What you need to do to get a replacement license
To replace a lost Pennsylvania driver's license, you must visit a PennDOT Driver License Center in person with proof of identity and residency. You'll pay a replacement fee (currently $30.50 for a Real ID license or $20.50 for a standard license), take a new photo, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online. PennDOT requires you to appear in person so they can verify your identity and take a new photograph. If you live outside Pennsylvania, you can still use a PennDOT office in any county.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a PennDOT Driver License Center in person with a valid form of ID and proof of your current address.
- The replacement fee is $30.50 for a Real ID license or $20.50 for a standard license, payable by cash, check, or card at the office.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.
- Your permanent replacement license takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive; expedited processing is not available for lost licenses.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and keep the report number in case the license is misused.
Documents you need to bring
Bring one form of primary identification and one form of proof of residency. Primary ID options include a valid U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a military ID, a REAL ID-compliant state ID from another state, or a certified birth certificate plus a Social Security card.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your current Pennsylvania address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and your address on file with PennDOT is outdated, bring proof of your new address.
Bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
How to find and visit a PennDOT Driver License Center
Use the PennDOT office locator on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website to find the nearest Driver License Center. Enter your county or city, and the tool will show you all open offices, their hours, and their addresses. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online through the same locator tool.
Check the hours before you go. Many PennDOT offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m., and some have limited weekend hours. If an office shows "appointment only," you must book a time slot online; walk-ins will be turned away.
Arrive early if you plan to walk in. Wait times vary by location and time of day, but busy offices can have lines of 30 minutes to an hour or more, especially on Fridays and early in the month.
What happens at the office
A PennDOT staff member will verify your identity and residency documents, check your driving record, and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. You will be asked to sign a form confirming that your license was lost. If your license was stolen, you can note that on the form.
You will then sit for a new photograph. Wear clear glasses if you normally do; sunglasses are not allowed. The photo will be taken against a plain background and used on your replacement license.
After the photo, you will pay the replacement fee at the counter. PennDOT accepts cash, checks, and most credit and debit cards. You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot that is valid for driving when ready. This temporary license is good for 45 days while you wait for your permanent card.
When your replacement license arrives
Your permanent replacement license will be mailed to the address on file with PennDOT. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the office. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact PennDOT to confirm the mailing address and check the status.
Once your permanent license arrives, destroy your temporary paper license. The temporary license is no longer valid after you receive the permanent card, even if the 45-day period has not expired.
If you move before your replacement license arrives, you can update your address online through the PennDOT website or at a Driver License Center. Do not have mail forwarded to a new address; PennDOT will not use a forwarding address.
If your license was stolen
Report the theft to your local police department and ask for a police report number. You do not need the report to get a replacement license, but having one on file protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license to get credit, rent a car, or commit fraud.
When you visit PennDOT, mention that your license was stolen rather than lost. The staff member will note this in your record. PennDOT does not flag stolen licenses in a way that prevents misuse, so the police report is your main protection.
If you discover that your stolen license has been used fraudulently, contact the police department again with the details and ask them to update the original report. Keep records of any fraudulent activity and report it to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.
Real ID vs. standard license replacement
When you replace your lost license, you can choose to get a Real ID-compliant license or a standard license. A Real ID license costs $30.50 and can be used for domestic air travel, entry to federal buildings, and military bases. A standard license costs $20.50 and cannot be used for these purposes but is valid for driving and state ID purposes.
If you want a Real ID license, you must bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. If you already have a Real ID license and are replacing it because it was lost, you can get another Real ID license with the same documents you brought before.
If you are unsure whether your current license is a Real ID, check the upper right corner of the card. A Real ID license has a gold or black star in that corner. If your lost license had a star, you can get a Real ID replacement. If it did not, you can choose to upgrade to Real ID or stick with a standard license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with the temporary paper license?
Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for driving for 45 days. You must carry it with you while driving, just as you would a permanent license. Police will accept it as proof of a valid license.
What if I move before my replacement license arrives?
Update your address with PennDOT online or at a Driver License Center before your replacement arrives. Do not use mail forwarding; PennDOT will not follow a forwarding address and your license may be returned as undeliverable. If that happens, you will need to visit an office again to pick it up or request a new mailing address.
Do I have to get a Real ID license when I replace a lost license?
No. You can choose a standard license if you prefer. Standard licenses cost $10 less and are valid for driving and state ID. Real ID is only required if you plan to use your license for domestic air travel or federal building entry after May 2025.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can visit any PennDOT Driver License Center in Pennsylvania to replace it. You do not have to return to the county where you originally got the license. Bring the same documents you would need in any office.
How long does a replacement license stay valid?
A replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2028, your replacement will also expire in 2028. You do not get extra time because you had to replace it.