How to Renew Your Pennsylvania Driver's License

Pennsylvania driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Pennsylvania lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a PennDOT office, depending on your situation and how much time you have. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes from home. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a PennDOT office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address, or if you're renewing a Real ID-compliant license for the first time.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which method you can use. If you don't receive one, you can still renew, but you'll need to know your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the process online.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the PennDOT website works for most people and takes minutes, but only if your license expired less than five years ago and you don't need to change your address.
Mail renewal requires sending your renewal notice and payment to PennDOT and takes two to three weeks, but you don't have to visit an office.
In-person renewal at a PennDOT office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you're changing your address, or if you're getting a Real ID for the first time.
Pennsylvania charges $30.50 for a five-year license renewal and $61 for a ten-year renewal; fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
You must renew before your expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license, which can result in a traffic citation.

Online renewal through PennDOT's website

The PennDOT online renewal system is the fastest method if you're may be able to access. Go to www.dmv.pa.gov, click "Renew Your License Online," and log in with your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your address, choose your license term (five or ten years), and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The entire process takes about five minutes.

You cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address, if you're renewing a Real ID license for the first time, or if your license was suspended or revoked. If any of these explore to you, use mail or in-person renewal instead. After you complete online renewal, your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.

Mail renewal with your renewal notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Sign the back of your renewal notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license if possible, though it's not required.

Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your expiration date to allow time for processing and delivery. PennDOT typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks, but mail delivery can add time on both ends. Your new license arrives by mail once processing is complete. If you don't receive your renewal notice, you can request one by calling PennDOT at 717-391-6190 or visiting a PennDOT office in person.

In-person renewal at a PennDOT office

You must renew in person at a PennDOT office if your license expired more than five years ago, if you're changing your address, if you're getting a Real ID-compliant license for the first time, or if your license was suspended or revoked. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). If you're changing your address, bring two documents that show your new address.

Visit www.dmv.pa.gov and use the office locator to find the PennDOT office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online. Processing times vary by location, but most renewals are completed the same day. You'll pay the renewal fee at the office by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license is issued when ready if you're not getting a Real ID; if you are, it arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.

Real ID-compliant licenses and first-time renewal

Pennsylvania's Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If your current license does not have this star and you want to renew into a Real ID license, you must do so in person at a PennDOT office. You'll need to bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your identity and citizenship (such as a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers).

If your current license already has a Real ID star, you can renew it online or by mail using the same process as a standard renewal. The Real ID requirement applies only to federal purposes; you can still drive within Pennsylvania with a non-Real ID license.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Pennsylvania charges $30.50 to renew a five-year driver's license and $61 to renew a ten-year license. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards.

If you're renewing by mail and paying by check, make it payable to "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania." If you're unsure of the exact fee or want to confirm your renewal term, call PennDOT at 717-391-6190 before sending your payment.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Pennsylvania. If you're stopped by police, you can receive a citation and fine. Your license is still valid for identification purposes for 60 days after expiration, but you cannot legally drive during that time. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person at a PennDOT office and may be required to retake the written test or road test depending on how long it has been expired.

If you realize your license is about to expire, renew as soon as possible. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes only minutes. If you've already let it expire, contact a PennDOT office to find out whether you need to retake a test before renewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Pennsylvania license if I moved out of state?

You can renew online or by mail if you moved out of state and your license expired less than five years ago. However, you cannot change your address to an out-of-state address online or by mail — you must do that in person at a PennDOT office. If you no longer live in Pennsylvania and don't plan to return, you may want to get a driver's license from your new state instead.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online or by mail without your renewal notice. To renew online, go to www.dmv.pa.gov and log in with your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. To renew by mail, call PennDOT at 717-391-6190 to request a new renewal notice, or visit a PennDOT office in person.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals arrive by mail in seven to ten business days. In-person renewals for standard licenses are issued the same day; Real ID licenses arrive by mail in seven to ten business days. Mail delivery times vary, so allow extra time if you're renewing close to your expiration date.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license online or by mail. You must visit a PennDOT office in person. The office will tell you what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

For online and mail renewals, PennDOT uses your existing photo from your current license. For in-person renewals, PennDOT takes a new photo at the office. If you want a new photo for an online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.