The Clifton Heights Driver License Center location and hours

Clifton Heights does not have its own Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) driver license center. The nearest full-service center is in Upper Darby, located at 4500 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082. This center handles all driver license services — new licenses, renewals, replacements, and knowledge tests — and is roughly 2 miles from Clifton Heights.

The Upper Darby center operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hours can change seasonally or for maintenance, so calling ahead at the PennDOT customer service line (717-787-2828) is wise before making the trip. You can also check the current hours on the PennDOT website by searching for the Upper Darby location.

If you need a service that does not require an in-person visit — such as renewing your license by mail or online — you can handle that from home. Pennsylvania allows mail and online renewals for standard licenses that are not expired by more than five years, which saves a trip to Clifton Heights or Upper Darby entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • The nearest PennDOT driver license center to Clifton Heights is in Upper Darby, about 2 miles away, at 4500 West Chester Pike.
  • The Upper Darby center is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., but hours vary seasonally.
  • You can renew a standard driver license by mail or online if it expired within the last five years, avoiding a trip to the center.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and Social Security number to any in-person visit; requirements vary by service type.

What documents to bring to the Upper Darby center

The documents you need depend on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost one. For any in-person visit, bring your current Pennsylvania driver license or ID card, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

If you are getting a license for the first time in Pennsylvania, you will also need to bring proof of your legal name and date of birth — a birth certificate, passport, or court order works. Proof of Pennsylvania residency becomes more important in this case; a utility bill in your name is the strongest option. Bring the original documents or certified copies, not photocopies.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring your Social Security proof and address proof as above. You do not need to retake the knowledge test or vision screening unless your license has been expired for more than five years.

Services available at the Upper Darby location

The Upper Darby center handles the full range of driver license services. You can take the written knowledge test and vision screening for a new license, renew an expired or expiring license in person, replace a lost or stolen license, and update your address or name on your license. The center also issues Real ID-compliant licenses and ID cards, which are required for federal building access and domestic air travel as of May 2025.

If you need a commercial driver license (CDL) or a learner's permit, the Upper Darby center can process those as well. However, if you are under 18 and need a learner's permit, you will need a parent or guardian present with proof of guardianship.

The center does not handle vehicle registration or title services — those are handled at separate PennDOT offices. For vehicle-related needs, you would need to visit a different location or handle the transaction by mail.

How to prepare for your visit

Before you go to Upper Darby, check the PennDOT website or call 717-787-2828 to confirm the center is open and not experiencing delays. During peak times — typically mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays — wait times can exceed an hour. Arriving early on a weekday morning or on Saturday morning often means shorter waits.

Bring all required documents in originals or certified copies. PennDOT staff will not accept photocopies or faxes for proof of identity or residency. If you are unsure whether a document meets the requirement, call ahead; staff can tell you over the phone whether what you have will work.

If you are taking the knowledge test, study the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual beforehand. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can read the manual free from the PennDOT website or pick up a printed copy at the Upper Darby center itself.

Alternatives to visiting the center in person

Pennsylvania allows online renewal for standard driver licenses that expired no more than five years ago and have not been suspended or revoked. You can renew online through the PennDOT website using your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is lower for online renewal than for in-person renewal, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal is also an option for the same group of drivers. You fill out the renewal form (DL-44), include your current license, and mail it to the address on the form along with the renewal fee. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks by mail, longer than online but still faster than scheduling an in-person appointment during busy periods.

If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than five years, you must visit the center in person. There is no online or mail option for those situations. The same applies if you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license — you can update your address online, but other changes require an in-person visit.

Fees and payment methods at the Upper Darby center

Driver license fees in Pennsylvania vary by service. A standard five-year renewal costs $35.50 if done in person or $30.50 if done online. A new license for a first-time driver costs $35.50. Replacing a lost or stolen license costs $10.50. Real ID-compliant licenses cost an additional $30 on top of the standard fee.

The Upper Darby center accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Check the PennDOT website for the most current fee schedule, as fees can change. If you are a senior (age 65 or older) or a person with a disability, you may be may have access to to a reduced fee; ask the staff when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than five years ago?

No. Online and mail renewal are only for licenses expired five years or less. If your license has been expired longer than that, you must visit the Upper Darby center in person and retake the knowledge test and vision screening.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Upper Darby center?

PennDOT does not require appointments at most centers, including Upper Darby. You can walk in during business hours. However, you can call 717-787-2828 to ask about current wait times before you go.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring other proof of your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2 form, or 1099 form. The document must show your full name and Social Security number. A birth certificate alone does not count as proof of your Social Security number.

How long does it take to get a new license after my visit?

If you renew or replace your license in person at the Upper Darby center, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving during that time.

Is the Upper Darby center the only option near Clifton Heights?

It is the nearest full-service center. Other PennDOT centers in the area include Chester (about 5 miles away) and Media (about 4 miles away). All three handle the same services and have similar hours. You can visit whichever is most convenient for you.