The Reading Driver License Center location and hours
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) runs a driver license center in Reading at 1701 North 5th Street, Reading, PA 19601. This is the main office where you can renew, replace, or obtain a driver license in Berks County.
Hours vary by day and change seasonally, so call ahead at 717-787-2170 before you go. PennDOT also publishes current hours on their website at www.dmv.pa.gov. Many people find it faster to call than to drive across town only to find the office closed for lunch or a staff meeting.
The center is closed on state holidays and sometimes closes for staff training. If you are planning a trip specifically to renew or replace your license, a quick phone call takes two minutes and saves you a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- The Reading driver license center is located at 1701 North 5th Street and handles renewals, replacements, and new licenses for Berks County residents.
- Hours change by season and day, so call 717-787-2170 or check www.dmv.pa.gov before visiting to confirm the office is open.
- You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
- PennDOT also offers online renewal for some driver licenses, which you can start at www.dmv.pa.gov without visiting the center in person.
What documents to bring to the Reading center
PennDOT requires specific documents depending on whether you are renewing, replacing, or obtaining a license for the first time. For a renewal or replacement, bring your current or expired Pennsylvania driver license, a valid form of identification (such as a passport or military ID), and proof of your current address.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the document must match the name on your process. If you have recently moved or changed your name, bring documents showing both the old and new information.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are usually not accepted.
Online renewal as an alternative to visiting in person
If your Pennsylvania driver license is not expired and you have not had it suspended or revoked, you may be able to renew online through www.dmv.pa.gov. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail within two weeks.
You cannot renew online if your license has expired by more than five years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have any restrictions or endorsements that have changed. You also cannot renew online if you are under 21 or if your vision has changed significantly. In those cases, you must visit the Reading center in person.
Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and uses the same payment methods. Check the PennDOT website to see whether your specific situation qualifies for online renewal before you make the trip to Reading.
What to expect during your visit
When you arrive at the Reading center, check in at the front desk and take a number. Wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early mornings and mid-week visits are usually faster than afternoons or Fridays.
A staff member will review your documents, take your photograph and signature, and process your process. The whole process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter. You will pay the renewal or replacement fee at that time — fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid.
Your new license will be mailed to your address within two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the center that you can use while you wait for the permanent one to arrive. Keep that temporary license with you while driving.
Fees for renewal and replacement in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania driver license fees depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) cost more than regular licenses.
The Reading center accepts cash, check, and credit or debit card. Ask the staff member at the counter what the exact fee is for your situation, since fees can change and vary based on your age and license type. PennDOT also lists current fees on their website.
If you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, the fee is usually lower than a full renewal. Bring a police report if your license was stolen, as some situations may affect the fee or require additional steps.
When you cannot use the Reading center
The Reading center handles standard driver license transactions, but some situations require a different office or additional steps. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel as of May 2025), bring extra documents proving citizenship and residency — the Reading center can process these, but you need to know what to bring.
If you are explore for your first Pennsylvania driver license and have never held one in any state, you may need to take a written test and vision test at the center. Call ahead to ask whether you need to schedule a test appointment or whether you can walk in.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at the Reading center. You must contact PennDOT directly to understand why it was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. The phone number is 717-787-2170.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail instead of going to the Reading center?
Pennsylvania does not offer mail-in renewal for driver licenses. You must either renew online through www.dmv.pa.gov (if you may have access to) or visit the Reading center in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is current and you have not had any changes to your restrictions or endorsements.
What if I lost my license and need a replacement right away?
Visit the Reading center with proof of identity and residency, and staff will issue a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail within two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Reading driver license center?
PennDOT does not require appointments at the Reading center — you can walk in during business hours. However, you can call 717-787-2170 to ask about current wait times before you go. Some PennDOT offices in other parts of Pennsylvania do take appointments, but Reading operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
What if my address changed but my license is not expired yet?
You can update your address at the Reading center without renewing your license. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and a valid form of identification. The fee for an address change is usually lower than a full renewal.
Can I get a Real ID at the Reading center?
Yes, the Reading center issues Real ID-compliant licenses. You will need to bring extra documents proving U.S. citizenship (such as a passport or birth certificate) and two forms of proof of residency. Call 717-787-2170 to confirm what documents they accept, since requirements can vary.