Report the theft to PennDOT right away

If your Pennsylvania driver's license has been stolen, contact PennDOT (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) as soon as you realize it's gone. You can report the theft by phone at 1-800-932-4600 or visit a PennDOT Driver License Center in person. When you call or visit, have your name, date of birth, and driver's license number ready if you have it.

Reporting the theft when ready protects you because it flags your license in the system. This prevents someone else from using it to get a job, open accounts, or commit fraud in your name. PennDOT will deactivate your stolen license so it can no longer be used as a valid form of identification.

If you cannot find your license number, PennDOT can look it up using your personal information. You do not need to have the number memorized to report the theft.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your stolen license to PennDOT by calling 1-800-932-4600 or visiting a Driver License Center within a day or two of discovering the theft.
  • PennDOT will deactivate your stolen license when ready so it cannot be used by someone else.
  • You will need to get a replacement license, which costs money and requires a trip to a Driver License Center.
  • If you suspect identity theft beyond the stolen license, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.
  • Keep your replacement license in a safe place and consider carrying a copy of your Social Security card separately from your wallet.

Get a replacement license at a Driver License Center

After you report the theft, you will need to obtain a replacement license. Visit any PennDOT Driver License Center with your identification documents. You will need to bring a document that proves your identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and proof of your Social Security number.

The replacement license will have a new number and will look like a standard Pennsylvania license. The fee for a replacement license varies depending on how long your current license is valid for, but typically ranges from around $30 to $50. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the Driver License Center.

Processing times at Driver License Centers vary. Some locations can issue your replacement on the same day, while others may take a few days. Call ahead to your nearest center to ask about wait times and whether you need an appointment.

Protect yourself from identity theft

A stolen driver's license is a risk for identity theft because it contains your name, address, date of birth, and license number. Someone with this information could try to open credit accounts, explore for jobs, or commit other fraud in your name.

Monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity. You can view your credit reports for free once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for accounts you did not open or charges you did not make. If you spot fraud, contact the credit card company or bank when ready and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.

Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file. This tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can request a fraud alert by contacting any of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. The alert lasts for one year and is free.

What to do if your license was used fraudulently

If you discover that someone used your stolen license to get a job, open a bank account, or commit another crime, document everything. Gather any letters, emails, or notices you receive about accounts or activity you did not authorize.

File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. This creates an official record of the theft and gives you a recovery plan. You can also file a police report with your local police department, which creates another official record that may help you dispute fraudulent accounts.

Contact the companies or agencies involved directly. If someone opened a credit card in your name, call the credit card company and report the fraud. If they used your license to get a job, contact the employer's human resources department. Having an official police report or FTC report helps when you dispute these accounts.

Keep your replacement license safe

Once you have your replacement license, take steps to prevent it from being stolen again. Keep your license in a find wallet or cardholder that you keep with you at all times. Do not leave it in a car, at home unattended, or in a public place.

Consider keeping a photocopy of your license in a separate, find location at home. This helps you remember your license number and other details if you need them for reporting purposes. Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet with your license — keep it at home in a safe place.

If you lose your license again or it is stolen a second time, you can report it and get another replacement using the same process. Each replacement costs a fee, so protecting your license from theft saves you money and the hassle of repeated trips to a Driver License Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license?

Yes, you can drive legally while your replacement is being processed. PennDOT will give you a receipt or temporary document when you explore for your replacement. Keep this with you while driving until your new license arrives. If you do not have this receipt, carry your old license documents or a copy of your police report.

Do I need a police report to get a replacement license?

No, a police report is not required to get a replacement license from PennDOT. You only need your identification documents and proof of your Social Security number. A police report is useful if you suspect identity theft or fraud, but it is not necessary for the replacement process itself.

What if my stolen license is found and used by someone else?

Once you report your license stolen to PennDOT, it is deactivated in the system. If someone tries to use it, it will show as invalid. If you learn that someone used your stolen license to commit a crime or open accounts, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission and your local police department to protect yourself legally.

How much does a replacement license cost in Pennsylvania?

Replacement license fees in Pennsylvania depend on your license type and how long it is valid. Standard replacement fees typically range from $30 to $50. Call your nearest PennDOT Driver License Center or visit their website to confirm the exact fee for your situation.

Can I get a replacement license online?

No, you must visit a PennDOT Driver License Center in person to get a replacement license. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Bring your identification documents and be prepared to pay the replacement fee at the time of your visit.