What the Huntingdon Valley Photo License Center Does
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Photo License Center in Huntingdon Valley issues driver's licenses, photo IDs, and handles renewals and replacements. This is a full-service location, meaning you can walk in for most ID transactions without an appointment — though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. The center does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing or medical certifications, so if you need those services, you will need a different PennDOT location.
The Huntingdon Valley center is located in Abington Township, in the northern Philadelphia suburbs. It serves residents across Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware counties who want to avoid traveling into the city or to other regional centers. The staff can issue a photo ID the same day if you bring the correct documents and meet Pennsylvania's residency and identity requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a valid Social Security card or W-2, proof of Pennsylvania residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of identity such as a birth certificate or passport.
- You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
- The center issues photo IDs and driver's licenses on the same day if your documents are in order, though you will receive a temporary paper license and the plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Bring cash or a debit card; the center accepts both, and fees vary depending on whether you are renewing, replacing, or obtaining a license for the first time.
- If you are under 21, you will need a parent or guardian present with their own ID, and the process takes longer because additional verification is required.
Documents You Need to Bring
Pennsylvania requires proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency before issuing any photo ID. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a naturalization certificate, or a military discharge paper (DD-214). A photocopy is not acceptable — the document must be an original or certified by the issuing agency.
For your Social Security number, bring your actual Social Security card or a W-2 from the current or previous year. If you do not have either, you can bring a 1099 form, a tax return, or a benefit statement from Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid. The center will not accept a letter from your employer or a bank statement as proof of your Social Security number.
For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and Pennsylvania address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you have recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring both the old document and a new one, plus a signed statement explaining the move. A driver's license renewal notice from PennDOT also counts as residency proof.
If you are renewing an expired license, bring the expired license itself. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need the old one, but you may be asked to sign a statement confirming it is lost or stolen.
What Happens During Your Visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. A staff member will call you to a window, verify your documents, and ask you to sign a form confirming the information is correct. You will then be directed to a photo station where your picture is taken. The photo must meet federal standards: no sunglasses, no hat (unless for religious reasons), and a plain background. If your photo does not meet standards, you will retake it when ready.
After your photo is taken, you will return to the window to pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive when ready. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact PennDOT to report the delay.
The entire process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes if you arrive with all required documents and the center is not busy. If documents are missing or incomplete, staff will tell you what you need to bring back, and you will have to return another day.
Fees and Payment Methods
The fee for a new driver's license is $35.50. A renewal is $35.50. A replacement for a lost or stolen license is $35.50. A photo ID card (non-driver) is $30. These fees are set by Pennsylvania and do not vary by location. The Huntingdon Valley center accepts cash and debit cards but not credit cards or checks.
If you are paying by debit card, bring the card itself — the center does not accept card numbers over the phone or by mail. If you do not have enough cash or a debit card on the day of your visit, you will need to reschedule and return with payment.
Hours, Location, and Wait Times
The Huntingdon Valley Photo License Center is located at 2600 Philmont Avenue, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The center is closed on Sundays and state holidays. There is free parking in the lot adjacent to the building.
Wait times are shortest early in the morning (8:30 to 10 a.m.) and mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday). Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings are typically the busiest. If you arrive after 3:30 p.m. on a weekday, you may not be seen before closing. The center does not hold your place if you leave and return later the same day, so plan to stay until your transaction is complete.
You can check current wait times by calling the center directly at 215-657-4900. Staff can tell you whether it is a good time to come in or whether you should wait an hour or two. This call takes two minutes and can save you a trip during peak hours.
Special Situations: Under 21, Name Changes, and Corrections
If you are under 21, a parent or legal guardian must be present with their own valid ID. Both of you will be asked to sign the process. If the parent or guardian cannot attend, you will need a notarized consent form signed by them. This adds time to the process, so plan for 60 to 90 minutes instead of 30 to 60.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The center will update your name on your new license. If you are correcting an error on your current license (misspelled name, wrong address, wrong date of birth), bring your current license and the document that proves the correct information. Corrections are usually processed the same day.
If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or naturalization certificate along with your birth certificate. The center will verify your immigration status before issuing the license. This verification can add 15 to 20 minutes to your visit.
What to Do If You Cannot Visit in Person
Pennsylvania does not allow you to renew a driver's license or photo ID entirely by mail or online. You must visit a PennDOT Photo License Center in person. However, if you are renewing a license that is not yet expired and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or corrections, you can renew by mail by calling 1-800-932-4600 and requesting a renewal form. This takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs the same fee as in-person renewal.
If you cannot visit the Huntingdon Valley center, you can visit any other PennDOT Photo License Center in Pennsylvania. The process and documents required are identical. Other nearby centers include locations in Philadelphia, Norriton Township (near King of Prussia), and Warminster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Real ID at the Huntingdon Valley center?
Yes. A Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your Pennsylvania driver's license for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. The Huntingdon Valley center issues Real ID licenses at no extra cost. You must bring the same documents as for a regular license, plus proof of Social Security number and residency. The process is identical.
What if my documents are from another state?
Pennsylvania accepts birth certificates, passports, and other identity documents from any U.S. state or territory. If your birth certificate is from another country, you must also bring a passport or naturalization certificate. Bring originals or certified copies only — photocopies are not accepted.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the plastic card arrives, use the temporary license. If the plastic card does not arrive within two weeks, call PennDOT at 1-800-932-4600 to report it.
Do I need an appointment?
No. The Huntingdon Valley center operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not need to schedule ahead. However, calling ahead at 215-657-4900 to check wait times can help you choose the best time to visit.
What if I fail the vision test?
If you fail the vision screening at the center, you will be asked to visit an eye doctor and bring a vision test result showing you meet Pennsylvania's standards. You can then return to the center with that documentation to complete your license. This requires a second visit, so budget time accordingly.