The fastest way to replace your Pennsylvania driver license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Pennsylvania driver license in person at any PennDOT Driver License Center, or by mail if your license is not suspended and you have not had more than two replacements in the past five years. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but costs less and requires no trip to an office.

You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Pennsylvania residency — the exact documents depend on which route you choose. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and bring the report number, though PennDOT does not require it.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at a PennDOT Driver License Center takes about 30 minutes and gives you a temporary license on the spot; by mail takes two to three weeks but costs less and has stricter may be able to access rules.
  • You need one document proving your identity, one proving your Social Security number, and one proving you live in Pennsylvania — a utility bill or lease counts for residency.
  • If your license was stolen, report it to police first and bring the report number to speed up the process and prevent fraud.
  • You cannot use the mail route if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you have already replaced it twice in the past five years.

Replace your license in person at a PennDOT office

Walk into any PennDOT Driver License Center with your documents and a completed process for a Driver License or Identification Card (form DL-44). You can fill out the form at home or at the office. Bring your current license if you still have it, or a police report if it was stolen.

The fee is $30.50 for a replacement license. You will be photographed and fingerprinted, and you will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent one arrives, the temporary license is valid for all purposes.

To find the nearest Driver License Center and check its hours, visit the PennDOT website or call 1-717-787-2937. Some offices take walk-ins only; others use an appointment system. Call ahead to confirm.

Replace your license by mail

You can mail in your replacement request if your license is not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and you have not replaced it more than twice in the past five years. Mail your completed DL-44 form, your documents, and a check or money order for $30.50 to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive during this time. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must go to a Driver License Center in person instead.

Do not mail your original documents — send copies. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Documents you need for either route

Bring one document from each of these three categories:

  • Proof of identity: Your current Pennsylvania driver license, passport, military ID, or state ID card.
  • Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return.
  • Proof of Pennsylvania residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days, or a property tax bill from the past year.

All documents must be originals or certified copies. If you are mailing your request, send copies, not originals.

What to do if your license was stolen

Report the theft to your local police department and get a report number. Bring this number to your Driver License Center appointment or include it with your mail-in request. PennDOT will flag your old license as stolen, which prevents someone else from using it.

You do not have to wait for the police report to be filed before you explore for a replacement — you can explore the same day and provide the report number later. If you cannot get a report number, you can still replace your license, but the process may take longer.

Replacement fees and what you receive

A replacement license costs $30.50 whether you go in person or by mail. This is a one-time fee; you do not pay again when your permanent license arrives.

If you replace your license in person, you get a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and a permanent plastic license by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you replace by mail, you receive only the permanent license, which arrives in two to three weeks.

Your new license will have the same number as your old one and the same expiration date. You do not need to renew it early.

When you cannot use the mail route

The mail-in replacement is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You must go to a Driver License Center in person. You also cannot use the mail route if you have already replaced your license twice in the past five years — after two replacements, you must appear in person for any further replacements.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or how many times you have replaced it, call PennDOT at 1-717-787-2937 before you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a temporary license while I wait for my permanent one?

Yes. The temporary paper license you receive in person is valid for all driving purposes for 30 days. If you applied by mail, you have no temporary license and cannot drive until your permanent license arrives.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail or in person at any Pennsylvania Driver License Center. You do not need to be in Pennsylvania to explore. If you are out of state and need to drive when ready, you may want to go in person to get a temporary license.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?

Yes, if you replace in person. PennDOT will photograph you at the Driver License Center. If you replace by mail, PennDOT uses your photo from your old license, so you do not need a new one.

How long does a replacement license take if I go in person?

You receive a temporary license the same day, valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license during this time.

What if my address changed since my old license was issued?

You can update your address at the same time you replace your license. Bring proof of your new Pennsylvania address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) along with your other documents. There is no extra fee.