost, stolen or damaged, you can order a drivers license replacement while out of state. Complete an Application for Change/Correction/Replacement Form DL-80 and include a check or money order made payable to PennDOT to:

PennDOT

P.O. Box 68614

Harrisburg, PA 17106-8614

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Pennsylvania Driver s License or ID Card

How do I obtain a duplicate license?
To get a duplicate drivers license, you have three methods to take advantage of: online, by mail or in person. To order a drivers license replacement online, visit the PennDOT website. The online replace drivers license option is reserved for drivers who do not have to make changes or correct their license.

The fastest method is to get a duplicate drivers license in person. Bring in a valid form of identification, like a US passport or birth certificate, and complete a Photo Identification Card Application to Change/Correct/Replace/Renew Form DL-54B. This drivers license replacement form can also be sent by mail.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Pennsylvania Driver s License or ID Card

How do I reinstate after a revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender?
In the state of Pennsylvania, people who are labeled habitual offenders of the law will receive a revoked drivers license. Habitual offenders receive a court ordered driver s license revocation for a period of five years. After five years, habitual traffic offenders must re-apply for driving privileges. This process includes taking the learner s permit test and eventually working one s way up to full driving privileges in the form of a Pennsylvania driver s license.

For more information: Suspended License for Pennsylvania

How do I reinstate my suspended license?
Reinstating suspended drivers licenses in PA is dependent on whether or not all the criteria has been met. For instance, if a drivers education class if mandated, proof of course completion must be provided. Once the suspension period is over, make an appointment at the DOT office and bring proof of identity, receipts for payments of all court fees and ticket fines, the course completion certificate and check or money order.

For more information: Suspended License for Pennsylvania

How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation understands the difficulty of renewing drivers licenses when stationed outside of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For that reason, active duty PA residents do not have to renew drivers licenses until returning. Upon returning and setting up residence again in the state, you have 45 days to then renew your PA driver s license. Keep in mind, that to drive with an expired drivers license, you must carry your active duty papers with you at all times.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Pennsylvania

How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?
Non-US citizens follow the same protocol as US citizens. The one difference is in terms of providing appropriate proof of identity and legal presence in the US. Therefore, bring the following items with you:
  • Valid foreign passport or foreign birth certificate
  • Visa or qualifying residential status card

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Pennsylvania Driver s License or ID Card

How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?
Pennsylvania is unusual in that it allows residents to replace drivers licenses when out of state. You can order a drivers license copy by mail. Complete an Application for Change/Correction/Replacement Form DL-80 and include a check or money order made payable to PennDOT to:

PennDOT

P.O. Box 68614

Harrisburg, PA 17106-8614

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Pennsylvania Driver’s License or ID Card

How does the DMV check my vision?
At the time of applying for drivers licenses at the PA DMV, drivers must take a vision exam. The applicant will be asked to peer through a specific visual-eye machine, and describe what is being shown. Different sizes and colors of numbers and letters will be displayed, and based on the readings, one s vision acuity is determined. The vision requirements for the PA DMV vision test are 20/40 or better combined vision without corrective wear.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver s License in Pennsylvania

How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?
A refusal to take a chemical test in Pennsylvania is a serious offense. The penalties are determined by the number of times you refused one before.
  • First refusal one-year drivers license suspension
  • Second refusal 18-month driving license suspension

Third refusal 18-month driver license suspension

For more information: Suspended License for Pennsylvania

How soon can I renew my driver’s license?
In Pennsylvania, you can renew your driver s license up to three months in advance. This is particularly helpful when you choose to renew drivers licenses online or by mail, as the waiting time is roughly four weeks. If you miss your expiration date for any reason, PennDOT does allow PA drivers to renew expired drivers licenses up to six months after the expiration for a late fee.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Pennsylvania

If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?
Yes, if you file a police report immediately after the theft, the replace DMV drivers license fee is waived. Visit your nearby drivers licensing office, present proof of identity like a US passport or birth certificate, and then show the attendant the police report. Your request to replace stolen drivers license documentation will then be processed free of charge.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Pennsylvania Driver’s License or ID Card

Is there an age limit to renew your license?
No, Pennsylvania does not have an age limit when it comes to renewing drivers licenses. Senior drivers ages 65 and older are instead issued a two-year drivers license. Learn more in the Senior Drivers in Pennsylvania page.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Pennsylvania

