Get a replacement license by mail or in person at a PennDOT office

If you've lost your Pennsylvania driver's license, you can replace it without retaking your written or road test. PennDOT (the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) will issue you a new license with the same number and expiration date as your original. You have two main routes: mail in your request with a form and payment, or visit a PennDOT Driver License Center in person. The mail route takes about two weeks; the in-person route is faster but requires a trip to an office during business hours.

You'll need to prove your identity and Pennsylvania residency either way. The documents you bring matter — PennDOT has a specific list of what counts as proof, and bringing the wrong papers will send you home empty-handed. If your license was stolen (not just lost), you may want to report it to police first, though it's not required to get a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost Pennsylvania license by mail using Form DL-43 and a check or money order, or by visiting a PennDOT Driver License Center in person.
  • Mail replacements take about two weeks; in-person replacements are usually processed the same day or within a few days.
  • You must bring one document proving your identity (like a passport or birth certificate) and one proving your current Pennsylvania address (like a utility bill or lease).
  • Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original, so you don't lose time on your current license term.
  • If your license was stolen, you can report it to local police, but this is separate from ordering your replacement.

Replacing your license by mail

To replace your license by mail, read or request Form DL-43 (process for a Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card) from the PennDOT website or pick one up at any PennDOT office. Fill in your name, date of birth, and driver's license number if you remember it. If you don't know your number, write "unknown" — PennDOT can look it up.

Include one document proving your identity and one proving your current address in Pennsylvania. For identity, PennDOT accepts a U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, or naturalization papers. For address proof, use a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. Mail the completed form, both documents, and a check or money order for $30.50 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

PennDOT will mail your replacement license to the address on your process. The process typically takes about two weeks from the day they receive your envelope. You can track your process status on the PennDOT website using your driver's license number or Social Security number.

Replacing your license in person at a PennDOT office

Visit any PennDOT Driver License Center with the same identity and address documents you would mail in. Bring your completed Form DL-43 if you have it, though you can also fill it out at the office. You'll pay $30.50 in cash, check, or debit card — most offices accept all three.

Processing times vary by location and how busy the office is. Some centers issue your replacement the same day; others may take a few days and mail it to you. Call ahead to the office nearest you to ask about wait times and whether you need an appointment. Many PennDOT offices now use an online appointment system on their website, which can save you from waiting in line.

Find your nearest PennDOT Driver License Center on the PennDOT website by entering your zip code. The site shows hours, phone numbers, and whether appointments are available.

What documents count as proof of identity and address

PennDOT has a strict list of documents it accepts. For identity, bring one of these: U.S. passport, Pennsylvania birth certificate, military ID, naturalization certificate, or valid foreign passport with a U.S. visa. A Social Security card alone does not count. A school ID, work badge, or expired license does not count either.

For address proof, bring one recent document (usually dated within the last 60 days) showing your name and current Pennsylvania address: utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or tax return. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. A postcard or letter addressed to you is not enough — it must be an official document.

If you've recently moved and your documents don't all match your current address, bring what you have. PennDOT staff can sometimes work with you if you explain the situation, but it's safer to get your documents in order before you go.

If your license was stolen

Reporting a stolen license to police is optional but worth doing if you're concerned about identity theft. Call your local police non-emergency line and give them your license number, date of birth, and the date you discovered it missing. They'll file a report, which creates a record if someone tries to use your license fraudulently.

You don't need a police report to order your replacement from PennDOT — the replacement process is the same whether your license was lost or stolen. However, if you're worried about fraud, you might also consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freezing your credit. These steps are separate from replacing your license but can protect you if someone tries to open accounts in your name.

What happens to your old license number

Your replacement license will have the same number as your original. This matters because you don't have to update your number with your employer, insurance company, or anywhere else you've listed it. Your expiration date also stays the same — you're not starting a new license term, just getting a duplicate of the one you lost.

If your original license was damaged (torn, faded, or warped) rather than lost, you can still use this same process. PennDOT treats damaged licenses the same as lost ones for replacement purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I'm waiting for my replacement?

No. Once your license is lost, you should not drive until you have your replacement in hand. If you're pulled over without a valid license, you can be cited. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask a friend or family member to drive, or use a rideshare service.

What if I don't know my driver's license number?

Write "unknown" on Form DL-43. PennDOT can look up your number using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you're explore in person, staff will search for it at the office.

How much does a replacement license cost?

A replacement license costs $30.50 in Pennsylvania. This is the same price whether you explore by mail or in person. You pay by check, money order, or debit card by mail; in person you can also pay cash.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait?

PennDOT does not issue temporary licenses for replacements. If you explore in person and the office processes your replacement the same day, you may be able to leave with a temporary document, but this varies by location. Call your local PennDOT office to ask what they offer.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail from anywhere. Mail your Form DL-43 and documents to the PennDOT address on the form, and they'll send your replacement to whatever address you provide. If you're moving to another state, you may want to wait and get a license in your new state instead, depending on when your Pennsylvania license expires.