Updated 11:00 a.m. May 12, 2020
In response to COVID-19, PennDOT has implemented a variety of operational changes. Details about those changes can be found below, along with frequently asked questions on each change.
Download a summary of PennDOT’s COVID-19 response (PDF).
For full information on Pennsylvania’s response to COVID-19, visit the
Department of Health’s coronavirus resource page.
Driver and Vehicle Services
Starting May 8, 2020, some Driver License Centers and Photo License Centers in yellow phase counties will reopen, adhering to restrictions on work and social interaction set by Governor Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. We are also offering designated hours for customers 60 and older. See the FAQ’s below for more information on open locations, available services and safety protocols.
As PennDOT reopens Driver License and Photo License Centers, services will be in high demand, and customers should expect longer than normal waits. PennDOT staff will work with each customer when they arrive to plan their visit, with additional staff serving as greeters to screen documents and provide information for a smooth and safe transaction as possible. PennDOT apologizes for this inconvenience and appreciates customers’ understanding during this transition.
Customers may complete various transactions and access multiple resources via our website:
www.dmv.pa.gov.
Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.
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What if my driver’s license, photo ID card, learner’s permit, or camera card is scheduled to expire?
Driver licenses, photo ID cards and learner’s permits scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020, through May 31, 2020, the expiration date is now extended until June 30, 2020.
A camera card is considered a driver’s license so it is covered by the same terms and conditions extending other driver’s license products.
Driver licenses and photo ID cards may also be renewed online at any time.
Effective May 10, 2020, All customers who renew their non-commercial driver’s license or ID online or both commercial driver’s license and non-commercial driver’s license along with identification cards through the mail will receive a new product using the current photo of that individual that exists in our system. No camera cards will be issued to these customers, and they will receive their new product by mail within 15 days. The renewal process is complete when customers receive their final product in the mail.
Individuals who renewed a product on or before May 10 will still receive a camera card in the mail and will still need to visit a PennDOT Photo License Center upon reopening to obtain an updated a photo.
This change in the renewal process is a mitigation effort to reduce the spread COVID-19 and keep both our customers and our employees safe as PennDOT reopens driver license and photo license centers. This measure will assist social distancing at all centers by reducing the number of individuals who need to visit a center.
If a customer’s license is nearing expiration and they were planning to get a REAL ID at their time of renewal, they can renew their license or ID and get a standard, “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES” product. The issuance of REAL ID is currently suspended until further notice as a mitigation effort in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
The Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline for REAL ID to Oct. 1, 2021. REAL ID issuance will resume in late 2020, and these customers can return to upgrade to a REAL ID. When REAL ID’s are available again and assuming a customers opts in for a a REAL ID at that time, the expiration date of the initial REAL ID product will include any time remaining on the current license or ID card, plus an additional four years, unless you are over 65 and have a two-year license. Customers won’t “lose” time that they’ve already paid for. After the initial REAL ID product expires, the customer will pay no additional fee, beyond regular renewal fees, to renew a REAL ID product.
Which Driver License Centers and Photo License Centers are open?
Hours of operation at all Driver License Centers listed below will be Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM, and Wednesday and Thursday between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM will be designated times for customers 60 years or older.
Beginning Friday, May 8, the following Driver License Centers will reopen with limited services:
- Erie Driver and Photo License Center, 7200 Peach Street, Suite 480, Erie;
- Selinsgrove Driver and Photo License Center, 1015 Route 522, Selinsgrove; and
- Williamsport Driver and Photo License Center, 1782 East Third Street, Williamsport.
Beginning Saturday, May 9, the following Driver License Centers will reopen with limited services:
- Bradford Driver and Photo License Center, 68 Chestnut St, Bradford;
- Clearfield Driver and Photo License Center, Clearfield Mall, 1800 Daisy Street. Unit 380, Clearfield;
- Meadville Driver and Photo License Center, 16942 Patricia Drive, Meadville;
- Mercer Driver and Photo License Center, 519B Greenville Road, Mercer;
- Monroeton Driver and Photo License Center, 60 Chiola Lane, Suite 101, Towanda;
- New Castle Driver and Photo License Center, 973 Old Youngstown Road, New Castle;
- Punxsutawney Driver and Photo License Center, 547 West Mahoning Street, Punxsutawney; and
- Rockview Driver and Photo License Center, 812 West College Avenue, Pleasant Gap.
The following Photo License Centers will open on starting May 9:
- Danville, 308 Railroad Street, Danville, PA 17821, Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
- Laporte, Main Street, Laporte, PA 18626; Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
- Lewisburg, 130 Buffalo Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837; Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM;
- McElhattan, 1 Outlet Lane, Suite 312, Lock Haven, PA 17745; Wednesday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM; and
- Tionesta, 668 Elm Street, Tionesta, PA 16353; Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM.
