How To Renew Your Driver’s License in Pennsylvania (PA)

Wondering what the process if to renew your license in PA? Here’s a quick explainer so that you can easily get your new license in hand!

Once you get a Pennsylvania driver’s license, you may think it serves as a permanent document certifying your driving skills! Unfortunately, things don’t work like that – you have to renew your license in PA every few years.

Here are some of the important questions you may have when renewing your license and the process to go about it.

How many years is a Pennsylvania driver’s license good for? 

Every Pennsylvania driver’s license is valid for a period of four (4) years. The exact date of expiration is one day after the driver’s birthday.

To give you adequate time to renew the license, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will send you an “Invitation to Renew” three months before the expiry date.

What do you need to renew your driver’s license in PA? 

You may have to verify your identity/signature using another document. Some of the documents you can use to renew your driver’s license include:

• Passport, naturalization permit, weapons permit
• A photographic ID (like an employee ID, out-of-state license, military ID, or bank ID)
• Non-photographic ID like Voter’s Registration, Medicare card, Learner’s Permit, or Temporary Driver’s License)

How to renew a license in Pennsylvania 

How to renew your Pennsylvania driver’s license online

Renewing your license online is the easiest way to go, as you can do it from the comfort of your home or workplace. However, you must not be applying for a REAL ID-compliant license, nor should there be any changes to your address/name.

Head to the PennDOT Website and apply for license renewal. But before that, ensure you have the following ready.

• Driver’s license/permit number
• Valid credit/debit card
• A printer

However, you may not be able to renew your license if it has expired for six months or more. You’ll have to renew it then through post or in person.

How to renew your PA license in-person 

If you’re unable to do it online, you can also renew your PA license in person. You’ll have to visit an approved Online Messenger Center (OLM)  to complete the process. Once there, you’ll have to do the following:

• Complete the Form DL-143 (Non-Commercial Driver’s License Application for Renewal) or the Form DL60A/DL60R (Renewal Invitation).
• You can have your photo taken there
• Furnish your social security card
• Provide ID proof
• Complete the renewal payment of $30.50

If it’s been more than 2 years since your license expired, you’ll probably have to retake the written and driving exams.

How to renew your license by mail 

PennDOT will send you a reminder by post to renew your PA driver’s license.

Once it arrives, fill it out and send it back with a check or money order for $30.50 payable to “PennDOT”. In case you didn’t get a reminder, you can apply for renewal through Form DL-143. The address to send it to is:

How much does it cost for a Pennsylvania driver’s license renewal? 

The renewal fee for a PA driver’s license is $30.50.

Is there a grace period for driver’s license renewal in Pennsylvania? 

No, unfortunately, there is no grace period for driver’s license renewal in Pennsylvania. If your license has expired, you need to get it renewed immediately.

How do I get a duplicate driver’s license in PA? 

You can replace your lost or stolen PA driver’s license by filling out Form DL-80CD. Mail the form and a check or money order for $31.50 to PennDOT.

You can also visit a Driver’s License Center or photo center and apply using Form DL-80CD.

What happens when you are caught driving without a driving license in PA? 

It is illegal to drive with an expired PA driver’s license. If caught, you may have to shell out between $40-200 in fines! This could also result in larger punishments if you were driving negligently or under the influence of alcohol. Your vehicle may even be impounded and your license suspended or confiscated.

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