The PennDOT Driver License Center in Punxsutawney

Punxsutawney has one PennDOT Driver License Center located at 301 East Mahoning Street, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. This is a state-run office where you can renew your license, get a replacement for a lost or damaged one, update your address, and take the written and road tests if you are getting your first license or upgrading to a different class.

The center is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm current hours, as they can change seasonally or due to staffing. The phone number is (814) 938-6370.

This is a walk-in office, meaning you do not need an appointment. However, wait times can be long during peak hours — typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon often means a shorter wait.

Key Takeaways

  • The Punxsutawney PennDOT office is at 301 East Mahoning Street and handles renewals, replacements, address changes, and road tests.
  • You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times are longest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays.
  • Bring your current license or ID, proof of residency, and Social Security number; requirements vary depending on what service you need.
  • If you cannot reach the Punxsutawney office or need services they do not offer, the nearest larger PennDOT center is in Indiana, about 30 miles away.
  • Call (814) 938-6370 to confirm hours before you go, especially in winter or on Fridays.

What Documents to Bring

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a renewal, bring your current driver's license and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. You will also need to provide your Social Security number.

For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged license), bring proof of identity and proof of address, plus your Social Security number. A passport, birth certificate, or military ID counts as proof of identity. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can bring a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement instead.

For an address change, bring your current license and proof of your new address. You do not need to renew your entire license — PennDOT can update the address on your existing one.

If you are taking a written test or road test, bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, proof of address, and your Social Security number. You will also need to bring a vehicle for the road test, and that vehicle must be registered and insured.

Fees and Processing Time

A standard driver's license renewal costs $35.50 and is valid for four years. A replacement license costs $30.50. An address change has no fee if you do it at the same time as a renewal; if you change your address alone, there is no charge either.

Most transactions are completed the same day you visit. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Road tests are scheduled on the day you visit if a testing officer is available; if not, you will be given an appointment for a later date.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit in Person

PennDOT allows some services by mail. If your license is expiring soon and you have not had any violations or address changes, you can renew by mail without visiting the office. You will need to request a renewal form from PennDOT's website or call the Punxsutawney center to have one mailed to you.

However, if your license is suspended, expired for more than five years, or if you need a replacement, you must visit in person. The same applies if you are changing your address or taking a test.

Nearby PennDOT Centers If Punxsutawney Is Closed

The Punxsutawney center is small and occasionally closes for staffing or maintenance. If you need service and the Punxsutawney office is not available, the next closest PennDOT Driver License Center is in Indiana, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles away at 1395 Oakland Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701. That office is larger and typically has more hours and shorter waits.

You can also visit any PennDOT center in Pennsylvania — the service you need will be available at any of them. Before driving to a different location, call ahead to confirm it is open and to ask about current wait times.

Preparing for Your Road Test

If you are taking your road test at the Punxsutawney center, the test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will ask you to perform maneuvers like three-point turns, backing up, and parking in a space.

Bring a vehicle that is clean, has working lights and wipers, and passes Pennsylvania's safety inspection. The vehicle must be registered and insured in your name or the name of someone who is with you. Bring your learner's permit and proof of identity.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Dress for the weather and wear shoes you can drive in comfortably. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will need to pay the test fee again and schedule another appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?

You cannot renew online through PennDOT, but you can renew by mail if your license is not suspended and has not been expired for more than five years. Call the Punxsutawney center at (814) 938-6370 to request a mail renewal form, or visit the PennDOT website to read one.

How long does it take to get a replacement license if mine was stolen?

You will receive a temporary paper license the same day you visit the office. Your plastic replacement card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, ask the staff whether expedited mail is an option when you visit.

What if I moved and need to change my address on my license?

Bring your current license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The address change takes a few minutes and costs nothing. You can do it at the same time as a renewal if your license is expiring soon.

Do I need an appointment to take my road test?

No appointment is required, but you must have a valid learner's permit and bring a vehicle that is registered and insured. If no examiner is available when you visit, the staff will schedule you for the next available test date.

What if the Punxsutawney office is closed when I need to go?

The Indiana PennDOT center, 30 miles away, is larger and usually has more hours. You can also visit any other PennDOT Driver License Center in Pennsylvania. Call ahead to confirm hours and ask about wait times before you drive.