Renewing Your Pennsylvania Driver's License in 2025: Online, Mail, and In-Person

Every driver in Pennsylvania must periodically renew their license to stay legal on the road. PennDOT has created several convenient ways to complete this process, including online, by mail, and in person. Understanding your options and the requirements ahead of time can make your renewal experience quick and easy.

This guide covers everything you need to know about renewing your Pennsylvania driver's license in 2025, from timelines and fees to getting your new photo.

When to Renew Your PA License

A standard Pennsylvania non-commercial driver's license is valid for four years, expiring the day after your birthday. [18] PennDOT will mail you a renewal application (Form DL-60A) approximately three months before your license is set to expire. However, it is your responsibility to know your expiration date.

What if My License is Already Expired?

You can still renew an expired license. However, driving with an expired license is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be ticketed. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may be required to reapply as a new driver and retake all the required tests.

Option 1: Renewing Your License Online

For most Pennsylvanians, renewing online is the fastest and most convenient method.

Who is Eligible for Online Renewal?

You can renew your non-commercial license online if:

• You are a U.S. citizen.
• You have a non-commercial driver's license.
• Your license is not expired.
• You do not have any changes to your name, address, or other personal details.
• Your photo on file with PennDOT is less than four years old.

How to Renew Online:

1. Visit the PennDOT Website: Go to the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website. Look for the link to "Renew Driver's License."
2. Enter Your Information: You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and other identifying information.
3. Confirm Your Details: The system will display the information PennDOT has on file for you. You will need to confirm it is all correct.
4. Pay the Fee: Use a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
5. Print Your Temporary License: Once your payment is processed, you can print a temporary driver's license that is valid for 15 days. Your new permanent license card (without a photo) will be mailed to you within 15 business days.

The Camera Card: After you receive your new license in the mail, you will also receive a "camera card." You must take this card to a PennDOT Photo License Center to have a new picture taken. They will then issue you your final, updated license with the new photo.

Option 2: Renewing by Mail

If you receive a renewal application in the mail (Form DL-60A), you can simply complete it and mail it back to PennDOT.

How to Renew by Mail:

1. Complete the Application: Fill out the renewal form you received. If you did not receive one, you may be able to download one from the PennDOT website.
2. Include Payment: Enclose a check or money order for the renewal fee, made payable to "PennDOT." Do not send cash.
3. Mail the Form: Send the completed application and payment to the address listed on the form.
4. Wait for Your Card: Just like the online process, you will receive your new license and a separate camera card in the mail. You must then go to a Photo License Center to get your new picture.

Option 3: Renewing In Person

If you need to change your address, are renewing an expired license, or simply prefer to handle it in person, you can visit a PennDOT Driver License Center.

What to Bring for an In-Person Renewal:

• Your current Pennsylvania driver's license.
• Your renewal application (if you received one).
• Payment for the renewal fee.
• If you are changing your address, you will need two proofs of your new residency.

The In-Person Process:

1. Visit a Driver License Center: Find a location near you.
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the necessary forms.
3. Get Your Photo Taken: Unlike online or mail-in renewals, you can get your new photo taken during the same visit.
4. Pay the Fee: Pay the renewal fee.
5. Receive Your License: In most cases, you will receive your new, updated driver's license card over the counter before you leave.

Special Considerations for Older Drivers

• 2-Year Renewals: Drivers aged 65 and older have the option to renew their license every two years instead of every four, at a reduced fee. [18]
• Medical and Vision Screenings: Pennsylvania randomly selects a pool of drivers aged 45 and older each month for mandatory vision and physical exams as a condition of renewal. [18, 20]

By choosing the renewal method that works best for you and being prepared, you can ensure your license stays current with minimal hassle.