Where to Get a Replacement License and What You'll Need
You can get a replacement Pennsylvania driver's license at any PennDOT Driver License Center or through the mail. The in-person route is faster — you'll walk out with a temporary license the same day — but the mail route works if you cannot reach a center. Either way, you need a valid form of ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
PennDOT calls a replacement license a "duplicate" license. It looks identical to your original and has the same expiration date. You are not renewing; you are getting a copy of what you already have. The fee is $30.50 for a duplicate in-person, or $35.50 by mail (the mail fee includes postage).
Key Takeaways
- A replacement license costs $30.50 in person or $35.50 by mail and keeps your original expiration date.
- In-person replacement at a PennDOT Driver License Center takes about 15 to 30 minutes and gives you a temporary license to use when ready.
- By mail, you need form DL-44, a valid ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was lost or stolen, report it to PennDOT first so it cannot be used fraudulently.
Getting a Replacement in Person at a PennDOT Center
Find your nearest PennDOT Driver License Center on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current valid ID (passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license), your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and a piece of mail or utility bill showing your current address.
When you arrive, tell the clerk you need a duplicate license. They will take your photo, verify your information, and collect the $30.50 fee. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The plastic card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license with you until the card arrives.
Getting a Replacement by Mail
read form DL-44 (process for a Duplicate Driver's License) from the PennDOT website or request it by phone at 717-787-2937. Fill it out completely, including your driver's license number if you have it. Attach a copy of a valid ID, a copy of a document showing your Social Security number (tax return, W-2, or Social Security statement), and a copy of proof of your current address.
Mail the completed form and copies to the address listed on the form — currently PennDOT, Driver License Section, P.O. Box 68691, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8691. Include a check or money order for $35.50 made payable to "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania." Do not send cash. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after PennDOT receives your packet. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so plan ahead if you need to drive before the card arrives.
If Your License Was Lost or Stolen
Report the loss or theft to PennDOT before you request a replacement. Call 717-787-2937 or visit a Driver License Center in person. Reporting it prevents someone else from using your license number fraudulently. PennDOT will flag your record, and you can then proceed with getting a duplicate using the in-person or mail method described above.
If your license was stolen and you suspect identity theft, also file a report with the Pennsylvania State Police or your local police department. Keep a copy of that report for your records.
What Happens if Your Information Has Changed
A duplicate license keeps your original expiration date and all the information currently on file. If your name, address, or other details have changed since your license was issued, you cannot straightforward get a duplicate — you need to renew or update your license instead. Contact PennDOT to determine whether you need a renewal, an update, or a duplicate.
If you have moved, changed your name due to marriage or legal order, or need to correct an error on your license, those are separate transactions with different forms and fees. Call 717-787-2937 to confirm which form you need before you submit anything.
Costs and Timeline at a Glance
| Method | Cost | Time to Temporary License | Time to Plastic Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| In person at Driver License Center | $30.50 | Same day (paper temporary) | 7 to 10 business days |
| By mail | $35.50 | None (no temporary issued) | 7 to 10 business days after receipt |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if my current one is expired?
Yes. A duplicate keeps your original expiration date, even if that date has passed. However, an expired license cannot be used to drive. If your license is expired and you need to drive, you should renew it instead of getting a duplicate. Contact PennDOT to confirm which transaction you need.
What if I do not have my Social Security card?
You do not need the physical card. A tax return, W-2, Social Security statement, or other official document showing your Social Security number is acceptable. Make a copy and send it with your mail process, or bring the original to a Driver License Center.
How long is the temporary paper license good for?
The temporary license issued in person is valid for 30 days. It has the same driving privileges as your plastic license. If your plastic card has not arrived within 30 days, contact PennDOT at 717-787-2937 to request a replacement temporary or check the status of your card.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must be present to explore for a duplicate license, whether in person or by mail. The process requires your signature and, in person, your photograph. A third party cannot submit the process on your behalf.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
If you have moved since your license was issued, you need to update your address, not just get a duplicate. Contact PennDOT at 717-787-2937 or visit a Driver License Center to determine whether you need an address update, a renewal, or a duplicate. Submitting a duplicate process with an outdated address on file may delay processing.