Send your suspended Pennsylvania license to the address on your suspension notice
When your Pennsylvania driver's license is suspended, the notice you receive tells you exactly where to send it. Most of the time, you mail it to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) at the address printed on that notice. The address varies depending on why your license was suspended and which PennDOT office is handling your case, so the notice itself is your most reliable guide.
If you cannot find the notice or are unsure which office to contact, you can call PennDOT's Driver License Section at 717-787-2937 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time). Have your driver's license number ready when you call. They will tell you the correct mailing address and confirm whether you need to send the physical card or just notify them in writing.
Do not throw away your suspended license or ignore the suspension notice. Driving on a suspended license in Pennsylvania is a separate criminal offense that carries fines, jail time, and additional license suspension on top of your original suspension.
Key Takeaways
- The suspension notice you receive contains the mailing address where you must send your license — check that notice first before contacting PennDOT.
- If you lost the notice, call PennDOT's Driver License Section at 717-787-2937 to get the correct address for your specific suspension.
- Different suspension reasons (unpaid fines, medical suspension, points accumulation) may route to different PennDOT offices.
- Sending your license is usually required before you can request reinstatement, so do not delay once you know where to send it.
Common reasons for suspension and where they route
Pennsylvania suspends licenses for different reasons, and some route to different offices. If your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, your notice will direct you to send the license to the office handling that court case. If your suspension is medical (your doctor reported a condition that affects your ability to drive safely), the notice goes to PennDOT's Medical Review Unit. If your suspension is for accumulating too many points on your driving record, it typically goes to the main Driver License Section.
The suspension notice always specifies the reason and the destination. If the reason is unclear to you, that is another reason to call PennDOT at 717-787-2937 — they can explain what triggered the suspension and confirm the mailing address.
What to include when you mail your license
When you send your license, include a cover letter with your full name, date of birth, and driver's license number. This helps PennDOT match the physical card to your file. Keep a copy of anything you send for your own records.
Use regular first-class mail or certified mail with return receipt requested. Certified mail costs a few dollars more but gives you proof that PennDOT received your license. Since your license is an official document, certified mail is worth the extra cost for peace of mind.
Do not send your license in a package with other documents unless the suspension notice specifically asks you to. Send only what the notice requires.
Timeline for reinstatement after you send your license
Sending your license does not automatically reinstate your driving privileges. It is usually the first step in a process that may also require you to pay fines, complete a hearing, or meet other conditions spelled out in your suspension notice.
After PennDOT receives your license, they will contact you with next steps. This can take two to four weeks depending on mail delivery and how busy the office is. If you sent it certified mail, you will know when they received it. If you used regular mail, you may want to call PennDOT after three weeks to confirm they have it.
Do not assume your suspension is lifted just because you mailed the license. Wait for written confirmation from PennDOT before you drive.
If you cannot find your suspension notice
If your suspension notice is lost or you never received one, call PennDOT at 717-787-2937. They can look up your suspension in their system, tell you the reason, and provide the mailing address. You can also visit a PennDOT Driver License Center in person if you prefer to handle it face-to-face, though calling is faster.
PennDOT also maintains a website where you can check your driving record status, though this does not always show the mailing address for a suspension. The phone call is your most direct route to the information you need.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license
Driving while your license is suspended in Pennsylvania is a misdemeanor offense. A first offense carries a fine of $200 to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. Your license suspension will be extended, and you may face additional penalties. A second or subsequent offense within five years carries higher fines and possible jail time.
If you are stopped by police and your license is suspended, you will be cited. Even if you are working toward reinstatement, driving before the suspension is officially lifted creates a separate legal problem that makes reinstatement harder and more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send my license by email or online instead of mailing it?
No. Pennsylvania requires you to mail the physical license card to the address on your suspension notice. PennDOT does not accept emailed photos or online submissions of suspended licenses. Mail is the only method.
What if my suspension notice says to send it to a court instead of PennDOT?
Follow the notice exactly. Some suspensions are ordered by a court (usually for unpaid fines or failure to appear), and in those cases the court, not PennDOT, is the correct destination. The notice will be clear about this. If you are unsure, call the court listed on the notice or call PennDOT at 717-787-2937.
Do I need to send the license if I am requesting a hearing to contest the suspension?
Not necessarily. If you plan to request a hearing, contact PennDOT or the office listed on your notice before mailing the license. They will tell you whether to send it now or wait until after the hearing. Sending it early does not hurt your case, but asking first prevents unnecessary delays.
How do I know if PennDOT received my license after I mailed it?
If you sent it certified mail with return receipt, you will receive a signed confirmation. If you sent it regular mail, call PennDOT at 717-787-2937 after three weeks and provide your license number. They can tell you whether it arrived.
Can someone else mail my license for me?
Yes. A family member or friend can mail your license on your behalf. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and license number. The person mailing it does not need to sign anything — your license and letter are enough.