Renew Your Pennsylvania Driver's License
Exact requirements vary by state, but in most instances the only 'document' you need is your drivers license number. If you have questions, contact your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or other state driver's license agency. Renew License at the DMV. Renewing a drivers license in person, however, is a different bird. If you plan to travel or rent a car during the 60-day grace period, you should renew your driver's license; some entities may not recognize the grace period. You may renew your driver's license 30 days before its expiration date. You no longer need the RIN to renew your drivers license online, but you do need to create an online account with the DMV to process your renewal. Can I renew my driver license by Internet if I have a change of address at the same time? A change of address is not accepted as part of the driver license renewal by Internet process. You may renew your adult driver license or ID card at any time prior to the expiration date - you shouldn't wait until it expires Online. Check eligibility to renew online Please note that when you renew your driver license or identification card online, your printed receipt and the old/expired credential will serve as your temporary credential.
Having a valid driver's license is required to operate your vehicle in Pennsylvania, which means you'll need to renew it when the expiration date approaches. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) handles all driver's license renewal applications.
If you renew your driver's license before your 21st birthday, you will receive a vertical license with the words 'Under 21' printed on it. That license will be good for 5 years. However, if you renew your license on or after your 21st birthday, you will receive a standard horizontal license without 'Under 21' printed on it.
If you need specific details about renewing a different type of driver's license or permit, please visit our following pages:
Pennsylvania REAL ID Driver's License
PennDOT issues federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to non-compliant licenses. As of October 1, 2020, only the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard license will not after this date.
You have the choice to renew for a non-compliant license or upgrade to a REAL ID license upon renewal. For more detail, visit PennDOT's guide to REAL IDs.
When to Renew Your PA Driver's License
Every 4 years, your PA driver's license will need to be renewed. If you are 65 years old or older, you have the option to renew every 2 years.
NOTE: If you moved to a new address, you can handle the address change at the same time as your renewal, or online beforehand. For more information, please see our Changing Your Address page.
If you need to check the status of your driver's license renewal, contact the PA DOT.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License
If you lost your PA driver's license and you know it will be expiring soon, you may be able to renew it instead of applying for a duplicate. To verify, you'll need to contact your local PA DOT office.
You can find more information on replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license on our Replacing a Lost License in Pennsylvania page.
Expired Driver's License
It is illegal to drive on an expired driver's license in Pennsylvania. PennDOT allows you to renew your license without having to restart the driver's licensing process if it has been expired for less than 6 months.
If you're not sure if your driver's license has expired and would like to check the status, you can obtain a copy of your Pennsylvania driving record.
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Renew Your Pennsylvania Driver's License
Upgrading to a REAL ID upon renewal?
If you applied for your current license AFTER 2003, you may likely already have the right documents on file with PennDOT to apply for a REAL ID online. Go through the online Pre-Verification System to find out if you're eligible, and if you are, visit the online REAL ID application portal to get started.
If not, you always have the option to upgrade by renewing your license in person and bringing the missing documents.
The Pennsylvania DOT will mail your renewal notice called the “Invitation to Renew' (Form DL60A/DL60R) approximately 3 months before your PA driver's license expires.
You can renew your PA driver's license online, by mail, or inperson at your local on-line messenger center.
Online
You must meet all of the following criteria in order to renew your PA non-commercial driver's license online:
- You do not have an out-of-state address listed on your driver's license.
- You do not currently hold a PA driver's license without a photo.
- Your PA driver's license has not been expired for 6 months or more.
If eligible, you will need to:
- Visit the PennDOT Online Driver's License/Photo ID Login website.
- Have your driver's license number ready.
- Provide your date of birth.
- Give the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.
- Provide a credit or debit card for the renewal fee.
- See Fees to Renew Your PA Driver's License below for more details.
By Mail
To renew by mail, follow these steps:
- Make sure you received your 'Invitation to Renew' (Form DL60A/DL60R) OR complete a Non-Commercial Driver's License Application For Renewal (Form DL-143).
- Return the completed application with payment for the amount instructed to the address listed on the form. Within 7 to 10 working days, you should receive a camera card from PennDOT.
- Take the card and accepted identification to a state photo center to receive your new digitized driver's license.
In Person
To renew your PA driver's license in person, you'll need to visit your local on-line messenger center (OLM) and:
- Provide your 'Invitation to Renew' (Form DL60A/DL60R) OR complete the Non-Commercial Driver's License Application For Renewal (Form DL-143).
- Have your photograph taken.
- Show your Social Security card.
- Present proof of identification (i.e., PA driver's license, ID card, passport).
- If you'd like to upgrade to a REAL ID, make sure to bring all the required compliance documents.
- Submit payment for the driver's license renewal fee.
- See Fees to Renew Your PA Driver's License below.
NOTE: If you changed your name, you'll need to provide additional documentation proving your identity. See our Changing Your Name page for more details. Apache 2.2 for windows.
Out-of-State PA Residents & Military
Notice for Military Members Stationed in GermanyIf you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.
For active duty service members, your driver's license will stay valid during your absences from the state, AND for 45 daysafter you return to Pennsylvania or are discharged from the military.
If you choose, you can renew your driver's license by mail if you plan to be outside of Pennsylvania, and you are either a:
- Federal government employee.
- State government employee.
- Member of the U.S. armed forces (your family also qualifies).
You'll need a:
- Completed Non-Commercial Driver's License Application For Renewal (Form DL-143).
- Completed an Out-of-State Address/Photo Exemption (Form DL-82).
- EITHER a:
- Letter from your employer on their letterhead indicating your status.
OR - Copy of your military orders.
- Letter from your employer on their letterhead indicating your status.
- Copy of the above documents belonging to your immediate family member if they qualify for an exemption.
- Check or money order payable to PennDOT for your driver's license fee (see Fees to Renew Your PA Driver's License below).
- Copy of your current photo ID from your employer.
Mail everything to the address listed on the forms.
Military Status Endorsement Card
While not required, military personnel and their dependents can opt to apply for a Military Status Endorsement Card, which ensures that your driving record remains valid in PennDOT's system during an extended absence from the state.
To apply for this card:
- Complete a Military Status Endorsement Card Application for Pennsylvania Driver's License (Form DL-176).
- Provide EITHER:
- A copy of your military ID.
OR - A letter from your commanding officer on his or her letterhead.
- A copy of your military ID.
Send the above to the address on the form.
Fees to Renew Your PA Driver's License
The cost for renewing your PA driver's license and the renewal period will depend on your age:
- Under 65 years old: $30.50, valid for 4 years.
- 65 years old and older: $20, valid for 2 years.
The fees will be higher if you have a motorcycle endorsement.
OLMs may charge an additional fee to process.
Forms
This form is provided by your state's agency/department.
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