How to Renew Your Pennsylvania Driver’s License: A Complete Guide
Why You Can Trust EverQuote
EverQuote powers millions of shopper requests every month, teaming up with industry-leading insurance specialists to address real-world challenges faced by people every day. We partner with the largest insurance providers in the nation, and our content is carefully crafted by experts and reviewed by licensed insurance agents for accuracy and relevance.
One of your responsibilities as a driver is keeping your driver's license up to date. By renewing your license, you can continue driving legally and avoid the penalties for driving with an expired license.
Luckily, Pennsylvania drivers have multiple convenient renewal options, including renewing by mail or online. Learn how to easily complete your Pennsylvania driver's license renewal — including eligibility requirements and required documents — in this guide.
Eligibility Requirements for Pennsylvania Drivers License Renewal
Three months before your license will expire, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will send you an invitation to renew. At that point, you are eligible to renew your license.
There are additional eligibility requirements to be able to renew your license online. Generally, you're eligible for online renewal if you don’t need to correct or change anything on your license other than your address. However, if you currently have an out-of-state license or your PA license does not have a photo, you are not eligible to renew your license online. You also cannot renew a learner’s permit online.
Also, PA residents who are 65 or older are able to renew their licenses every two years rather than the standard four-year license renewals.
Required Documents for Pennsylvania Drivers License Renewal
If you’re completing your driver's license renewal in Pennsylvania online, you will need the following:
- Your current license, permit, or photo ID card number
- A valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee
- Your Social Security number
Unlike when applying for your first license, you don’t need proof of residency beyond your current ID.
To renew your license in person, you will need to download and complete Form DL-143. You then take the completed form and payment for the license fees to a PennDOT license center. Other than your current license, you also need to bring another form of ID with your signature, such as a passport or other photo ID.
If you choose to renew your license by mail, you also need to complete Form DL-143.
Methods of Pennsylvania Driver's License Renewal
There are three options for driver's license renewal in Pennsylvania: in person, by mail, and online. Choose whichever is most convenient for you, as long as you are eligible.
Online
For Pennsylvania DMV driver's license renewal online, follow these steps:
- Go to PennDOT’s online driver's license/photo ID login.
- Enter your driver's license or photo ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Verify the information on your license is still accurate.
- Use a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fees.
- You will receive a camera card in the mail within 14 days of completing your Pennsylvania driver's license renewal online. Take this card to a local PennDOT Photo License Center to get your new license.
In Person
- Download and fill out Form DL-143.
- Bring the completed form, your current license, another photo ID, and a form of payment to a PennDOT center near you. Note that they will not accept cash.
PennDOT will mail you a camera card, which you should get within seven to 10 working days. Take this card to a photo license center to get your new license.
By Mail
- Download and fill out Form DL-143.
- Mail the completed form and a check or money order to PennDOT to cover your renewal fee.
You’ll get your camera card in the mail within 10 working days. Take it to your local photo license center to receive your new license.
Renewing an Expired Pennsylvania Driver's License
You can renew a Pennsylvania driver's license as long as it has not expired for more than six months.
If your license expired less than six months ago, follow the same renewal process as anyone else. Be aware that as soon as your license expires, you are no longer legally allowed to drive until you renew it. You may face fines and license suspensions if caught driving with an expired license.
If your license expired more than six months ago, you must apply for a new one. You may need to take driving exams, so review the Pennsylvania drivers handbook.
Updating Personal Information During Renewal
If you need to update your address while renewing your license, you can do so online. To update other personal information like your name, you will need to fill out additional forms and take the completed forms to a PA Driver License Center.
Fees and Payment for Pennsylvania Driver's License Renewal
The standard DMV Pennsylvania driver's license renewal fee for a four-year renewal is currently $39.50. If you are 65 or older, your two-year renewal fee is $27.50.
You can find the complete driver's license service fee list on the Pennsylvania DMV website.
Tips for Avoiding Common Renewal Issues
Try to avoid these common issues people encounter while renewing their licenses:
- Missing deadlines: Renew your license as soon as you get the notice from PennDOT to make sure you don’t let your license expire.
- Ineligible payment: Make sure you choose an accepted payment method to pay your renewal fees, such as check or money orders made payable to PennDOT for mail-in or in-person renewals and debit or credit cards for online renewals.
Need Car Insurance? Explore Affordable Options for PA Drivers
Beyond keeping your license up to date, you also need to maintain consistent insurance coverage as a PA driver. EverQuote makes it easy to find affordable coverage by comparing options according to your ZIP code and driver profile. Get your free custom comparison today in just a few minutes!