What address will my replacement license be mailed to?
When requesting a drivers license copy online, the duplicate driver license will be mailed to the address that is on file with the DMV. If you are out of state or have a different address, then you must request a drivers license duplicate by mail. Within the Application for Change/Correction/Replacement Form DL-80, the option to write the correct mailing address is made available.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Pennsylvania Driver s License or ID Card

What are requirements for seniors to renew a driving license?
Seniors do not have any special requirements to complete when renewing drivers licenses in Pennsylvania. Instead, the state chooses roughly 2,000 drivers 45 and over at random to undergo physical examinations. Seniors may also renew driving licenses up to six months in advance online through the DMV.state.pa.us site.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Pennsylvania

What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?
The most common reasons for suspended drivers licenses in Pennsylvania are:
  • Teen drivers caught driving under the influence.
  • Regular licensed drivers caught driving while influenced.
  • Drivers who accumulate 11 or more points on driving records.

For more information: Suspended License for Pennsylvania

What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?
To be caught driving with a suspended or revoked drivers license, the penalties are severe. At no point in time should you attempt to drive without a valid and instated PA drivers license. If law enforcement does catch you, you face a fee of at least $200. Depending on the drivers circumstance, you may be charged with criminal activity.

If your driving privileges were suspended for a DUI, the penalties are far worse. For the first time alone, you are charged $500 and sent to jail between 60 and 90 days.

For more information: Suspended License for Pennsylvania

What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?
Duplicate drivers license fees in Pennsylvania are as follows:
  • Noncommercial driver s license: $27.50
  • Driver s license with motorcycle endorsement: $32.50

To pay for a drivers license copy, PennDOT accepts personal checks or money orders.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Pennsylvania Driver s License or ID Card

What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?
It is difficult to provide a list of drivers license reinstatement fees because every circumstance is different and each drivers license suspension case is different. Without providing exact numbers, you will be responsible for paying the following reinstatement fees:
  1. Penalty fines and fees
  2. Drivers training school
  3. Court fees
  4. PA county drivers licensing fees

For more information: Suspended License for Pennsylvania

What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?
Receiving a drivers license suspension or revocation disqualifies drivers from being eligible for an Operational Limited License (OLL) also known as a hardship license. Drivers convicted of a DUI for the first time, however, will be granted an OLL. With a hardship license, DUI-convicted drivers are allowed to drive to and from work and/or school.

For more information: Suspended License for Pennsylvania

What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?
The PA DMV is aware that not every drivers license applicant will pass the driving test. Fortunately, to get a drivers license after failing the driving test is simple. You can schedule a new drivers exam the following day online through PennDOT, or at a future date that works for you.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver s License in Pennsylvania

What documents do I need to get my drivers license?
When applying for drivers licenses in Pennsylvania, new drivers must show proof of identity, proof of residency and proof of Social Security Number. Bring the following items with you:

Proof of Identity

  • PA ID card
  • PA learner s permit
  • US Passport
  • US birth certificate

Proof of PA Residency

  • Bank statements
  • Phone statements
  • School transcript

Proof of Social Security

  • Social Security Card
  • W-2

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver s License in Pennsylvania

What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?
If you opt for renewing drivers licensematerials in person, you do not need to bring much. First, have your current driver s license in hand. You can then download, complete and sign the Non-Commercial Driver s License Application for Renewal Form DL-143 at home, or request the application in person. Once completed and your identity is verified with your current driver license, the DMV representative will issue a renewed license. The final step is paying the $27.50 fee with a personal check or money order. If drivers renew drivers licenses on or after July 1, 2015, the drivers license renewal fee is $28.50.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Pennsylvania

What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?
To replace your drivers license in person at a drivers licensing center, there are two items to bring:
  1. Proof of identity such as a US passport or birth certificate
  2. Check or money order for the replacement fee

Unfortunately, PA DMVs do not accept cash, debit or credit cards.

At that point in time, you will be asked to complete and sign Photo Identification Card Application to Change/Correct/Replace/Renew Form DL-54B.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Pennsylvania Driver’s License or ID Card

What languages is the written test available in?
What languages is the written test available in?