The following Photo License Center will open on Monday, May 11:
- DuBois, 1203 East Dubois Avenue, Suite 2, Dubois, PA 15801; Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Photo License Centers process photos only, and individuals must have a camera card for this service.
All other locations not listed and in the red phase counties will remain closed until further noticed.
What services are available at open Driver License Centers?
As Driver License Centers open, they will offer limited services. Customers will be able to obtain the following services as they plan their visit to one of these centers:
- Commercial Driver License (CDL) transactions, including renewals, replacements, Medical Examiner’s Certificates (MECs), date of proof transactions, Hazardous Material Recertifications, and related transactions;
- Initial issuance transactions, including out-of-state transfers, ID card issuance, and related transactions;
- Photo license services;
- Driver license restoration services that cannot be completed online or via mail;
- Medical-related testing; and
- Non-U.S. citizen transaction processing.
The following customer services will not be initially available at Driver License Centers, in an effort to support social distancing and reduce initial volume and demand at driver license centers:
- Non-commercial road testing;
- REAL ID applications and transactions, however, pre-verified customers can apply for REAL ID online; and
- Transactions or services that can be completed online at www.dmv.pa.gov.
Are there additional safety protocols for open Driver License Centers?
The following COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place in all reopened Driver License Centers and Photo License Centers:
- Customers will be prescreened and asked brief questions regarding any potential symptoms of COVID-19;
- Customers will be requested to wear masks while in the facility;
- Seating will be reduced at all Driver License Centers to make social distancing easier to maintain six feet distances between each seat;
- The number of customers will be limited to correspond with available counter stations and available seating in the customer waiting area only;
- Admittance to the facility will be limited to only the customer requiring service, unless assistance is needed by an accompanying person;
- Plexiglass sneeze guards have been installed at each counter to protect customers and employees;
- Cleaning protocols have been enhanced to sanitize facilities on an ongoing basis; and
- Markings on floors have been added to assist with social distancing along with signage to communicate special instructions to customers.
What if I had a scheduled driver license exam?
In response to COVID-19 and temporary closure of all PennDOT Driver License Centers, all driver license exams scheduled at PennDOT Driver License Centers on or before April 30, 2020, are canceled. Road test appointments are not being scheduled or administered at this time.
For drivers who’ve been reported for medical review.
Until further notice, PennDOT is modifying its medical review operations for drivers that have been reported to the Medical Unit. Specifically, drivers will be provided up to 60 days from the date on their letter to provide any requested forms or information, even if the correspondence indicates 30 days. Customers who need a driver’s test will be provided an additional 30 days from when our Driver License Centers open to successfully complete that testing. Medical recall dates will not be extended due to highway safety concerns. Any completed forms or questions can be directed to the Medical Unit at [email protected].
What if I need to go through a TSA checkpoint and my license or ID is expired?
The Transportation Security Administration has provided a written commitment to accept post-March 1 expired driver licenses and ID cards that may be presented at the airport security check point. Details available atwww.tsa.gov/coronavirus.
Travelers with a state driver’s license that expired beginning on March 1, 2020, and who are not able to renew at their state driver’s license agency may still use it as acceptable identification at the checkpoint. TSA will accept expired driver’s licenses a year after the expiration date, plus 60 days after the duration of the COVID-19 national emergency.
Has PennDOT issued any waivers for school bus drivers during this COVID-19 emergency?
Yes. PennDOT has issued a waiver of the annual physical examination requirement under 67 Pa. Code §71.3, which requires school bus drivers to have an annual physical examination, provided that the school bus driver has proof of a valid physical examination that expired on or after March 13, 2020. The affected school bus drivers shall have until May 31, 2020, to complete a new physical examination.
This waiver does not apply to drivers who cannot produce evidence of a prior physical examination that expired after March 13, 2020; new drivers who have never completed a physical examination; drivers who, since their last physical examination, have been diagnosed with a medical condition that would disqualify the driver from operating a school bus; and drivers who, since their last physical examination, have developed a condition that requires a medical waiver. This waiver also does not apply to drivers required to undergo additional 3-month examinations under 67 Pa. Code §71.3(b)(4)(B)(I) unless the driver has completed the required 3-month examination.
Additionally, the waiver of requirements of recertification of the school bus endorsements for school bus drivers whose endorsements are scheduled to expire after March 13, 2020, the requirement to renew the school bus endorsement is waived until May 31, 2020.
Is there an extension on removing studded snow tires?
