Order a duplicate Pennsylvania driver's license by mail or in person at a PennDOT office

A duplicate license is an exact copy of your current license — same number, same expiration date, same restrictions. You do not need to retake the written or road test. Pennsylvania offers two routes: mail it in with a form and fee, or walk into a PennDOT Driver License Center and leave with a temporary license the same day.

The mail route takes about two weeks. The in-person route takes 15 minutes. Which one you choose depends on how soon you need to drive and whether you have a PennDOT office near you.

Key Takeaways

  • A duplicate license costs $30.50 and keeps your same license number and expiration date — you are not renewing.
  • By mail, you send Form DL-44 with your fee and current license to PennDOT; processing takes about two weeks.
  • In person at any PennDOT Driver License Center, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives by mail in two weeks.
  • You need proof of identity and proof of Pennsylvania residency for in-person service, but mail-in requests need only your current license and the form.
  • If your license was stolen, report it to local police first — some insurance companies and employers ask for a police report number.

Getting a duplicate by mail

read or request Form DL-44 from the PennDOT website. Fill in your name, license number, date of birth, and current address. Include your current license (or a photocopy) and a check or money order for $30.50 made out to "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

Mail the packet to PennDOT, P.O. Box 68467, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8467. Do not use a personal check if you are mailing from outside Pennsylvania — use a money order instead. PennDOT will mail your new license to the address on file. If that address has changed, update it on the form or call PennDOT at 717-391-6190 before mailing.

Processing takes about two weeks from the day PennDOT receives your envelope. You cannot drive legally during this time unless you have a temporary license from a PennDOT office.

Getting a duplicate in person at a PennDOT office

Bring your current license (or a photocopy if it is lost), proof of identity, and proof of Pennsylvania residency. Acceptable identity documents include a passport, military ID, or birth certificate. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address.

Walk into any PennDOT Driver License Center during business hours. Most are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment. Tell the clerk you want a duplicate license. Pay $30.50 by cash, debit card, or credit card.

You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days. Your plastic duplicate arrives by mail in about two weeks. The temporary license has the same number and restrictions as your original, so you can drive when ready.

What happens if your license was stolen

Report the theft to your local police department and get a report number. You do not have to do this to order a duplicate, but some employers, insurance companies, and financial institutions ask for proof that you reported it. Keep the report number in a safe place.

When you order your duplicate, you can mention the theft in a note, but it does not change the process or cost. PennDOT does not flag stolen licenses or cancel the old one — your old number stays active on the new card. If you are worried about identity theft, contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file.

Fees and payment methods

A duplicate license costs $30.50 in Pennsylvania, regardless of whether you order by mail or in person. This is a flat fee — there are no additional charges for rush processing or expedited mail.

By mail, send a check or money order. In person, you can pay cash, debit card, or credit card. If you mail a personal check from outside Pennsylvania, it may be rejected; use a money order instead.

Finding a PennDOT Driver License Center near you

Use the PennDOT office locator on the state website to find the nearest center, hours, and phone number. Some counties have multiple offices; larger cities usually have more locations with longer hours. If you live in a rural area, the nearest office may be 30 minutes or more away.

Call ahead if you want to confirm hours or ask whether the office is unusually busy. Some centers post wait times online. Saturday hours are limited and vary by location, so check before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my lost license when I explore in person?

Yes. If your license is lost, bring a photocopy if you have one, along with your proof of identity and residency. If you do not have a copy, tell the clerk — they can look up your license record in the system and proceed without it.

What if my address has changed since my current license was issued?

By mail, write your new address on Form DL-44 or call PennDOT at 717-391-6190 before mailing to update it. In person, bring proof of your new address and the clerk will update it when you order your duplicate. The new license will show your current address.

How long is a temporary paper license valid?

A temporary license issued in person is valid for 45 days. Your plastic duplicate should arrive within two weeks, but if it does not, the temporary extends your legal driving window. If you need to drive after 45 days and your plastic license has not arrived, return to a PennDOT office to request another temporary.

Do I need a duplicate if my license is damaged but still readable?

No, not legally. You can continue to drive with a damaged license as long as your name, photo, and license number are still visible. Order a duplicate only if the damage makes it hard to read or if you are concerned about it being rejected by police or at a checkpoint.

Can I order a duplicate online?

No. Pennsylvania does not offer online ordering for duplicates. You must mail the form and fee, or visit a PennDOT office in person.