Drivers in the Military

Pennsylvania recognizes that renewing a driver's license is difficult for active military members, especially for those stationed abroad. To make things easier for our men and women in uniform, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) waives all mandatory renewals during your active duty. This special license exemption also applies to all immediate family members living in the same household.

Special military licenses are not issued. So If you decide to take advantage of exempt license status, you must carry documents that prove you're still an active member of the armed forces.

Upon exiting the military, Pennsylvania will allow you a 45-day window to renew your driver's license before the expiration kicks in.

To Renew Your License While Serving

The option to renew your license always exists. PennDOT will mail you a renewal form approximately three months before your license's expiration date. You must mail it back along with a $26 renewal fee. You will then receive either a camera card for a photo license or an appropriately named "exempt from photo driver's license" camera card. Sign it and mail it back for processing.

Car Registration Renewal

If you car remains registered in Pennsylvania while you're on active duty, you will be required to renew it annually. The state aids the process by allowing online registration renewals. It only takes minutes to complete, and the system accepts MasterCard, Discover, Visa, and American Express.

You will not be required to have your vehicle annually inspected if you are stationed outside of Pennsylvania. Upon returning, however, you will have 10 days to get it inspected.