The Exeter Center handles standard license and ID services in Berks County

The PA DMV Exeter Driver and Photo License Center in Reading is a full-service location where you can get a standard driver's license, photo ID, or renew either one. It is run by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and handles the same services as most other DMV centers across the state — you cannot get a commercial license or hazmat endorsement there, but you can walk in for routine license and ID work.

The center is located in Exeter Township, which is part of the Reading area in Berks County. If you live or work in that region, this is likely your closest option for in-person DMV services. The center operates on a walk-in basis, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

Key Takeaways

  • The Exeter center issues standard driver's licenses, photo IDs, and renewals, but does not handle commercial licenses or hazmat endorsements.
  • You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to get a license or ID.
  • The center operates on a walk-in basis with no appointment system, so arriving early in the day typically means shorter waits.
  • If you need a license quickly, you can pay an expedited fee to receive it by mail within a shorter timeframe than standard processing.
  • The center is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan your visit for Tuesday through Saturday.

What documents you need to bring

Before you go to the Exeter center, gather your documents. You will need one form of valid identification — a passport, military ID, or an existing driver's license all work. You also need proof that you live in Pennsylvania, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Bring your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, you will need to bring a document from the Social Security Administration or a letter from your employer showing your ITIN. You will also need to bring any documents related to your name change if you have changed your name since your last license — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you are renewing a license that has expired, bring the expired license itself. If you are getting a license for the first time or replacing a lost one, bring a birth certificate or passport as proof of your date of birth and citizenship.

Hours, location, and how to get there

The Exeter Driver and Photo License Center is located at 2 Exeter Plaza, Reading, PA 19606. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The center is closed on Sundays and Mondays. There is no appointment system — you walk in, take a number, and wait your turn.

If you are coming from central Reading, the center is in Exeter Township just north of the city. Parking is available on-site. Public transportation options are limited in this area, so driving is the most practical way to reach it. If you do not have a car, check the BARTA (Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority) website to see if any bus routes serve the location.

Arriving early — between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. — typically means a shorter wait. Midday and late afternoon tend to be busier. Avoid Fridays and Saturdays if you can, as those days draw larger crowds.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called. At the window, the staff member will review your documents, ask you questions about your address and driving history, and take your photo for the license or ID.

You will also take a vision test at the center. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The vision test is quick — the staff member will use a machine to check your eyesight. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to get a license that day and will need to see an eye doctor first.

Once your photo and vision test are done, you will pay the fee. Standard driver's licenses cost $30.50 for a four-year license or $61 for an eight-year license. Photo IDs cost $13.50. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. The center will give you a receipt and tell you when your license or ID will arrive by mail.

Standard processing time and expedited options

After you leave the Exeter center, your license or ID is mailed to you. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive it by regular mail at the address you provided.

If you need your license faster, you can pay an expedited fee at the time of your visit. Expedited processing costs an additional $20 and reduces the wait to 3 to 5 business days. This is useful if you need to drive for work or have an upcoming trip. The expedited license still arrives by mail — there is no option to pick it up at the center on the same day.

If your license is lost or stolen and you need a replacement when ready, you can request a temporary paper license at the center. This allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.

Services the Exeter center does not provide

The Exeter center handles standard licenses and IDs only. You cannot get a commercial driver's license (CDL) or any endorsements like hazmat or passenger at this location. If you need a CDL, you will have to go to a full-service DMV center — the closest one to Reading is in Harrisburg.

You also cannot renew your vehicle registration at the Exeter center, get a title for a vehicle, or handle any vehicle-related transactions. Those services are available at other DMV locations and through authorized agents. You cannot take your written driving test or road test at the Exeter center either — those are handled at separate testing locations.

What to do if you have a suspended or revoked license

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward walk in and renew it. You will need to contact the PA DMV directly to find out what steps you must take to restore your driving privileges. This might involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a safety course, or waiting out a suspension period.

Before you go to the Exeter center, call the PA DMV at 717-412-8200 to confirm that your license is may be able to access for renewal. If it is not, staff can tell you what you need to do first. Showing up at the center without resolving the suspension or revocation will waste your time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Exeter center?

No. The Exeter center operates on a walk-in basis only. There is no appointment system. You arrive, take a number, and wait your turn. Arriving early in the day typically means a shorter wait than coming in the afternoon.

Can I get a real ID at the Exeter center?

Yes. Real ID is a federal security standard for driver's licenses and photo IDs. The Exeter center issues Real ID-compliant licenses and IDs. You will need the same documents as for a standard license, plus proof of your Social Security number. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses.

What if I fail the vision test?

You will not be able to get a license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a vision correction prescription or clearance, and return to the center with that documentation. Some eye doctors can provide the clearance on the same day you visit.

How long does the whole process take at the center?

The visit itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the window, depending on how busy the center is. However, wait time before your number is called can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of week.

Can I pick up my license at the center instead of waiting for it by mail?

No. All licenses and IDs are mailed to you after your visit. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. Expedited processing takes 3 to 5 business days for an additional $20 fee. There is no same-day pickup option.