You can apply for a new driver's license at any Driver License Center in Pennsylvania. Obtain a Pennsylvania Driver's Manual to familiarize with the driving rules and regulations.

NEW DRIVERS AND FIRST TIME APPLICANTS

Following are the basic requirements for applying for a Pennsylvania driver's license:

• You must be at least 16 years old and must apply in person at any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Driver License Centers.
• If you are under 18, a duly completed Parent or Guardian Consent Form will be required. It will have to be notarized in case they do not accompany you to the centre.
• A Noncommercial Learner's Permit Application will also be needed, duly completed. Your physician must attest here that you are medically allowed to drive.
• One form of ID along with a Social security card (unlaminated) will be required.
• If above 18 years of age, proof of residency and proof of citizenship are required.
• Conditional to passing a written test, you will be issued a one year permit.

NEW RESIDENTS

Pennsylvania residents holding a driver's license from another state need to apply for a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of arriving. Otherwise you will be treated as a new driver and will have to go through the relevant process. To get a Pennsylvania driver's license you will have to apply in person at your local Driver License Center. Documents required include:

• Your current out of state license which will have to be surrendered.
• Social security card
• Two documents confirming proof of residency. These may include current utility bills, mortgage records, tax documents or lease agreements etc.
• A check or money-order for $26 made out to PennDOT

No tests are required for driver's holding valid out of state driver's license. Non-US citizens visiting the state may use their country's driving license for a period of a year. However, this should be supplemented with an International Driving Permit. Most non US citizens will have to follow a process similar to that for new drivers, i.e. apply for a learner's permit with all relevant document and fees and later pass the written test, vision test and road test before acquiring a longer term license. A list of the various scenarios that could be applicable to foreign citizens is available at PennDOT's web-site.

FEES

The cost for a non-commercial Pennsylvania driver's license is $31. This includes a $5 permit fee and a $26 fee for a 4-year photo licence. This will only be accepted in the form of a check (made out to PennDOT) or money order.

VALIDITY

• The validity of a Pennsylvania driver's license is normally four years for drivers over 18 years of age (every 2 years if over 65).
• 16 to 18 year olds are initially issued a one year permit (subject to meeting all other requirements) and later a junior driver's license which is valid for 4 years. However, this license has certain restrictions attached to it.
• It is only at 17.5 years of age that you can apply for a full-fledged four- year driver's license provided all other conditions are met.

LEARNER'S LICENSE

With certain restrictions, an individual can legally drive in Pennsylvania with a learner's license. See more information on learner's licenses here.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• See also Renewing Your License.
• For information on other types of licenses, see Commercial Driver's Licenses, Motorcycle Licenses.
• It is necessary to have active Auto Insurance in order to drive legally in Pennsylvania.
• New drivers see our Driver Education , Driving Schools, Beginner Drivers and Learner's Permits for Beginner Drivers sections.