Where to renew your Pennsylvania driver's license
You can renew your Pennsylvania driver's license in three ways: online through the PennDOT website, by mail, or in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are renewing before your license expires. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal is necessary if you cannot renew online — for example, if your license is already expired or if you need to update your photo or address.
Each method has different requirements and timelines. Online and mail renewal both cost $30.50 for a five-year license or $61 for a ten-year license. In-person renewal costs the same but may include additional fees if you need a new photo or are renewing after expiration. The state does not charge extra for processing time, regardless of which method you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the PennDOT website takes about one week and works only if your license is not yet expired and you have not changed your address or appearance significantly.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to PennDOT; processing takes two to three weeks after they receive your materials.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Center is necessary if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, or if you cannot renew online for any reason.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid form of identification to renew in person.
- Pennsylvania licenses expire on your birthday, and you can begin renewing up to 60 days before that date.
Renewing online through PennDOT
Online renewal is available at www.dmv.pa.gov and is the quickest method if you are may be able to access. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the $30.50 or $61 fee. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail within one week.
You can only renew online if your license is not yet expired, if you have not changed your address in the past year, and if you do not need a new photo. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead. The website will tell you when ready whether you are able to renew online.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, you will need to complete Form DL-44, which you can read from the PennDOT website or request by phone at 1-717-787-2937. Mail your current license, the completed form, and a check or money order for $30.50 or $61 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Processing takes two to three weeks after PennDOT receives your materials. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your process. Mail renewal works if your license is not yet expired and you do not need to update your photo or address. If your license is already expired or if you have moved, you must renew in person instead.
Renewing in person at a Driver License Center
You can renew in person at any of Pennsylvania's Driver License Centers. To find the center nearest you and check current wait times, visit www.dmv.pa.gov and use the location finder. Most centers are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but calling ahead can help you avoid a long wait.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a valid form of identification such as a passport or birth certificate. If you have changed your address, bring proof of your new address. If you need a new photo, the center will take one for you at no extra charge. Payment is $30.50 for a five-year license or $61 for a ten-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card.
You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. In-person renewal is also the only option if your license is already expired, because online and mail renewal are not available once your license has passed its expiration date.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license is expired, you cannot drive legally and you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Driver License Center in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification.
There is no penalty fee for renewing an expired license in Pennsylvania — you pay the same $30.50 or $61 as you would for a regular renewal. However, you should renew as soon as you can, because driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation. If you have been unable to renew because of illness or hardship, explain your situation to the staff at the Driver License Center; they may be able to help you understand your options.
Documents you will need
The documents required depend on which renewal method you choose. For online renewal, you need only your current license number and Social Security number. For mail renewal, you need your current license, a completed Form DL-44, and payment. For in-person renewal, you need your current license (or expired license), proof of residency, and a valid form of identification.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued document showing your current address. The document must be dated within the past 60 days. Valid forms of identification include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, or document issued by another state's DMV. If you have recently moved and your current license shows an old address, bring proof of your new address to update your record.
Timeline for receiving your new license
Online renewal is the fastest: your new license arrives within one week of completing your process. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after PennDOT receives your materials, plus whatever time it takes for your envelope to arrive — typically three to five business days. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. Keep it with you at all times while driving. If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact PennDOT at 1-717-787-2937 to check the status of your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved to a different state?
No. If you have moved out of Pennsylvania, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state instead of renewing your Pennsylvania license. You can surrender your Pennsylvania license to the DMV in your new state, or you can let it expire and explore for a new license in your current state of residence.
What if I have changed my name since my last license?
If you have changed your name, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Driver License Center and bring legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.
How long is a Pennsylvania driver's license valid?
Pennsylvania driver's licenses are valid for five or ten years, depending on which option you choose when you renew. A five-year license costs $30.50, and a ten-year license costs $61. Your license expires on your birthday in the year it is set to expire. You can begin renewing up to 60 days before your birthday.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
If you lost your license, you need to report it and obtain a replacement rather than renew it. Contact a Driver License Center or call 1-717-787-2937 for information about replacement licenses. A replacement license costs $10 and can be obtained in person or by mail.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes, you can renew online even if you wear corrective lenses. Your current license already notes whether you need glasses or contacts, and that restriction carries over to your new license. You do not need a new eye exam unless your vision has changed significantly or your license is being renewed after expiration.