Updated On July 9, 2021
Pennsylvania is the 5^th state with most licensed drivers, right after New York. The Keystone State had over 9 million licensed drivers in 2020. When it comes to new cars in Pennsylvania, the most popular car in Philadelphia and Harrisburg is Honda CR-V. In Pittsburgh, the Ford F-150 is a favorite. In Lancaster, it’s not so much about popular cars, but more about Amish horse and buggies sharing the road with you.

Having a driver’s license in Pennsylvania means regular car maintenance since driving in the snow isn’t kind to vehicles or roads for that matter. In fact, PA roads are the fifth worst in the nation according to Federal Highway Administration 2017 data. It also means you can get a ticket if you snow or ice from your car strikes another vehicle or a person. A fine for not clearing your vehicle of ice and snow can range from $200 to $1,000. Scroll below for more information about driving in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Driver’s License Renewal Guide

How to Renew a Driver’s License in Pennsylvania

What do I need and how do I renew my Pennsylvania driver’s license? Good questions.

Pennsylvania requires drivers to renew their license every four years on or before the expiration date, which is typically the day after the driver’s birthday.

The Penn DOT automatically sends a reminder – or as they call it, an “Invitation to Renew” – to each driver three months before their license’s expiration dates. Drivers age 65 or older, however, have the option to renew every two years, if they so choose.

Renewing a PA driver’s license can be done either by mail, online or in person at a local on-line messenger center. The requirements vary depending on how the driver chooses to go about doing their PA license renewal.

Online Driver’s License Renewal

Licensed driver’s in the state of Pennsylvania have the option to renew their license online. Renewing a PA driver’s license online requires that the driver has:

• Valid PA driver’s license with a photo.
• Printer.
• Valid credit or debit card for transactions that require a fee. The PA DOT only accepts MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and Visa online.
• In-state address listed on their PA driver’s license.

Drivers renewing a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) will not be able to renew online and must go in person to a PA DMV location to renew their license.

Once online driver’s license renewal requirements are satisfied and all necessary documents are in hand, the Online Driver Services Login may be used to complete the PA driver’s license renewal process.

To log in, drivers will need to provide their current driver’s license number (which is located at the top of the license to the right of their picture), date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security Number (SSN).

In Person Driver’s License Renewal

Renewing in person requires the driver visit an on-line messenger center (OLM) and:

• Complete the Non-Commercial Driver’s License Application for Renewal (Form DL-143) or provide their “Invitation to Renew” (Form DL60A/DL60R).
• Have a photograph taken.
• Present their Social Security card.
• Show proof of identification (passport, ID card, or current PA driver’s license).
• Pay the required driver’s license renewal fee.

If unable to renew their Pennsylvania driver’s license online or in person, drivers may choose to renew their driver’s license by mail via USPS.

Renewing Your Driver’s License By Mail

To renew a PA license by mail requires the following:

• • Complete the “Invitation to Renew” (Form DL60A/DL60R), or the Non-Commercial Driver’s License Application for Renewal (Form DL-143).
  • Return the completed application with a check or money order, for the amount instructed, payable to “PennDOT,” to the address listed on the form.

Drivers should then receive a camera card within seven to ten business days. They will need to bring both the card and proof of identification (passport, ID card, or current PA driver’s license) to a state photo center to receive a new digitized driver’s license.

Military Driver’s License Renewal

Military personnel and military families can apply for a Military Status Endorsement Card. This card will allow PennDOT to retain their driving records during an extended absence from the state.

Required License Renewal Fees

The fees to renew a PA driver’s license and renewal period depends on the driver’s age. License renewal fees based on driver age are as follows:

• • • • Under 65 years old – required license renewal fee is $30.50 with the renewal being valid for 4 years.
      • Older than 65 years – required license renewal fee is $25 with the renewal being valid for 2 years.

Please note, the fee to renew your license may be higher for a motorcycle endorsement and OLMs may charge an additional fee to process.

Pennsylvania requires all drivers – who have resided in the state more than twenty days – to carry a Pennsylvania issued driver’s license. Luckily, PennDOT provides several easy renewal methods – online, in-person, or by mail – provided that the license is either current or has expired within the past six months.

Drivers may also do a change of address at the time of renewal. Overall, thanks to the three-month reminder, several convenient methods to renew, and the generous six-month grace period after expiration, renewing a PA drivers license is a quick and easy process.

Scheduling a DMV Appointment to Renew Your License

You can schedule an appointment to renew your driver’s license in person by contacting the PA DMV nearest you, though this is not required to complete the license renewal process and get your new ID card.

Should you have any other questions regarding how to renew a driver’s license in Pennsylvania, it is recommended to contact the PA DMV.