The Bensalem Driver's License Center location and hours
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) operates a driver's license center in Bensalem at 3001 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020. This is a full-service location where you can renew, replace, or obtain a driver's license, as well as handle other vehicle-related transactions.
The center is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, so calling ahead at the center's direct line before you go is a practical step. PennDOT's main customer service line is 1-800-932-4600 if you cannot reach the Bensalem location directly.
Parking is available on-site. The building is accessible, though you may encounter wait times during peak hours — typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays. Arriving early in the day or on a Tuesday or Wednesday often means shorter lines than Thursday or Friday.
Key Takeaways
- The Bensalem driver's license center is located at 3001 Street Road and is open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
- You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or card to complete most transactions.
- Renewals by mail are an option if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, which can save you a trip to the center.
- The center handles driver's license renewals, replacements, and new licenses, plus vehicle registration and title work.
- Wait times are typically shorter earlier in the day and mid-week rather than late afternoon or Friday.
What documents to bring for a license renewal
For a standard renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your card or a tax document), and one form of proof of your current Pennsylvania address. Acceptable address proofs include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID like a passport works as well.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — you will need to bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. PennDOT will not process a name change without this document.
If you are renewing a license that has expired more than five years ago, you may need to take a vision test and written exam in addition to providing these documents. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving.
When you can renew by mail instead
Pennsylvania allows you to renew your driver's license by mail if your license is still valid (not expired) and you meet certain conditions. You cannot renew by mail if you have had a name change, if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you need to update your address. You also cannot renew by mail if you are over 65 or if your last renewal was also by mail.
To renew by mail, you will receive a renewal notice from PennDOT about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes instructions and a prepaid envelope. You send back the form, your current license, and the fee — currently $30.50 for a five-year renewal — and PennDOT mails your new license to you within two to three weeks. This route eliminates the need to visit the Bensalem center.
Check the renewal notice carefully to see whether you are may be able to access. If you are unsure, calling PennDOT at 1-800-932-4600 can clarify whether mail renewal is an option for your situation.
Getting a replacement license if yours is lost or stolen
If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to visit the Bensalem center in person to request a replacement. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or card, just as you would for a renewal. The fee for a replacement is currently $20.50.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to local police and keep a copy of the police report. While not required by PennDOT, having a report on file protects you if someone uses your license number fraudulently.
A replacement license is typically issued the same day or within a few days if you explore in person at the center. You will receive it by mail at your address on file.
Obtaining a new license if you are a first-time driver
If you are getting your first Pennsylvania driver's license, you cannot complete the process by mail. You must visit the Bensalem center or another PennDOT location in person. Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or out-of-state license), proof of residency, your Social Security number or card, and proof that you have passed a written knowledge test and a road test through a licensed driving school or PennDOT-approved testing site.
PennDOT requires you to pass both a written exam and a practical driving test before issuing a license. Many people complete these tests through a private driving school, which can be faster than waiting for an appointment at a PennDOT testing site. Once you have passed both tests, bring your test certificates to the Bensalem center along with your other documents.
The fee for a new license is currently $30.50 for a five-year license. Processing takes a few days, and your license will be mailed to your address on file.
Vehicle registration and title services at the center
The Bensalem driver's license center also handles vehicle registration renewals, new registrations, and title transfers. If you need to register a vehicle you recently purchased, transfer a title from another state, or renew an expiring registration, you can handle these transactions at the same location.
For vehicle registration, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, proof of residency, and your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). For a title transfer, bring the signed title from the previous owner, a bill of sale, and proof of insurance. Requirements vary depending on whether the vehicle is new to you, used, or being transferred from out of state, so calling ahead to confirm what you need is worth the time.
Registration and title fees vary based on the vehicle's weight, age, and type. PennDOT staff at the center can tell you the exact fee when you arrive or when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit the Bensalem driver's license center?
PennDOT does not require appointments at most locations, including Bensalem. You can walk in during business hours. However, you can schedule an appointment online through the PennDOT website to reduce wait time. Check the website to see whether appointments are currently being taken at the Bensalem location.
What if I moved to Pennsylvania from another state?
You have 60 days from moving to Pennsylvania to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your new Pennsylvania address, proof of your Social Security number, and a completed DL-44 form (available at the center or online). You will need to pass a vision test and written exam unless you are over 65 or meet other exemptions.
How long does it take to get a new license after I explore?
If you explore in person at the Bensalem center, your license is typically mailed to you within five to ten business days. You will receive it at the address you provided on your process. If you need it faster, ask the staff whether expedited processing is available and what the additional fee is.
Can I renew my license online?
Pennsylvania does not currently offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail if you meet the requirements, or you can visit the Bensalem center in person. Check the PennDOT website to see whether online renewal has become available since this was written.
What if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
Commercial driver's licenses require in-person renewal and cannot be renewed by mail. Bring the same documents as you would for a standard renewal, plus any medical certification if your CDL requires one. The Bensalem center handles CDL renewals, though you may encounter longer wait times because CDL transactions take more time to process.