Driver’s License Replacement in Pennsylvania
1. Get Started With Drivers License Replacement Assistance Online
If your license has been recently lost or stolen, you will need to replace it as soon as possible. Without a valid license, you will not be able to drive legally in your state or present a valid form of identification when necessary. The two most common methods of replacing your lost or stolen license are visiting your local licensing location in person or applying for a replacement online. Under certain circumstances, you may also be able to replace your license or ID by mail. However, the fastest and most efficient way to replace your driving credential is online. To learn how to replace your license online, you can refer to our helpful drivers license guide. In addition to helping you through the replacement process, our guide will also teach you how to renew and change the name or address on your license.
2. By Mail
Most states offer a mail-in application option to residents who have lost their license while out of the state. In most cases, military service members stationed outside of the state will also be able to apply for a replacement by mail. To apply, you will need to mail in a primary and secondary proof of identification, such as a birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, Social Security card or W-2 form. You will also need to send proof of a residential address such as a deed, voter registration card or utility bill. Depending on your state, you will be required to provide any combination of the aforementioned documents, in addition to other documents and information. You will also need to keep in mind that it may take several weeks to obtain your replacement license, as mail can often be delayed or unreliable.
3. In Person at a DMV Office
Finally, you can replace your lost or stolen license at your local DMV or licensing office. You will be required to bring all the documents previously mentioned as proof of identification and residency. If you are uncomfortable mailing these important documents to the DMV, then an in-person visit is more secure. However, you may need to reschedule an appointment if you forget your passport, citizenship certificate, car title or any other documents that you are using as proof of identification or residency. Additionally, if you make any mistakes on your form, you will not be able to receive your replacement license or ID the same day you apply for it at the DMV.
A stolen or lost driver’s license in PA can take away your ability to drive legally. Additionally, it can result in a great deal of anxiety as it leaves you open to the potential of identity fraud. Driver’s license replacement through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is a crucial step you must take as soon as you discover that your driver’s license is missing.
A “lost driver’s license” excuse will not keep a law enforcement officer from writing you a traffic ticket if you are caught driving without a valid driver’s license in your possession. If you are among the many PA drivers asking how they can complete this process with as little stress as possible continue reading through the sections that follow to learn all you need to navigate the license replacement process easily.
When is a replacement drivers license required in Pennsylvania?
A replacement driver’s license in Pennsylvania is required any time you have a driving document that is stolen or damaged. You will also need to file for a replacement if you applied for a driver’s license for the first time and never received it. The best time to complete this process is immediately after you first notice your driver’s license is missing or in disrepair.
Replacing lost documents quickly helps protect against identity fraud that could happen if your lost driver’s license falls into the wrong hands. Each licensed driver is responsible for obtaining a duplicate credential when necessary, to meet the requirements of Pennsylvania’s driving laws.
How to Replace Your Drivers License Online in Pennsylvania
You are eligible to get a copy of driver’s license in Pennsylvania as long as you have a current and valid PA driver’s license and the Pennsylvania DOT has a photo and signature on file for you.
If you meet these qualifications to apply for a duplicate driver’s license in Pennsylvania, you can log onto the online services system via the PennDOT website portal. In order to complete the online request, you will need your driver’s license number or your Social Security Number. You will also need a printer and a credit or debit card to pay the fee required for your copy.
After entering all the information requested and paying the fee, you can print a temporary copy of drivers license that will expire after a designated time. In most cases, you will receive your permanent credentials well before the temporary document has time to expire.
How to Replace Your Drivers License by Mail in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania drivers, who are not eligible to apply online for a PA replacement driver’s license, may wonder if and how they can replace their credentials by mail. The first step to replace driver’s license credentials by mail is to complete the applicable form.
Most PA drivers seeking to duplicate their driving documents find it easiest to fill out this PDF form right in the web browser and then print it out once complete. Include a check or money order made payable to “PennDot” for the fee and mail the application and payment to the proper PennDOT address.
Once the Pennsylvania DMV duplicate license application is completed and all fees are paid, print your receipt to serve as confirmation of your pending replacement application.
This receipt is your temporary driving credential while you wait for your permanent copy of drivers license credentials to come in the mail, which takes anywhere from several days to several weeks, if you have a picture on file with PennDOT. In this case, your replacement driving document will arrive with your picture in place and ready to go.
If PA DOT does not have an existing photo on file for you, instead of a Pennsylvania replacement driver’s license, you will get a camera card in the mail. You must take the camera card to a photo center to get your picture taken for your duplicate credential via PennDOT’s state-of-the-art facial recognition camera technology. To find a photo center or an online messenger service that takes driver’s license approved
photos, use the “Locations Info Center” online portal via the PennDOT online services to do a search for locations near you. The messenger service can issue an interim driving document that will expire after within a designated period. You can use this while you await your duplicate driver’s license request to be processed, approved, printed and mailed to you.
Additionally, you many need to begin the process to renew your driver’s license, if your credential is due to expire soon. To complete both processes, you may be able to access online procedures. If not, you must visit the PennDOT in person.
Pennsylvania Drivers License Replacement Fees
To replace a lost driver’s license in PA, a fee is required. For those card holders who are eligible to request a drivers license copy online in Pennsylvania, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit or debit cards are acceptable online payment methods.
Alternatively, if you are applying for your duplicate driving credential by mail, send your fee payment in the form of a check or money order made out to “PennDOT.” The fee for replacing a Pennsylvania drivers license is $29.50.
Related Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Replacing Your Drivers License from DMV.PA.gov
- Payments and Fees from DMV.PA.gov