Pennsylvania does not automatically register you to vote when you get or renew your driver's license

When you visit PennDOT (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) to get a driver's license or ID card, the DMV does not register you to vote as part of that transaction. You have to take a separate step to register. Pennsylvania is not a "motor voter" state, meaning the DMV does not use that visit to sign you up with the voter rolls.

However, PennDOT does offer voter registration forms at the counter. You can ask for a voter registration process when you are there for your license, fill it out on the spot, and submit it. This makes it convenient to handle both tasks in one trip, but the registration itself is a choice you have to make — it does not happen automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • PennDOT does not automatically register you to vote when you get a driver's license or ID card.
  • You can request a voter registration form at any PennDOT location and submit it the same day you renew or get your license.
  • If you do not register at the DMV, you can register online through the Pennsylvania Department of State website or by mail.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and a Pennsylvania resident for at least 30 days before Election Day to register.

How to register to vote at PennDOT

When you go to a PennDOT office for a driver's license or ID renewal, tell the staff member you want to register to vote. They will give you a voter registration form. Fill it out with your current address, date of birth, and citizenship status. You can submit it right there at the counter, and PennDOT will send it to your county election office.

The form itself is straightforward and takes a few minutes. You will need to provide your Pennsylvania driver's license number or ID number once you have it, though you can also use your Social Security number. Make sure the address on your voter registration matches your current residence — this is how your polling place is determined.

Other ways to register to vote in Pennsylvania

If you miss the chance to register at PennDOT, you have other options. You can register online through the Pennsylvania Department of State's voter registration portal. This takes about five minutes and you can do it from home.

You can also print a paper voter registration form from the Department of State website, fill it out by hand, and mail it to your county election office. The address for your county office is listed on the form itself. Paper registration by mail must arrive at your county office by the important date, which is typically 15 days before Election Day.

important date and timing for voter registration

In Pennsylvania, you must register to vote at least 15 days before Election Day. If you register online or by mail, make sure to submit it well before that date so there is time for processing. If you register in person at PennDOT, the same important date applies — you cannot register on Election Day itself.

If you miss the 15-day important date, you cannot register for that election. However, you can still register for future elections at any time after that, as long as you meet the other requirements.

Who can register to vote in Pennsylvania

To register to vote in Pennsylvania, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on or before Election Day, and a resident of Pennsylvania for at least 30 days before the election. You cannot be registered in another state at the same time.

If you are not yet 18 but will be by Election Day, you can register now. Your registration will become active on your 18th birthday. If you have been convicted of a felony and are still serving your sentence, you cannot register until you are released.

What happens after you submit your registration

Once you submit your voter registration form — whether at PennDOT, online, or by mail — it goes to your county election office. They will verify your information and add you to the voter rolls. This usually takes one to two weeks.

You should receive a voter registration card in the mail confirming your registration and telling you where to vote. If you do not receive a card within a few weeks, contact your county election office to check the status. You can find your county office's contact information on the Pennsylvania Department of State website.

Updating your registration if you move or change your name

If you move to a new address in Pennsylvania, you need to update your voter registration. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at PennDOT when you update your driver's license. Your new address must be registered at least 15 days before the next election.

If you change your name — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — you should update your voter registration to match. You can do this at the same time you update your driver's license at PennDOT, or through the online registration system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register to vote on the same day I get my driver's license?

Yes. You can ask for a voter registration form when you are at PennDOT for your license, fill it out, and submit it the same day. However, you still need to meet the 15-day important date before Election Day for that registration to count in an upcoming election.

What if I registered to vote in another state and now live in Pennsylvania?

You need to register in Pennsylvania. You can register online, by mail, or at PennDOT. Your Pennsylvania registration will replace your old one once it is processed. Make sure you are no longer registered in your previous state to avoid any confusion.

Do I have to register to vote every time I renew my driver's license?

No. Once you are registered to vote, you stay on the voter rolls unless you move out of state, request to be removed, or are removed for inactivity. You only need to update your registration if you move to a new address or change your name.

What if I submit my voter registration form but do not receive a card?

Contact your county election office to confirm your registration went through. They can tell you if you are on the voter rolls and where your polling place is. You do not need a card to vote — it is just confirmation. Your county office contact information is on the Pennsylvania Department of State website.