Depending on your specific circumstances, you can renew your Pennsylvania
driver’s license online, through the mail, or in person at an authorized online messenger center. Regardless of which renewal method you choose, you can expect your new license to cost $30.50 and to take up to two weeks to arrive in the mail. While renewing your license can feel tedious, it is an essential process to stay within the confines of state and federal driving laws. Even though an expired license may not seem like a big deal, driving with one can lead to fines down the road—and possible jail time!
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Start earning nowWhen to renew your driver’s license in Pennsylvania
Check your driver’s license for the expiration date. On a PA license card, the expiration date can be found above your signature and below the issued date.
A Pennsylvania driver’s license is valid for four years and expires on the day after the driver’s birthday. If you’re 65 years of age or older, you have the option to renew your license every two years rather than every four years.
To make things easy, PennDOT sends an invitation to renew your license three months before the expiration date.
How to renew your driver’s license in Pennsylvania
There are three ways to renew your driver’s license in Pennsylvania:
Renew your license online
As long as you’re not applying for a REAL ID compliant license for the first time and there have been no changes to your name or address, you can renew your license online
through the PennDOT website. To complete the transaction as smoothly as possible, have the following documents on hand:
Your driver’s license or permit number
A valid credit card or debit card
You will need to pay a $30.50 fee plus any additional processing fees to complete the transaction.
PennDOT added the online renewal option in 2020. It’s certainly the most convenient method of the bunch, so be sure to take advantage of it as soon as possible. If your license has been expired for six months or more, you will lose your online renewal eligibility!
Renew your license by mail
If you’d like to renew your license by mail, wait for your invitation to renew (DL60A/DL60R) to arrive by mail, fill it out, and send it back. If you didn’t receive a reminder, you may alternatively apply for renewal with Form DL-143
. Include a check or money order totaling $30.50 made payable to “PennDOT.” Then, return the completed form and payment to the following address:
Bureau of Driver Licensing
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8272
If you would like to contribute to the Organ Donation Awareness Trust Fund, include an additional $3.00 and check the appropriate box. If you’re not already registered to vote, you may also request a registry application on the form.
You should receive a camera card within seven to ten business days after your form is processed. Take the camera card, along with appropriate identification to any photo license center
. Use the PennDOT’s photo center ID checklist
for acceptable forms of identification. The center may also ask you to verify the last four digits of your Social Security number. Renew your license in person
You can renew your license in person if you’re unable to online or by mail, but don’t drive to a PennDOT center just yet!
Renewing in person requires you to visit an approved online messenger center
(OLM). Once on location, the agent will ask you to do the following: Complete the Non-Commercial Driver’s License Application for Renewal (Form DL-143
) or your renewal invitation (DL60A/DL60R) Present your Social Security card
Show identification (your current PA driver’s license, passport, or photo ID card)
Pay the $30.50 renewal fee
Through a random mailing process, drivers 45 years of age and older may also be required to submit a physical and vision exam report before renewing their license. And if your license has been expired for over two years, you will have to retake the written and driving exams.
If you haven’t been pre-verified for a REAL ID
compliant license, then you must visit a driver’s license center to provide documentation in person
. How long does it take to renew a Pennsylvania driver’s license?
In most cases, you can expect your new license to arrive in the mail within 15 days.
Receiving your Pennsylvania driver’s license should be pretty hassle-free. If you’ve been unsuccessful in renewing your license using the traditional methods, however, you can always call 717-412-5300 for assistance.
MORE: Pennsylvania Electric Vehicle Incentives
How to save money on car insurance in Pennsylvania
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