License Renewal in Pennsylvania

Renew Your Pennsylvania Driver's License

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 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, 2021, 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.

Save a Life: Become an Organ Donor

Did you know a single organ donor could save up to 8 lives? Become an organ donor today!

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 in person 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:

By Mail

To renew by mail, follow these steps:

In Person

To renew your PA driver's license in person, you'll need to visit your local on-line messenger center (OLM) and:

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.

Out-of-State PA Residents & Military

Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany

If 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 days after 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:

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:

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: $39.50, valid for 4 years.
  • 65 years old and older: $27.50, valid for 2 years.

The fees will be higher if you have a motorcycle endorsement.

OLMs may charge an additional fee to process.

Forms

DL-176
Military Status Endorsement Card Application for Pennsylvania Drivers License
Submit this form to PennDOT if you are an active member of the military OR are the spouse or child of a military member. Submission ensures your PA driving record remains valid while you're stationed out-of-state.
DL-82
Out-of-State Address/Photo Exemption Form
Use this form if you have grounds to use an out-of-state address AND/OR photo exemption when it comes to applying for a Pennsylvania driver's license.
DL-143
Non-Commercial Drivers License Application For Renewal
Submit this form when you need to renew your driver's license with the PA Department of Transportation.
DMV.ORG BBB Business Review