Send your suspended license to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) at the address on your suspension notice
When your Pennsylvania driver's license is suspended, you must return it to PennDOT. The specific mailing address appears on the official suspension letter you received from the court or the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Do not send it to a local DMV office or police station — PennDOT has a central processing location for suspended licenses, and sending it to the wrong address delays your case and may result in additional penalties.
The suspension notice itself is your instruction sheet. It will tell you the exact address where the license must go, the important date for returning it, and whether you need to include any additional documents. Read the notice carefully before you mail anything, because different suspension reasons (DUI, unpaid fines, medical suspension, points accumulation) sometimes have different mailing addresses or require different paperwork attached.
If you cannot locate your suspension notice, contact PennDOT's Driver Services Section at 717-787-2046 to confirm the correct address and any documents you need to include. Having your driver's license number and date of birth ready will speed up the call.
Key Takeaways
- The mailing address for your suspended license is printed on the suspension notice you received from the court or DMV — use that address, not a local office.
- Mail your physical license to PennDOT with any documents required by your suspension notice, such as proof of payment or a medical clearance form.
- Send the license by mail with tracking or certified mail so you have proof of delivery, because PennDOT will not process a license it does not receive.
- If you lose your suspension notice, call PennDOT Driver Services at 717-787-2046 to get the correct mailing address and any required paperwork before you send anything.
- Do not attempt to return your license in person at a local DMV office — the centralized system requires mail delivery to the address on your notice.
What to Include When You Mail Your License
Your suspended license must be mailed in an envelope with your name and current address clearly written on the outside. Inside the envelope, include your physical license card and a copy of your suspension notice if you have one. If your suspension requires proof of payment (such as fines or court costs), include a copy of the receipt or proof of payment — do not send original documents or cash.
Some suspensions require additional documents before PennDOT will lift the suspension. For example, a medical suspension requires a completed Medical Evaluation Form (DL-180) signed by your physician. A suspension for unpaid child support requires proof from the Pennsylvania Domestic Relations Section that the debt has been paid or a payment plan is in place. Check your suspension notice to see what documents explore to your case.
Use certified mail with return receipt requested or a tracked shipping method so you have proof that PennDOT received your license. Keep a copy of the tracking number and the return receipt. PennDOT processes licenses in the order they are received, and having proof of delivery protects you if there is a dispute about whether your license arrived.
The Mailing Address on Your Suspension Notice
Your suspension notice lists the address where your license must be sent. This address is typically the PennDOT Driver Services Section in Harrisburg, but the exact location can vary depending on which court or agency issued your suspension. The notice will also state a important date — usually 10 to 30 days from the date of the notice — by which your license must be received by PennDOT.
If your suspension notice does not clearly show a mailing address, look for a section labeled "Return License To" or "Mail License To." If that section is blank or unclear, call PennDOT Driver Services at 717-787-2046. They can confirm the address and tell you whether your important date has passed or is still active.
What Happens After You Mail Your License
Once PennDOT receives your license, they will process it and update your driving record. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended, and you cannot legally drive. Do not attempt to obtain a duplicate or replacement license while your suspension is active — PennDOT's system will flag any request and deny it.
After PennDOT processes your returned license, you will receive written notice of the next step. If your suspension is complete (meaning you have met all requirements, such as paying fines or completing a DUI program), the notice will tell you how to restore your license. If additional steps are required, the notice will explain what you must do and by when.
If You Cannot Find Your Suspension Notice
If you lost your suspension notice or never received one, contact PennDOT Driver Services at 717-787-2046 or visit a local DMV office in person with your driver's license and proof of identity. A DMV employee can print a copy of your suspension order, which will include the mailing address and any documents you need to send with your license.
You can also request a copy of your suspension order online through the PennDOT website if you have your driver's license number and date of birth. However, calling or visiting in person is faster if you need the information when ready.
Common Mistakes When Returning Your License
The most common mistake is mailing your license to the wrong address — often to a local DMV office instead of the centralized PennDOT address. This delays processing and may result in your license being returned to you or lost in the mail. Always use the address printed on your suspension notice.
Another mistake is failing to include required documents. If your suspension requires proof of payment or a medical form and you do not include it, PennDOT will not lift the suspension. They may return your license to you with a notice explaining what is missing, which costs you additional time.
Sending your license without tracking or certified mail is also risky. If your license is lost in the mail, you have no proof that you attempted to return it. PennDOT will not lift your suspension until they physically receive your license, so proof of mailing protects you if there is a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hand-deliver my license to a PennDOT office instead of mailing it?
No. PennDOT requires suspended licenses to be mailed to the address on your suspension notice. Hand delivery to a local office will not be accepted, and the office staff cannot process your license on the spot. You must use mail with tracking so PennDOT has a record of receipt.
What if I already mailed my license but do not have proof it arrived?
Contact PennDOT Driver Services at 717-787-2046 with your driver's license number and the date you mailed it. They can check whether your license has been received and processed. If it has not arrived after two weeks, you may need to mail it again using certified mail with return receipt.
Do I need to include a letter explaining why my license was suspended?
No. PennDOT already has your suspension order on file, so they know why your license was suspended. Include only the documents listed on your suspension notice. A letter is not necessary and will not speed up processing.
What if my suspension requires payment but I cannot pay the full amount right now?
Contact the court or agency that issued your suspension to ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to set up a payment schedule, and you can include proof of the payment plan with your license when you mail it. Do not mail your license without proof of payment or a payment plan in place, as PennDOT will not lift the suspension.
How long does it take for my suspension to be lifted after I mail my license?
Processing typically takes two to four weeks after PennDOT receives your license. You will receive written notice when your suspension is lifted or when additional steps are required. If you do not hear from PennDOT within four weeks, call Driver Services to confirm they received your license.