The Kittanning Driver's License Center location and what it handles

The PennDOT Driver's License Center in Kittanning is located at 1 Glade Drive, Kittanning, PA 16201. This is a full-service center run by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, meaning you can handle most driver's license and ID card transactions there without going to a different office.

The center processes new driver's licenses, renewals, replacements for lost or damaged licenses, Real ID upgrades, and identification cards for people who do not drive. You can also take your written test and road test at this location. The center does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those transactions happen at a separate PennDOT office or through an authorized agent.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kittanning center is at 1 Glade Drive and handles driver's licenses, ID cards, and both written and road tests.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification and proof of your Social Security number; requirements vary depending on whether you are renewing, replacing, or getting a new license.
  • Hours and wait times change seasonally, so calling ahead at the center's direct line or checking the PennDOT website prevents a wasted trip.
  • Walk-ins are accepted, but scheduling an appointment through the PennDOT website usually means a shorter wait.
  • Real ID upgrades require additional documents like a birth certificate or passport, so bring all required paperwork in one visit.

What documents to bring for a new license or renewal

The documents you need depend on what transaction you are doing. For a new license, bring a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your Pennsylvania address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). You will also need to pass a vision test and a written test at the center.

For a renewal, you can often renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions. If you must renew in person, bring your current license and proof of your address. If you are renewing a Real ID license, bring the same documents as a new applicant because Real ID requires additional verification.

For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring a valid ID and proof of address. You do not need to retake the written or vision test unless your license has expired.

How to schedule an appointment or walk in

The fastest way to be seen is to schedule an appointment through the PennDOT website at www.dmv.pa.gov. Click "Schedule an Appointment" and select the Kittanning location, then choose your transaction type and preferred date and time. Appointments typically reduce your wait from 30 minutes to an hour or more down to 15 to 20 minutes.

Walk-ins are accepted during all operating hours, but you will wait longer during peak times (mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). If you walk in, arrive early in the day or later in the afternoon for shorter waits. You can also call the Kittanning center directly to ask about current wait times before you go.

The center's hours vary by season and may change for holidays. Check the PennDOT website or call ahead to confirm hours before your visit, because some locations adjust their schedules in winter or during staff changes.

What to expect during your visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will review what you brought and tell you if anything is missing. If all documents are in order, you will be assigned a number and wait to be called to a window.

At the window, a PennDOT employee will verify your information, take your photo, and collect your fee. For a new license or Real ID upgrade, you will also take a vision test at this time. If you are taking a written test, you will be directed to a computer station in the center where you will answer multiple-choice questions about Pennsylvania traffic laws. You must score at least 70 percent to pass.

If you are taking a road test, you will schedule that for a separate appointment. The examiner will test your ability to start the vehicle, control steering, brake safely, park, and follow traffic laws on local roads. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Real ID requirements and what makes it different

A Real ID is a driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Pennsylvania began issuing Real ID licenses in 2017, and as of May 2025, you need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

To get a Real ID license at the Kittanning center, bring everything required for a new license or renewal, plus one of the following: a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a Certificate of Naturalization. You will also need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. The process takes longer than a standard renewal because the staff must verify your citizenship and identity documents more thoroughly.

If your current Pennsylvania license is not marked as Real ID compliant, you can upgrade it at any time. You do not have to wait for it to expire. The fee for a Real ID is the same as a standard license renewal.

Fees and payment methods accepted

Driver's license and ID card fees in Pennsylvania vary by transaction type and how long the license is valid. A standard four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses. Replacement licenses for lost or damaged cards have a separate fee, usually lower than a new license.

The Kittanning center accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm if you plan to pay by check. You will receive a receipt showing your transaction number and the date your new license will arrive in the mail.

Your new license is mailed to the address you provided, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the center that you can use while you wait for the permanent card to arrive.

What to do if you fail the written or road test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment to try again. There is no waiting period between attempts in Pennsylvania, though you may have to pay a retest fee. Ask the staff at the center what the fee is and whether you can retake the test when ready.

If you fail the road test, you must schedule a new appointment. Pennsylvania allows you to retake the road test as many times as you need, but each attempt requires a separate appointment and a separate fee. Some people schedule their next attempt right away; others wait a few weeks to practice more. The examiner will tell you what skills to focus on before your next test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail instead of going to Kittanning?

Yes, if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not upgrading to Real ID. You can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee to PennDOT. The process takes longer by mail than in person, usually 4 to 6 weeks. Check the PennDOT website for the mailing address and current fees.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2, tax return, or other document showing your Social Security number instead of the card itself. The staff will accept any official document that displays your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining your situation.

How long does a road test take, and can I use my own car?

The road test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You must use a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will inspect the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test begins. You can use your own car, a family member's car, or a car from a driving school — as long as it meets safety requirements and has valid registration and insurance.

What if I moved and my address changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new Pennsylvania address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days. You can update your address when you renew your license, or you can change your address online through the PennDOT website without renewing. Changing your address online is faster if your license is still valid.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are accepted, but scheduling an appointment through the PennDOT website usually means a much shorter wait. If you do not have time to schedule ahead, walking in is still an option — just expect to wait longer during busy times. Call the center first to ask about current wait times if you want to know what to expect.