What you need to do to get your license back in Pennsylvania
Getting your Pennsylvania driver's license back after suspension requires you to contact PennDOT (the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation), pay any fines or fees, and in many cases complete a specific action — such as paying child support arrears, settling a traffic debt, or finishing a defensive driving course. The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended. Once you've met the requirements, you request reinstatement through PennDOT, and your license becomes valid again.
Pennsylvania does not automatically restore your license when the suspension period ends. You must take action. The process typically takes two to four weeks after you've completed all requirements and submitted your reinstatement request.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact PennDOT to find out the exact reason for your suspension and what you need to do to restore your license.
- Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee to PennDOT, which ranges from $65 to $100 depending on the reason.
- Some suspensions require you to complete an action first — such as paying child support, settling a traffic fine, or taking a defensive driving course — before PennDOT will process your reinstatement.
- You can request reinstatement online through PennDOT's website, by mail, or in person at a PennDOT office once all requirements are met.
- Your license will not be restored automatically; you must submit a reinstatement request even after the suspension period has ended.
How to find out why your license was suspended
Before you can restore your license, you need to know the specific reason for the suspension. Call PennDOT's Customer Service Center at 717-391-6190 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time) and have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you the suspension reason and what you must do to restore it.
You can also check your suspension status online through PennDOT's website at www.dot.pa.gov. Look for the "Check Your Driving Record" option, which will show your current license status and any active suspensions. This online tool does not always show the specific action required, so a phone call is often faster if you need detailed instructions.
Common suspension reasons and what to do for each
Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: You must pay the outstanding balance to the court that issued the citation. Contact the traffic court in the county where you received the ticket. Once the court confirms payment, they report it to PennDOT, and you can then request reinstatement.
Child support arrears: You must contact your local domestic relations office or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to arrange payment or a payment plan. Once you are current or have made arrangements, that agency notifies PennDOT. You then submit your reinstatement request.
Failure to pay a judgment: If you lost a civil lawsuit and did not pay the judgment, you must settle the debt with the creditor or the court. The court will notify PennDOT once the judgment is satisfied.
Accumulation of points: If your license was suspended because you accumulated too many points from traffic violations, you must wait out the suspension period (usually 30 days to one year, depending on how many points). You do not need to complete an additional action, but you must request reinstatement once the period ends.
Failure to appear in court: You must appear in the court where you failed to show up, resolve the underlying case, and pay any fines. The court then notifies PennDOT, and you can request reinstatement.
Suspension for medical reasons: If your license was suspended due to a medical condition or failed medical examination, you must provide a new medical evaluation from your doctor. Submit the completed form to PennDOT before requesting reinstatement.
Paying the reinstatement fee
PennDOT charges a reinstatement fee when you request your license back. The fee is $65 for most suspensions, but it can be as high as $100 depending on the reason. You must pay this fee as part of your reinstatement request; it is not refundable.
You can pay the reinstatement fee when you submit your reinstatement request online, by mail, or in person. If you are mailing your request, include a check or money order made out to "PennDOT". Do not send cash through the mail.
How to request reinstatement online, by mail, or in person
Online: Visit www.dot.pa.gov and look for the reinstatement request option. You will need your driver's license number, the reason for suspension, and a payment method (debit or credit card). Online requests are processed within two to three weeks.
By mail: Send a letter to PennDOT's Driver License Section that includes your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason for suspension, and your reinstatement fee (check or money order). Mail it to: PennDOT, Driver License Section, P.O. Box 68467, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8467. Processing takes three to four weeks.
In person: Visit a PennDOT Driver License Center with your driver's license, proof of the action you completed (such as a court receipt or child support payment confirmation), and your reinstatement fee. Staff can often process your request on the spot, though you will still need to wait for your new license to arrive by mail, which takes one to two weeks.
Whichever method you choose, keep a copy of your request and any receipts. If your reinstatement takes longer than expected, you can use these documents to follow up with PennDOT.
What to do if you need to drive before your license is restored
Pennsylvania does not issue temporary driving permits during a suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons while your reinstatement is being processed, you have limited options. Some employers or courts may grant a work-related license, but this is rare and requires a formal petition to the court that issued the suspension.
Your best option is to arrange rides, use public transportation, or hire a driver until your license is restored. If you drive with a suspended license, you face additional criminal charges, fines up to $500, and a longer suspension period.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
Once PennDOT receives your reinstatement request and confirms that all requirements are met, they will mail you a new driver's license. This takes one to two weeks. Your license is valid as soon as you receive it in the mail.
If PennDOT denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete payment, failure to complete a required action, or an error in your process. If this happens, contact PennDOT to correct the issue and resubmit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive during the reinstatement process?
No. Your license remains suspended until PennDOT officially restores it. Driving during this time is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Wait until you receive your new license in the mail.
What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact PennDOT to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some suspensions related to financial hardship may may have access to for reduced fees, but this is determined case by case. You cannot request reinstatement without paying the fee.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
If you submit your request online and all requirements are met, reinstatement takes two to three weeks. By mail, it takes three to four weeks. In person at a PennDOT office, the request is processed when ready, but your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
What if I move out of Pennsylvania after my suspension?
Your Pennsylvania suspension follows you. If you move to another state, that state's DMV will see your Pennsylvania suspension on your driving record. You must restore your Pennsylvania license before most states will issue you a new license. Contact PennDOT to request reinstatement even if you no longer live in Pennsylvania.
Do I need a new written or road test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement restores your existing license without requiring you to retake any tests. The only exception is if your license was suspended for medical reasons — in that case, you must provide a new medical evaluation, but not a written or road test.