What form you need depends on what you're doing

Pennsylvania has different forms for different situations. If you're getting your first license, renewing one that's expired, or changing your address, you'll use different paperwork. The state groups these into a few main forms, and knowing which one applies to you saves a trip to the DMV — called PennDOT in Pennsylvania.

The most common form is the DL-44, which you use to get your first driver's license or to replace one that's lost or stolen. If you're renewing a license that's still valid or has been expired for less than five years, you use the DL-80. If your license expired more than five years ago, you'll need to start over with the DL-44. There's also the DL-43 for address changes and other updates to an existing license.

Key Takeaways

  • Use form DL-44 to get your first Pennsylvania driver's license or to replace a lost, stolen, or severely damaged license.
  • Use form DL-80 to renew a license that is still valid or expired less than five years ago.
  • Use form DL-43 to update your address, name, or other information on an existing license without getting a new photo.
  • All forms require proof of identity, Social Security number, and Pennsylvania residency before you submit them to PennDOT.
  • You can get forms online from the PennDOT website or pick them up in person at any PennDOT office.

Form DL-44: Getting your first license or replacing a lost one

The DL-44 is what you fill out when you have no valid Pennsylvania driver's license at all. This includes first-time drivers, people who let their license expire more than five years ago, and anyone whose license was lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use. You'll also use it if you're moving to Pennsylvania from another state and want to convert your out-of-state license to a Pennsylvania one.

When you submit a DL-44, you're starting the full licensing process. That means you'll take the written test (if you don't already hold a valid license from another state), get your photo taken, and pay the license fee. The form itself is just the first step — it tells PennDOT what documents you're bringing and confirms your identity and residency.

You can read the DL-44 from the PennDOT website or pick up a copy at any PennDOT Driver License Center. Fill it out completely before you go in, because incomplete forms slow down your appointment. Bring the original documents listed on the form — photocopies usually don't count for identity and residency proof.

Form DL-80: Renewing a valid or recently expired license

The DL-80 is simpler than the DL-44 because you're not starting over. You use it when your license is still valid or has been expired for fewer than five years. Pennsylvania licenses are valid for four years, so most people use the DL-80 when they get their renewal notice in the mail.

With a DL-80 renewal, you don't have to retake the written test or the road test. You won't get a new photo unless you request one (though your photo will be updated if you renew in person at a Driver License Center). The form is shorter than the DL-44 because PennDOT already has most of your information on file.

You can renew by mail using the DL-80, which is faster than going to an office if your address and other details haven't changed. Mail-in renewal takes about two to three weeks. If you go in person, you can walk out with your new license the same day, though you'll need to schedule an appointment first through the PennDOT website.

Form DL-43: Updating your address or name without renewing

The DL-43 is for changes that don't require a full renewal. If you moved to a new address in Pennsylvania, got married and changed your name, or need to correct information on your existing license, you use the DL-43. You keep your current photo and don't pay a renewal fee — you only pay a small fee for the updated card.

You can submit a DL-43 by mail or in person. If you mail it, include proof of your new address (like a utility bill or lease) and any documents that support the change (like a marriage certificate for a name change). Processing by mail usually takes two to three weeks.

If you go to a Driver License Center in person with a DL-43, the process is faster. You'll show your current license, your proof of address or name change, and walk out with an updated license in about 15 minutes. No appointment is usually needed for a DL-43, though some busy centers ask you to check ahead.

What documents you need to bring with any form

No matter which form you're using, PennDOT requires proof of three things: your identity, your Social Security number, and that you live in Pennsylvania. The specific documents that count vary slightly by situation, but the categories are always the same.

For identity, you can bring a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a visa. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. For Pennsylvania residency, bring a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement — it has to show your name and current Pennsylvania address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you're renewing by mail with a DL-80 and nothing has changed, you usually don't need to bring documents — your current license is proof enough. But if you're explore in person or if anything on your record has changed, bring the originals. Photocopies and photos of documents are not accepted for initial proof, though some offices will make copies for your file after you show the original.

Where to get the forms and how to submit them

All three forms are available on the PennDOT website under "Forms" in the Driver License section. You can read and print them at home, or you can pick up physical copies at any PennDOT Driver License Center. There are centers in every county, and you can find the one nearest you and check its hours on the PennDOT website.

You can submit forms by mail to the address listed on each form, or you can bring them in person to a Driver License Center. Mail-in processing takes longer — usually two to three weeks — but it's an option if you can't get to an office. In-person submission is faster, especially if you're getting a new photo or taking a test. You'll need to schedule an appointment online before you go to most centers.

If you're not sure which form you need, call PennDOT's customer service line or visit a Driver License Center and ask. Staff can tell you on the spot which form applies to your situation and what documents to bring. It's worth the phone call or short visit to avoid filling out the wrong form and having to start over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out a form online and submit it electronically?

No. Pennsylvania requires you to submit the original signed form, either by mail or in person at a Driver License Center. You can read and print the form online, but you must sign it by hand and mail it or bring it in. Some transactions like license renewals can be done entirely online through the PennDOT website if you meet certain requirements, but those use a different process than the paper forms.

What happens if I fill out the wrong form?

PennDOT will usually contact you and ask you to submit the correct form. If you mail in the wrong form, it may delay your license by a few weeks. If you bring the wrong form to a Driver License Center, staff will tell you right away and you can fill out the correct one on the spot. It's not a major problem, just a delay.

Do I need to notarize my form?

No. Pennsylvania driver's license forms do not require notarization. Your signature on the form is enough. If you're mailing the form, sign it in front of a witness if possible, but notarization is not required by PennDOT.

How long does it take to get my license after I submit a form?

If you submit in person at a Driver License Center and you're getting a new photo, you usually walk out with your license the same day or within a few days. If you mail the form, allow two to three weeks for processing. Renewal by mail can take up to three weeks, while in-person renewal is usually same-day.

Can I submit a form for someone else?

No. The person explore for the license must sign the form themselves. If someone is unable to sign due to a disability, contact PennDOT ahead of time to ask about accommodations. You cannot submit a form on behalf of another adult.