The Driver License Center in Allison Park
The closest PennDOT driver license center to Allison Park is located in Cranberry Township, about 10 minutes north. The address is 20386 Route 19, Cranberry Township, PA 16066. This is a full-service center where you can renew your license, take the written test, take the road test, or replace a lost or damaged license.
If you cannot reach Cranberry, the next option is the Pittsburgh Downtown Center at 400 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, which is about 20 minutes south. Both centers handle the same services, so you can choose based on which location is more convenient for your schedule.
PennDOT also runs a smaller office in Wexford at 238 Wexford Plaza, Wexford, PA 15090, roughly 15 minutes east. This location handles renewals and replacements but does not offer road tests or written exams, so check what you need before you go.
Key Takeaways
- The Cranberry Township center at 20386 Route 19 is the closest full-service location to Allison Park and handles renewals, tests, and replacements.
- You will need to bring a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any center.
- Road tests and written exams are only offered at certain locations — Cranberry and Downtown Pittsburgh both have them, but Wexford does not.
- Hours vary by location and season, so call ahead or check the PennDOT website before you drive there.
What Documents to Bring
Before you visit any center, gather your documents. You will need one valid form of ID — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver license all work. You also need proof of residency, which can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Pennsylvania address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Bring your Social Security number or ITIN — you cannot complete your transaction without it. If you are renewing, bring your current license. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need the original, but you may be asked to sign a statement saying it is lost or stolen.
If you are taking a road test, bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and has working brakes, lights, and wipers. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but the person whose name is on the registration must be present.
Hours and How to Check Before You Go
The Cranberry center is typically open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Saturday 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., but hours shift seasonally and can change without notice. The Downtown Pittsburgh center keeps similar hours but may stay open later on some weekdays. Wexford usually closes earlier in the afternoon.
Do not rely on these times — call the Cranberry center directly at (724) 776-5200 before you go, or visit the PennDOT website at www.dmv.pa.gov and use the "Find a Driver License Center" tool to see current hours and services. The website also lets you check wait times at some locations.
Taking a Road Test or Written Exam
If you need to take a road test, you must schedule an appointment — you cannot walk in. You can book online at www.dmv.pa.gov or by calling the center. Road tests at Cranberry typically take 15 to 20 minutes and cost a fee that varies depending on whether you are a first-time test taker or retaking the exam.
Written exams for a learner's permit or license renewal can often be taken the same day you arrive, though wait times vary. Bring a pen and be ready to answer questions about Pennsylvania traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is multiple choice and you must pass with a score of 80 percent or higher.
Renewing Your License by Mail or Online
If your license is not expiring soon and you do not need a new photo, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting a center. Pennsylvania allows online renewal for some drivers — check www.dmv.pa.gov to see if you are may be able to access. Online renewal is faster and you can do it from home.
Mail renewal takes longer but is also an option for certain renewals. You will receive a form in the mail before your license expires, and you can send it back with payment. If you are unsure whether you can renew without visiting a center, call the Cranberry location or use the PennDOT website to confirm.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen License
If your license is lost or stolen, you can replace it at any full-service center. Bring your ID, proof of residency, and Social Security number as usual. You will be asked to sign a statement confirming the license is lost or stolen. The replacement is processed on the spot and you will receive a temporary paper license to use while your new card is mailed to you.
The new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, the temporary license is valid. There is a fee for replacement that is separate from renewal fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license at the Wexford location?
Yes, Wexford handles renewals. However, it does not offer road tests or written exams, so if you need to take a test, you must go to Cranberry or Downtown Pittsburgh instead.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN when you visit. Call the center ahead of time to confirm they have what you need.
How long does a road test appointment take from start to finish?
The actual test takes 15 to 20 minutes, but you should arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to check in. Wait times before your appointment slot can vary depending on how busy the center is that day.
Can I take my road test in a borrowed vehicle?
Yes, as long as the vehicle is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The person whose name is on the registration must be present with you during the test.
What happens if I fail my road test?
You can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on availability. There is a fee each time you take the test. You can book your next appointment online or by phone at the center.