YourDriversLicense.org is a PRIVATELY OWNED website that is NOT owned or operated by any state government agency.

pennsylvania drivers license renewal - PA

Renew your Pennsylvania Drivers license. Prepare all your DMV info. Get all the forms, rules and steps required for your PA drivers license renewal. Fortunately, there are two convenient ways in which to renew your license. You can either select the Online option or the Mail In option. Unfortunately you may not go in person to a photo center. If you are currently serving the U.S. Armed forces, you may apply for a military absence status on your license. Your other alternative is to use our site and download your checklist. We’ll supply you with all of the necessary forms, rules, and steps in order for you to be fully prepared for your license agency visit. Please continue reading below to get started with your Pennsylvania license renewal.

Pennsylvania Drivers License Renewal Information

Expiration Date

The front part of your license will always show the exact expiration date. Normally, Pennsylvania licenses expire four (4) years from the date of issue. However, if you are sixty five (65) years and older you may take advantage of renewing every two (2) years instead of the regular 4 years. The expiration will always be the day following your birthday. Carrying your license at all times is required when driving a vehicle or motorcycle. It is illegal to do otherwise. 

Renewal Notice

The PennDOT will always mail you the DL60A/DL60R renewal notice. You should receive it three (3) months before your expiration date. This notice will clearly explain your renewal options and instructions. Please keep your mailing address current with PennDOT in order for your mailing notice to arrive. If you recently moved please follow the Pennsylvania Drivers License Address Change instructions. The DL60A notice is not required to renew. If you do not receive it, you must still fill out a DL-901 Renewal Form. Please keep in mind that even though you do not get a notice, you are always responsible for renewing on time.

When To Renew

PennDOT always recommends to renew on time. That's why they will mail your renewal notice with plenty of preparation time. You can start processing your renewal as far as three (3) months before your expiration. Please remember that it is against the law to drive with an expired license.

Expired Pennsylvania License

Driving with an expired license is a crime. If caught, you will be given a ticket. Once your license has gone over its six (6) month expiration date, you will no longer be able to renew online, as it will not be considered an active license.

Suspensions must be handled by going though the restoration process. You first step is to contact the PA DMV and ask them to send you a letter of your restoration requirements. This letter will clearly give you step by step instructions on how to restore your diving privileges.

Renew Pennsylvania Drivers License Online

Almost all drivers in Pennsylvania should process their drivers license renewal online. However, lets go over the requirements and the steps that must be met:

Requirements to Renew Online

  • If your license has been expired for over six (6) months you may not use this online service.
  • If your mailing address on the face of your expiring license is not from Pennsylvania (out of state) you may not renew online.
  • If your expiring license does not have a photo you may not renew online. 
  • If you are attempting to renew a Commercial drivers license (CDL) you will not be allowed to use this system. 
  • If you need to make any changes to your physical specifications (height, hair color) or change of name, you may not use this method.
  • If you do not have a credit card you may not renew online.
  • You will need your drivers license number to use the online system.
  • To prevent identity fraud, you will be asked for your Social Security Number and Date of Birth.

STEPS

  1. If you are able to renew online, PLEASE CLICK HERE to get started with your Pennsylvania renewal.
  2. Enter your complete Drivers License Number.
  3. Enter your Date of Birth.
  4. Enter the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.
  5. Use your credit card (only American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa allowed) to make the $29.50 FEE payment for the 4 year license. If you are older than 65, you may pay $19.00 for a 2 year renewal.
  6. If successful, you must print out the receipt which will serve as a Temporary Internet Driver's License in case you are questioned by law enforcement.
  7. A camera card will be sent via postal mail. It will arrive in no more than fourteen (14) days.
  8. You must still go to a photo center in order to get your new drivers license. Also, bring another form of identification such as your expiring drivers license or your PA I.D. card. The exact details including documents and photo center addresses will be listed on the camera card.


Note: If you have any problems using the online service, please use this PennDOT Contact Page. You may either call them (7:30am to 5pm) directly or use their email page.

Phone Number: 1-800-932-4600 (Toll Free) OR 1-717-412-5300 OR for Hearing Impaired: 1-800-228-0676 (TDD)
Email: http://www.dot33.state.pa.us/contact_us/dlemail.jsp?navigation=true

Pennsylvania Drivers License Renew by Mail

Renewing by mail is also very convenient. If you did not meet the renew online requirements, this is your last option. 

Requirements to Renew By Mail

  • Your license cannot be expired for more than six (6) months.
  • The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will require you to give your Social Security Number. Please read more about this law here.

STEPS

  1. Download and fill out the Non-Commercial DL-901 Renewal Form.
    • Drivers wishing to renew a probationary license must use this application and follow the instructions on page 2 of the form (do not proceed with instructions below).
  2. Enter your driver's license number, name, birth date, phone number, email address, mailing address (must be a real mailing address) and social security number. 
  3. Include payment for the $29.50 FEE for the 4 year license. If you are older than 65 you may pay $19.00 for a 2 year renewal. The only acceptable forms of payment are either Checks or Money Orders. Cash is not accepted.
  4. Mail all of the requirements above to the following address:

    Bureau of Driver Licensing
    P.O. Box 68272
    Harrisburg, PA Nashville 17106-8272
  5. A camera card will be sent via postal mail. It will arrive between seven (7) to ten (10) business days. 
  6. You must still go to a photo center in order to get your new drivers license. You will need to bring your Social Security Card. Also bring another form of Signature Identification to the photo center.


If you have any problems using the online service, please use this PennDOT Contact Page. You may either call them (7:30am to 5pm) directly or use their email page:

Phone Number: 1-800-932-4600 (Toll Free) OR 1-717-412-5300 OR for Hearing Impaired: 1-800-228-0676 (TDD)
Email: http://www.dot33.state.pa.us/contact_us/dlemail.jsp?navigation=true

Pennsylvania Drivers License Renewal for Military Drivers

If you are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, your license and that of your spouse and children (dependents) will be remain valid for the duration of your active duty length of time. You will also be given extra permission to drive with an expired license for forty five (45) days of you coming back to Pennsylvania. Upon your return from serving the military, please go to your nearest photo center to process your renewal. There will be no additional tests or penalties.

You can also make sure that your PA driving record does not get erased, please complete an application titled DL-176 Military Status Endorsement Card and send it via mail to the address included in the form. You do not need to send any type of payment for this form.

Renewal Steps and Conditions for U.S. Military Drivers

  • No further action is needed. You are exempt from the expiration date as long as you remain in active duty. 
  • You must carry your expiring drivers license at all times!
  • Please remember that if questioned by police officers, please keep your military papers on you while driving. 
  • Pennsylvania does not issue any special license or stickers for out of state military drivers. 
  • Upon your return, please visit a photo center for your renewal.

Renew Pennsylvania Drivers License In Person

You may not renew in person in the state of Pennsylvania. You have to either renew online or by mail or any online messenger service office.

Pennsylvania Drivers License Renewal Documents

When going in person to any photo center to pick up your drivers license, you will need to present any of the following documents (documents must show your signature).

  • Your current expiring drivers license or I.D.
  • Passport card, passport, concealed weapons permit, or naturalization documents.
  • Military ID, school, college or university ID, employee identification.  

Auto Insurance

Liability insurance or Financial Responsibility is a requirement for all Pennsylvania motor vehicle owners. In short, liability insurance will cover the costs to damages (property and injuries) made to a third party. It's very important that you are properly insured or your license will be suspended if found guilty. You must always be able to furnish proof of insurance to any law enforcement officer or you will be fined and possibly have your license temporarily suspended.

Our car insurance feature will help you find the lowest rates in your state.