How to Get a Replacement Driver's License in Pennsylvania

What you need to know about replacing your Pennsylvania driver's license

A replacement Pennsylvania driver's license costs $30.50 and takes about two to three weeks to arrive by mail if you order it through PennDOT's online system. You can also visit a Driver License Center in person and walk out with a temporary license the same day, though the permanent card still arrives later. The process differs depending on whether your license was lost, stolen, damaged, or you straightforward need an updated photo.

Pennsylvania does not mail licenses from a central office — they're produced by a contractor and shipped to your address on file. If your address has changed, you must update it before ordering, or the license will go to an old location. The state also allows you to renew and replace at the same time if your license is expiring soon, which saves a trip and a fee.

Key Takeaways

Order a replacement online through PennDOT.pa.gov for $30.50, or visit a Driver License Center to get a temporary license when ready and a permanent one by mail.
You must update your address on file before ordering a replacement, or the new license will be mailed to your old address.
Bring your current license, a form of ID, and proof of your Social Security number if you are replacing a lost or stolen license in person.
If your license was stolen, you can report it to PennDOT at the same time you order the replacement, which flags it in the system.
Temporary licenses issued at a Driver License Center are valid for 30 days and can be renewed once if your permanent card has not arrived.

Ordering online through PennDOT

The fastest way to order a replacement is through the PennDOT website at www.dmv.pa.gov. Go to "Driver License" and select "Order a Replacement License." You will need your current license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you the address where the license will be mailed.

Before you complete the order, check that your address is correct. If it is not, you must update it first through the "Change Your Address" option on the same page. Once you submit the replacement order, you cannot change the mailing address — the license will go to whatever address is in the system at that moment. Payment is by credit or debit card, and you will receive a confirmation number by email.

The replacement license typically arrives within 10 to 15 business days, though PennDOT states it can take up to three weeks. You do not receive a tracking number, so you cannot check the status online. If your license does not arrive within three weeks, contact PennDOT at 717-412-8200 to report it.

Getting a temporary license at a Driver License Center

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit any Driver License Center in Pennsylvania. Bring your current license (or a state ID card if your license was lost), a second form of ID such as a passport or military ID, and proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. You do not need an appointment at most centers, though some locations accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis during posted hours.

The staff will take a new photo and issue a temporary license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal weight as a permanent license for driving. If your permanent replacement has not arrived within 30 days, you can return to the same center and request a one-time renewal of the temporary license for another 30 days. After that, you must wait for the permanent card or order another replacement.

The cost of a temporary license is included in the $30.50 replacement fee. You will also be asked whether you want to report your original license as lost or stolen — if you do, PennDOT will flag it in the system so it cannot be used fraudulently.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your license was stolen, you have two options: report it to PennDOT when you order the replacement online, or tell the staff at a Driver License Center when you explore for the temporary license. Either way, the state will mark your old license number as invalid in their system. This does not prevent someone from using the physical card, but it alerts law enforcement and businesses that the license is no longer valid.

You do not need a police report to order a replacement for a stolen license, though having one can be useful if the license is later used fraudulently. If you suspect identity theft, you should also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus and monitor your credit report separately.

For a lost license, the process is the same — you straightforward order the replacement and note that it was lost. PennDOT does not require you to prove how the license was lost or stolen.

Replacing a damaged or unreadable license

If your license is damaged, faded, or the barcode no longer scans, you can order a replacement through the same online process or visit a Driver License Center. You will need to bring the damaged license with you if you go in person, so the staff can see the damage and process the replacement correctly. If you order online, you do not need to send the damaged license to PennDOT — straightforward order the replacement and discard the old one.

A damaged license replacement costs the same $30.50 as any other replacement. There is no separate category or lower fee for damage.

Combining a replacement with a renewal

If your license is expiring within the next six months and you also need a replacement, you can do both at the same time. Order the replacement online or visit a Driver License Center, and the new card will be issued with a renewal date eight years from the current date (or four years if you are over 65). This saves you from having to order another replacement when your current license expires.

The cost is still $30.50 for the replacement portion. If you are also renewing, there may be an additional renewal fee depending on your age and whether you are renewing early. Check the PennDOT website for current renewal fees before you order.

What to do if your replacement does not arrive

If you ordered online and your replacement has not arrived within three weeks, contact PennDOT's Customer Service at 717-412-8200. Have your confirmation number from your online order ready. The staff can check whether the license was mailed and may be able to reissue it if there was a problem with the original order.

If you received a temporary license at a Driver License Center and your permanent replacement has not arrived within 30 days, return to the same center and ask for a temporary renewal. You do not need to pay another fee — the renewal is included in your original $30.50 payment. If the permanent license still has not arrived after 60 days total, contact PennDOT to report the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary license to fly or cross state lines?

A Pennsylvania temporary license is valid for driving within Pennsylvania and is recognized by law enforcement. However, it is not a REAL ID-compliant document and cannot be used for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you need to fly before your permanent replacement arrives, you will need a passport or other federal ID.

What if I moved and my replacement was mailed to my old address?

Contact PennDOT at 717-412-8200 and explain that your license was mailed to an old address. They can issue a replacement to your new address, though you will have to pay the $30.50 fee again. To avoid this, always update your address in the system before ordering a replacement.

Do I need to bring my old license to order a replacement online?

No. The online system verifies your identity using your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. You do not need to have the physical card in front of you. If your license was lost or stolen, you can still order online using the information you remember.

Can I get a replacement if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. PennDOT will not issue a replacement license if your driving privilege is suspended or revoked. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first — this usually means paying fines, completing a program, or waiting out a suspension period. Once your privilege is restored, you can order a replacement.

How long does a temporary license last if I renew it?

A temporary license is valid for 30 days. If you renew it once at a Driver License Center, the renewed temporary is valid for another 30 days, for a total of 60 days. After that, you cannot renew again — you must wait for your permanent replacement or order a new one.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.