To provide the best possible service to a diverse population of residents, the Pennsylvania DMV now provides the written drivers test in eight more languages. In addition to English and Spanish, PA drivers can take the written exam in the following languages:

  1. Arabic
  2. French
  3. Hindi
  4. Korean
  5. Mandarin
  6. Russian
  7. Ukrainian
  8. Vietnamese

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver s License in Pennsylvania

What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?
In Pennsylvania, drivers are not permitted to get behind the wheel with an expired drivers license. If caught driving without a valid driving license, the penalty fine will be at least $200. For subsequent offences, you will face a fine between $200 and $1,000 and have your driving privileges revoked within a five- and seven-year period.

Fortunately, PennDOT allows drivers to renew expired drivers licenses in PA up to six months after the expiration date.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Pennsylvania

What should I do if I have not received my renewed license?
The majority of drivers renew drivers licenses online in Pennsylvania. A renewed drivers license is expected to arrive within four weeks time. Yet, in the event that you have not received the drivers license renewal, you must contact PennDOT immediately at 717-787-2838. Be sure to provide them a receipt number. If you did not save it, the representative is able to look up your information with your driver s license number.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Pennsylvania

What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?
To get drivers licenses in Pennsylvania, PA residents must pass the following tests:
  • Vision test
  • Driving exam

The driving exam will test your practical, behind-the-wheel knowledge of turns, stops, pavements markings and other basic driving maneuvers. Keep in mind that in order to take the driving test, drivers must have already passed the written drivers test.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver s License in Pennsylvania

What type of noncommercial license will I need?
There are two types of noncommercial licenses in Pennsylvania: an unrestricted drivers license, also known as the Class C license, and a Class M license for motorcycles. If you are at least 17 and-a-half years old, you may apply for the full-privileged Class C drivers license. Once you pass the driving test and get a new drivers license, you can then apply for the Class M motorcycle license.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Pennsylvania

When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?
To reinstate suspended licenses in Pennsylvania, drivers must follow the process carefully. Driving is not considered a right, but a privilege; therefore to reinstate driving licenses, a driver must first pay the penalty fees. If the court orders a drivers training course for improvement, then the suspended licensed driver must enroll and successfully complete a drivers ed course. The final step is to wait for the entire suspension period to pass.

For more information: Suspended License for Pennsylvania

When will I need to renew my license?
Renewing drivers licenses in Pennsylvania can take place up to three months in advance to the printed expiration date. PennDOT does give a grace period if you pass the expiration date though. PA drivers have up to six months after the expiration date to renew drivers licenses; however, they will be responsible for paying a late fee. If you do not renew driving license credentials within the six months grace period, you will need to apply for a new one.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Pennsylvania

When will I receive a replacement license after applying?
The length of time it takes to receive a duplicate drivers license depends on the method you placed the request:
  1. In person A drivers license replacement is issued the same day
  2. Online The drivers license replacement arrives within two weeks
  3. By mail The wait period is within four weeks- time

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Pennsylvania Driver s License or ID Card

Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?
To determine the status of your drivers license, you have two options to employ. The first is to log on to the PennDOT website, enter your driver s license number and the last four digits of your Social Security Number to review your DMV file online. The second option, and often preferred, is to order a driver record. A drivers record shows your driving history for the past three years or the past 10, and will state if your drivers license is suspended and why.

For more information: Suspended License for Pennsylvania

Where can I find the DMV locations?
Please follow the link below for your nearest DMV location:

Pennsylvania DMV Office Contact Information

Where can I get a new drivers license?
A Pennsylvania license to drive is issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Any drivers license center in the state is authorized to issue a driver s license. Simply bring along the necessary documentation and fill out the appropriate forms.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver s License in Pennsylvania

Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?
Unless you renew a drivers license in person, you are not asked to take a vision test every time you order a drivers license renewal. Instead, PennDOT chooses drivers 45 and older at random to renew their next drivers license at a drivers licensing office. PennDOT is confident that drivers take the safety precaution to get corrective wear when vision starts to fail.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Pennsylvania

Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?
You may receive a driver s license renewal notice from the PA Department of Transportation. This is not a guaranteed service though. Every licensed driver in the state is responsible for recognizing his or her expiration date, and renewing drivers license materials within the given time periods. You can renew drivers licenses up to three months in advance, and have a grace period of six months after the expiration date. Take note, you will be responsible for paying an additional drivers license late renewal fee.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Pennsylvania