A Pennsylvania DMV CDL replacement is a procedure that motorists need to perform when dealing with a lost, stolen or damaged CDL credential. Drivers can apply for a duplicate CDL through the available replacement methods offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). However, prior to replacing a CDL license, motorists need to learn the requirements that they must satisfy and the documents that they need to provide as part of the procedure.

The PA CDL replacement is mandatory when motorists may potentially become victims of identity theft or fraud. In such a case, they are encouraged to file a police report prior to replacing their CDL credentials, if they suspect that their CDL license had been stolen. To discover more information about how to replace a CDL license in Pennsylvania, continue reading the sections below.

When do you need to get a duplicate CDL license in Pennsylvania?

A duplicate CDL license in Pennsylvania may be issued to motorists who are faced with specific situations that do not allow them to renew their license. For instance, the most often circumstance when drivers need to apply for a duplicate CDL is when the current credential has been lost. Furthermore, motorists may perform a replacement process when their CDL licenses had been stolen, mutilated or never received.

When individuals deal with a stolen or lost CDL drivers license, they are highly encouraged to file a police report with their local law enforcement agency. Filing a police report may prevent themselves from becoming victims of identity theft or fraud. Moreover, motorists may also be required to provide a copy of their police reports to the PennDOT when replacing their CDL licenses.

Documents Required to Replace a CDL in Pennsylvania

When performing a CDL replacement in Pennsylvania, motorists need to satisfy certain requirements and prepare specific documentation. However, in order to replace CDL license, drivers will have to provide only two items as part of the mandatory documents. Motorists who are replacing their CDL credentials will have to complete the appropriate application form and pay the applicable replacement fees.

Therefore, in order to perform a DMV CDL replacement procedure, motorists will have to send the application form and the payment to the PennDOT via mail. Furthermore, drivers who choose to file a police report may be required to provide a copy of the report as well. Therefore, prior to heading to the nearest PennDOT location, contact them by phone and discover more information about the needed documents in your specific situation.

How to Replace a Pennsylvania CDL in Person

Motorists who want to perform a Pennsylvania DMV CDL replacement procedure may be able to apply for a duplicate in person at a local PennDOT office. They will only need to complete the application form and submit it to the nearest location with a payment for the applicable fees.

However, the procedure and documentation may vary based on the driver’s specific situation. Therefore, motorists are encouraged to contact the PennDOT prior to initiating the procedure and inquire more detailed information about the steps.

How to Replace a Pennsylvania CDL by Mail

The PennDOT requires motorists to replace CDL license in Pennsylvania via mail, after preparing the mandatory documentation. Drivers who want to apply for a duplicate CDL will have to complete the following steps:

  • Complete a Commercial Driver’s License Application to Duplicate/Correct (form DL-80CD).
  • Prepare a check or money order for the applicable CDL replacement fees.
  • Send the application form and the check or money order to the PennDOT mailing address.

After the PennDOT receives the mandatory documentation, they will process the request for a duplicate CDL license and if the driver’s picture is on file with the PennDOT, they will issue a replacement credential. When a picture is not on file, the PennDOT will mail a camera card to the driver’s address that is recorded on file with the department.

Motorists who receive a camera card on their mailing addresses will be required to appear in person at a photo center in order to obtain a duplicate CDL. The PennDOT uses a facial recognition technology when motorists have their photos taken for a driver’s license or ID card.

Note: Out-of-state PA residents and active-duty military members that are stationed in another state will be also able to perform the mail-in procedure for a CDL replacement and avoid coming back to Pennsylvania in order to replace their CDL credentials.

CDL Replacement Fees in Pennsylvania

The final step of the Pennsylvania DMV CDL replacement procedure requires motorists to pay the applicable fees in order to finalize the procedure successfully. Drivers need to submit payment for the applicable CDL replacement fees to the PennDOT when using the mail-in method.

However, in certain cases, motorists may also submit payment in person at a local branch. Therefore, drivers need to know which payment method to use for performing a replacement procedure personally and via mail. The fees for replacing a stolen, damaged or a lost CDL drivers license are listed below:

  • $29.50 for change or replacement of license
  • $34.50 for change or replacement of license with motorcycle
  • $5 for a duplicate camera card
  • $10 for a duplicate camera card with motorcycle

When paying the applicable fees personally, drivers only need to know that they may pay the replacement cost by using various forms of payment. For instance, they may be able to pay with cash, check, money order, or by using their valid credit or debit cards. However, when applying for a duplicate CDL license by mail, drivers will have to send a check or money order to the PennDOT for the corresponding amount of money that they need to pay.

Therefore, motorists are recommended to contact the PennDOT prior to initiating the procedure, in order to inquire more information about the methods of payment and about the sum of money they need to submit.

Last updated on Friday, March 6 2020.