Get a replacement license at your local PennDOT office with your Social Security number and proof of residency
If you've lost your Pennsylvania driver's license, you don't need to start the licensing process over. PennDOT (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) will issue you a replacement card with the same license number and expiration date as your original. You can walk in to any PennDOT Driver License Center without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
The replacement process takes about 15 minutes once you're at the counter. You'll pay a fee (currently $30.50 for a standard replacement), show two forms of ID, and provide proof you live in Pennsylvania. Your new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, PennDOT will print a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 45 days.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your Social Security number and two forms of ID to any PennDOT Driver License Center; no appointment needed.
- Proof of Pennsylvania residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) is required at the counter.
- The replacement fee is $30.50, and your new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Ask for a temporary paper license at the counter if you need to drive before your replacement card arrives; it's valid for 45 days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to PennDOT.
What documents to bring to PennDOT
You need two forms of ID to get a replacement. One must be your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate. The second can be a school ID, work ID, credit card, or any other government-issued ID. If you don't have your Social Security card, bring your Social Security number written down—PennDOT can verify it in their system.
You also need proof that you currently live in Pennsylvania. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current address. If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your name yet, bring a lease or rental agreement signed by both you and your landlord.
If your license was stolen rather than lost, bring a copy of the police report or the report number. This flags your old license number in the system so it can't be used fraudulently. You can file a police report online through your local police department's website, or in person at your precinct.
Where to find your nearest PennDOT Driver License Center
PennDOT operates Driver License Centers in most Pennsylvania counties. The easiest way to find the one nearest you is to visit the PennDOT website and use their location finder, or call 1-717-787-2937. Centers are typically open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. A few centers also open on Saturday mornings.
Walk-in service is available at all centers, but you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week. Tuesday through Thursday mornings are usually less crowded than Monday or Friday. If you want to check wait times before you go, some centers post current wait times on the PennDOT website.
If you live far from a center or have mobility issues, you can request a mail-in replacement through the PennDOT website. Mail-in replacement takes longer (typically 3 to 4 weeks) and requires you to mail in your documents, but you avoid the trip to the center.
What happens at the counter
When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you need a replacement license due to loss. Hand over your two forms of ID and your proof of residency. The clerk will ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. They'll take your payment ($30.50) and take a new photo for your replacement card.
Before you leave, ask for a temporary paper license. This is a printed document that serves as a valid license for 45 days while you wait for your replacement card to arrive by mail. It looks like a receipt and isn't fancy, but police will recognize it as valid. Keep it in your wallet or car until your new card arrives.
Your replacement card will be mailed to the address you provided. If you're moving soon, you can update your address with PennDOT before you leave the center, and your card will be sent to your new address. If your card doesn't arrive within 10 business days, call PennDOT at 1-717-787-2937 to check the status.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives
The temporary paper license printed at the counter is your legal driving document for 45 days. It's valid for all driving purposes—commuting to work, renting a car, traffic stops. Keep it somewhere safe, because if you lose it too, you'll need to return to PennDOT for another temporary license.
Some car rental companies and police officers may be unfamiliar with Pennsylvania's temporary licenses. If you're renting a car, call the rental company ahead of time and ask whether they accept temporary licenses. If you're stopped by police, have your temporary license ready and explain that you're waiting for your replacement card. Most officers will accept it without issue.
If your replacement card arrives before the 45 days are up, you can stop using the temporary license when ready. Destroy it or keep it for your records—there's no formal process to turn it in.
Replacing a license if it was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, file a police report before you go to PennDOT. You can file online through your local police department's website, or visit your police precinct in person. When you file, you'll get a report number. Bring this number (or a copy of the report) to PennDOT.
Reporting the theft flags your old license number in the system so it can't be used to open accounts or commit fraud in your name. PennDOT will note the theft in their records and issue your replacement with the same number but a new card. The process is otherwise identical to replacing a lost license.
If you're concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This makes it harder for someone to open new accounts using your information. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling any one of the bureaus, and they'll notify the other two.
Cost and payment methods
A replacement driver's license costs $30.50 in Pennsylvania. This fee covers the new card and the administrative processing. PennDOT Driver License Centers accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some centers may have ATMs on-site if you need to withdraw cash, but it's safer to bring a card.
If you're a Pennsylvania resident over 65, you may be may have access to to a reduced fee or waived fee for certain services. Ask the clerk when you arrive whether any discounts explore to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a replacement license online?
No, you must visit a PennDOT Driver License Center in person or request a mail-in replacement through the PennDOT website. You cannot order a replacement through email or phone. Mail-in replacement takes 3 to 4 weeks and requires you to mail in your documents and payment.
What if I don't have proof of residency?
You must provide proof of residency dated within 60 days. If you don't have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. Some PennDOT centers will accept this in place of a standard document, but call ahead to confirm.
How long does the replacement card take to arrive?
Your new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within 10 business days, call PennDOT at 1-717-787-2937 to check the status. If your card is lost in the mail, PennDOT can issue another replacement.
Can I get a replacement if my license is expired?
Yes. A replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license is expired, you'll need to renew it instead of replacing it. Renewal requires a vision test and costs more than a replacement. Ask the clerk which process applies to your situation.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still get a replacement from any PennDOT Driver License Center in Pennsylvania. Bring the same documents you would bring if you lost it in-state. Your replacement will be mailed to your Pennsylvania address on file.