Mail your suspended license to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) at their Harrisburg office

When Pennsylvania suspends your driver's license, you do not keep it — you must return it by mail to PennDOT's central processing location. The address is Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Driver License Section, P.O. Box 68467, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8467. Send it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof it arrived.

The suspension notice you received in the mail tells you why your license was suspended and what you must do to get it back. Returning the physical license card is only the first step. You will also need to complete whatever action caused the suspension — paying a fine, completing a safety course, or resolving a medical issue — before PennDOT will reinstate your driving privileges.

Do not throw away the suspension notice. Keep it with your mailing receipt. You will need both when you go to a PennDOT Driver License Center to explore for reinstatement after you have resolved the underlying issue.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail your suspended license to PennDOT's Harrisburg office at P.O. Box 68467, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8467 using certified mail.
  • The suspension notice you received explains why your license was suspended and what steps you must take to get it back.
  • Returning the license card does not reinstate your driving privileges — you must also complete the action that caused the suspension.
  • Keep your certified mail receipt and suspension notice together, as you will need both when you visit a Driver License Center for reinstatement.

Why PennDOT suspends licenses and what each type means

Pennsylvania suspends licenses for different reasons, and the reason matters because it determines what you have to do to get reinstated. The most common suspensions are for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to pay child support, medical reasons (like a seizure disorder), or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.

If your suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay what you owe to the court that issued the fine. If it is for child support, you must contact the Pennsylvania Domestic Relations Section or your local support enforcement office. If it is medical, you may need a doctor's clearance. If it is for points, you may need to complete a defensive driving course or wait out a suspension period.

Your suspension notice will state the reason and the agency or court you need to contact. Do not guess — contact that specific agency first, before you mail your license, to understand exactly what you need to do.

How to mail your license safely and track it

Use certified mail with return receipt requested when you send your license to PennDOT. This costs a few dollars more than regular mail but gives you a signature confirmation and a tracking number. Write the tracking number on a copy of your suspension notice and keep both together in a safe place.

Do not mail cash or a check in the same envelope as your license. If you owe fines or fees, pay those separately to the court or agency listed on your suspension notice. PennDOT's Driver License Section does not collect payments — they only process returned licenses.

Mail your license in an envelope that is sturdy enough that the card will not bend. Include a brief note with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number so PennDOT can match the card to your file. Do not include anything else unless your suspension notice specifically tells you to.

What happens after you mail your license

PennDOT will receive your license and record that you returned it. This does not mean your suspension is over. You will receive a letter from PennDOT confirming they received your license, usually within two to three weeks. Keep this letter.

While your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in Pennsylvania or most other states. If you are caught driving on a suspended license, you face criminal charges, fines, and a longer suspension. Some people obtain a work-only license or a limited license for specific purposes, but this requires a separate request to PennDOT and approval based on your situation.

How to reinstate your license after suspension

Once you have completed the action that caused your suspension — paid your fines, resolved your child support debt, or obtained medical clearance — you must visit a PennDOT Driver License Center in person. You cannot reinstate online or by mail.

Bring your suspension notice, the letter from PennDOT confirming they received your license, proof that you completed the required action (a court receipt, a doctor's letter, or a child support payment confirmation), a valid photo ID, and proof of your Social Security number. The staff at the Driver License Center will verify that you have met all requirements and issue you a new license on the spot.

There is a fee to reinstate your license. The amount varies depending on the reason for suspension and how long you were suspended, but it typically ranges from $25 to $100. Bring a debit card, credit card, or cash.

Finding your nearest PennDOT Driver License Center

Pennsylvania has Driver License Centers in most counties. You can find the one nearest you on the PennDOT website by entering your zip code. Some centers accept walk-ins, but many require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check the website or call ahead before you go.

Bring all required documents with you. If you are missing any document, the center will turn you away and you will have to return another day. The most common missing documents are proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) and proof that you completed the required action.

What to do if you never received a suspension notice

If you believe your license was suspended but you never received a notice in the mail, contact PennDOT's Driver License Section directly at 717-787-2370. They can tell you whether your license is suspended, why, and what you need to do. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call.

If your address changed and PennDOT sent the notice to an old address, you are still responsible for the suspension. Call PennDOT to update your address and ask them to send a new notice. Do not wait — the longer you wait, the more complicated your situation becomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mail my license to a local PennDOT office instead of Harrisburg?

No. All suspended licenses must go to the central processing office in Harrisburg. Local Driver License Centers do not accept returned licenses by mail. Use the Harrisburg address on your suspension notice.

What if I lost my license and cannot mail it back?

Contact PennDOT at 717-787-2370 and tell them your license was lost. They will note this in your file. You will still need to complete the action that caused the suspension before you can reinstate, but you will not be penalized for not returning a card you do not have.

How long does reinstatement take after I mail my license?

PennDOT typically processes returned licenses within two to three weeks. However, reinstatement does not happen automatically. You must visit a Driver License Center in person after you have resolved the underlying issue. The entire process from mailing your license to getting a new one usually takes four to eight weeks.

Do I need to notify my insurance company that my license is suspended?

Yes. Contact your auto insurance company and tell them your license is suspended. Driving with a suspended license voids your insurance coverage, so you should not drive during the suspension. Your insurer may also cancel your policy if you drive illegally.

Can I get a temporary license while my suspension is being processed?

Not a temporary license, but you may be able to request a work-only or limited license depending on the reason for your suspension. Contact PennDOT or ask at your local Driver License Center about this option. It is not automatic and requires approval.