Where to go and what to bring
To replace your Pennsylvania driver's license, you will visit a PennDOT Driver License Center in person. Pennsylvania does not allow you to replace a license by mail or online — you must appear with your documents and have a new photo taken.
Bring your current license if you still have it, or a state ID card. You will also need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and one form of federal or state photo ID if your current license is lost or stolen. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The fee for a replacement license is $30.50. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the Driver License Center.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a PennDOT Driver License Center in person with your documents and have a new photo taken.
- Bring your current license or state ID, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address dated within 60 days, and a photo ID if your license is lost or stolen.
- The replacement fee is $30.50, and you can pay by cash, check, or card.
- Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your visit.
- If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the Driver License Center for a temporary paper license valid for 45 days.
Finding your nearest PennDOT Driver License Center
PennDOT operates Driver License Centers across Pennsylvania. To find the one closest to you, visit the PennDOT website and use their location finder tool, or call 1-800-932-4600. The website will show you the address, hours, and whether the center is currently open.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Many centers are busier in the morning and on Fridays. If you want to reduce your wait, visit early in the week or in the afternoon. Some centers allow you to reserve a time slot online through the PennDOT website — check whether your location offers this option.
What happens when you arrive at the center
When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A staff member will review your documents to make sure everything is there and correct. They will ask you to confirm your address and other information on your license.
Next, you will have a new photo taken. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or head covering unless it is for a religious reason. Your photo will be taken against a plain background, and you should look directly at the camera with a neutral expression.
After your photo is taken, you will sign your new license on a digital pad. The staff member will tell you when to expect your license in the mail — usually 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask for a temporary paper license, which is valid for 45 days.
Reasons your replacement might be delayed
Your new license will normally arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but delays can happen. If your documents do not match the information in PennDOT's system, the center may need to contact you to resolve the discrepancy before your license is mailed. If your address proof is outside the 60-day window or if your name change document is missing, the center will tell you at your visit.
If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received your license, contact PennDOT at 1-800-932-4600 with your confirmation number from your visit. They can check the status of your replacement.
If your license was lost or stolen
If your license was lost or stolen, you still follow the same replacement process, but you will need to bring an additional photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card. You do not need to file a police report to replace a lost license, though you may want to if you are concerned about identity theft.
When you arrive at the Driver License Center, tell the staff member that your license was lost or stolen. They will note this in the system. Your new license will have a different number than your old one.
Temporary paper licenses and driving before your new license arrives
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the staff member at the Driver License Center for a temporary paper license before you leave. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and can be used just like your regular license. You will receive it when ready after your visit.
Keep your temporary license with you while you drive. Once your permanent license arrives in the mail, the temporary one is no longer valid. If your permanent license does not arrive within 45 days, return to a Driver License Center with your temporary license and they can issue you another one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?
No. Replacement and renewal are separate transactions. If your license is also expired or expiring soon, you will need to handle the renewal separately, either at a future visit or by mail if you are not replacing it for another reason. Ask the staff member at your replacement visit about the renewal process.
What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?
When you replace your license, you can update your address at the same time. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. The staff member will update your address during your visit, and your new license will show the correct address.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are accepted at all PennDOT Driver License Centers, but some centers allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce your wait. Check the PennDOT website for your location to see if reservations are available. If they are, reserving a slot can save you time.
What if my documents are from another country?
If your proof of Social Security number or address is from outside the United States, bring the original document plus an English translation certified by a translator. The Driver License Center staff will tell you if additional documents are needed.
Can someone else pick up my new license for me?
No. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at your visit. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the Driver License Center. If you are moving soon, update your address at your visit so your license is mailed to the correct place.