The date for the removal of studded snow tires is April 15, 2020. The deadline has not been extended under the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation. Local law enforcement is responsible for the enforcement of the requirement to remove studded snow tires.
All documents below are PDFs unless otherwise noted.
- March 6, 2020 – Hazardous Material Endorsement expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- March 13, 2020 –
License and ID expiration extension for Montgomery County - March 13, 2020 –
Registration and inspection expiration extension for Montgomery County - March 14, 2020 –
License and ID expiration extension for Delaware County - March 14, 2020 –
Registration and inspection expiration extension for Delaware County - March 15, 2020 –
License and ID expiration extension for Bucks and Chester counties - March 15, 2020 –
Registration and inspection expiration extension for Bucks and Chester counties - March 16, 2020 –
License and ID expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties - March 16, 2020 –
Registration and inspection expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties - March 16, 2020 –
Learner’s permit expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties - March 16, 2020 –
Disability placards expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties - April 3, 2020 –
Weight restriction exemption for all Pennsylvania counties - April 8, 2020 –
School bus regulatory waiver for all Pennsylvania counties - April 30, 2020 – License and ID expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- April 30, 2020 – Learner’s permit expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- May 12, 2020 – HME for CDL holders expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- May 12, 2020 – Registration and inspection expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- May 12, 2020 – Disability placards expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
Commercial Drivers
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Are rest areas and welcome centers open?
Some PennDOT rest areas and welcome centers statewide will be closed to the public effective 12:01 AM Tuesday, March 17, 2020. See below for a list of open locations. All reopened rest areas will return to normal service with additional cleaning and maintenance.
These are the locations:
- Interstate 70 westbound in Fulton County, 1 mile west of the Maryland state line;
- Interstate 80 eastbound in Columbia County, 3.5 miles east of Exit 242; and
- Interstate 80 westbound in Columbia County, 10 miles west of Exit 256.
- Interstate 70 eastbound in Washington County, 3.5 miles east of Exit 1;
- Interstate 81 northbound in Franklin County, 1 mile north of the Maryland state line;
- Interstate 81 southbound in Susquehanna County, .5 miles south of the New York state line;
- Interstate 90 westbound in Erie County, .5 miles west of the New York state line;
- U.S. 15 southbound in Tioga County, 7 miles south of the New York state line;
- Interstate 79 northbound in Allegheny County, 8 miles north of Exit 45;
- Interstate 79 northbound in Crawford County, 8 miles north of Exit 154;
- Interstate 79 southbound in Crawford County, 3 miles south of Exit 166;
- Interstate 79 northbound in Greene County, 5 miles north of Exit 1;
- Interstate 79 northbound in Lawrence County, 3.5 miles north of Exit 105;
- Interstate 79 southbound in Lawrence County, 3.5 miles south of Exit 113
- Interstate 79 northbound in Mercer County, 5 miles south of Exit 141;
- Interstate 79 southbound in Mercer County, 6 miles north of Exit 130;
- Interstate 80 eastbound in Centre County, 13 miles east of Exit 133;
- Interstate 80 westbound in Centre County, .5 miles west of Exit 147;
- Interstate 80 eastbound in Jefferson County, 1 mile east of Exit 86;
- Interstate 80 westbound in Jefferson County, 10 miles west of Exit 97;
- Interstate 80 eastbound in Luzerne County, 8.5 miles east of Exit 262;
- Interstate 80 eastbound in Monroe County, 1 mile east of I-80/I-380;
- Interstate 80 eastbound in Montour County, 4.5 miles east of Exit 215;
- Interstate 80 westbound in Montour County, 4.5 miles west of Exit 224;
- Interstate 80 eastbound in Venango County, .5 miles east of Exit 29;
- Interstate 80 westbound in Venango County, 4 miles west of Exit 35;
- Interstate 81 northbound in Cumberland County, .5 miles north of Exit 37;
- Interstate 81 southbound in Cumberland County, 5.5 miles south of Exit 44;
- Interstate 81 northbound in Lackawanna County, .5 miles north of Exit 202;
- Interstate 81 northbound in Luzerne County, 1.5 miles north of Exit 155;
- Interstate 81 southbound in Luzerne County, 1.5 miles south of Exit 159;
- Interstate 81 southbound in Susquehanna County, 4 miles south of Exit 211;
- Interstate 83 northbound in York County, 2.5 miles north of the Maryland state line;
- Interstate 84 eastbound in Pike County, 6 miles east of Exit 20; and
- Interstate 84 westbound in Pike County, 1 mile west of Exit 26.
My Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) is expiring for my CDL. What do I do?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued multiple waivers and guidance relating to MECs until June 30, 2020:
- FMCSA waives the requirement under 49 CFR 391.45 that CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers have a medical examination and certification, provided that they have proof of a valid medical certification that was issued for a period of 90 days or longer and that expired on or after March 1, 2020.
- FMCSA waives the requirement under 49 CFR 383.71(h)(3) that, in order to maintain the medical certification status of “certified,” CDL or CLP holders provide the State Driver Licensing Agency with an original or copy of a subsequently issued medical examiner’s certificate, provided that they have proof of a valid medical certification that expired on or after March 1, 2020.
- Drivers claiming relief under this waiver from the requirement for a valid medical certificate must have proof of a valid medical certificate that expired on or after March 1, 2020, and carry a paper copy of their expired medical certificates.
- Drivers who cannot produce evidence of a prior medical certification that expired on or after March 1, 2020, are not covered under this waiver, including new drivers who have never obtained a medical certification.
In addition, PennDOT has temporarily stopped processes to downgrade CDL drivers who are unable to provide their updated MECs as indicated in the FMCSA waiver and guidance; however, If drivers do obtain an updated, valid MEC, the Bureau of Driver Licensing is still able to process the MEC and add the information to the driver record. To ensure timely processing, MECs can be submitted by email at [email protected] or by fax at 717-783-5429. If a CDL holder has recently submitted a MEC using the mail, it is highly recommended that the MEC be resubmitted using the email or fax telephone number above. This will help ensure the MEC is processed timely for the Commercial Driver License holders who have already submitted their Medical Examiner’s Certificate by mail.
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All documents below are PDFs unless otherwise noted.
- March 6, 2020 – Hazardous Material Endorsement expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- March 13, 2020 – License and ID expiration extension for Montgomery County
- March 13, 2020 – Registration and inspection expiration extension for Montgomery County
- March 14, 2020 – License and ID expiration extension for Delaware County
- March 14, 2020 – Registration and inspection expiration extension for Delaware County
- March 15, 2020 – License and ID expiration extension for Bucks and Chester counties
- March 15, 2020 – Registration and inspection expiration extension for Bucks and Chester counties
- March 16, 2020 – License and ID expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- March 16, 2020 – Registration and inspection expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- March 16, 2020 – Learner’s permit expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- March 16, 2020 – Disability placards expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- April 3, 2020 – Weight restriction exemption for all Pennsylvania counties
- April 8, 2020 – School bus regulatory waiver for all Pennsylvania counties
- April 30, 2020 – License and ID expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- April 30, 2020 – Learner’s permit expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- May 12, 2020 – HME for CDL holders expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- May 12, 2020 – Registration and inspection expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- May 12, 2020 – Disability placards expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
REAL ID
Department of Homeland Security has postponed the enforcement date for REAL ID from October 1, 2020, to October 1, 2021, in response to COVID-19 and the national emergency declaration. PennDOT made the decision to pause REAL ID issuance in the Commonwealth out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of public health. All Driver License Centers and Photo License Centers in Pennsylvania will be closed until further notice.
If a customer was planning to get a REAL ID at one of these locations and their license is nearing expiration, they can renew their license or ID and get a standard, “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES” product. When REAL IDs become available in these locations again, these customers can return to the site and upgrade to a REAL ID. Because renewal is also built into the REAL ID process, the customer will pay a one-time fee of $30, plus a renewal fee (current renewal fee is $30.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver’s license or a photo ID). The expiration date of the initial REAL ID product will include any time remaining on the current license or ID card, plus an additional four years, unless you are over 65 and have a two-year license. Customers won’t “lose” time that they’ve already paid for. After the initial REAL ID product expires, the customer will pay no additional fee, beyond regular renewal fees, to renew a REAL ID product.
Also, a reminder that if a customer received their FIRST Pennsylvania driver’s license, learner’s permit or photo ID card AFTER September 2003, we may already have your required REAL ID documentation on file. If a customer falls into this category and would like PennDOT to verify that your required REAL ID documentation is on file, they can visit our website and
apply for REAL ID pre-verification. If the documents are on file, these customers may obtain their REAL ID online and do not need to visit a driver license center at all.
We truly apologize for any inconvenience.
Construction and Maintenance
Due to
Governor Wolf’s statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts, all PennDOT district and county maintenance offices were closed.
On March 31, 2020, PennDOT announced that
61 emergency and critical highway and bridge projects would be active statewide. Subsequently, PennDOT announced activation of 47 more critical highway and bridge projects on April 20, 2020, and then 60 more critical projects on April 27, 2020. Effective May 1, 2020, nearly all remaining highway and bridge projects can be active in accordance with Governor Wolf’s April 23, 2020, order to allow in-person construction operations to resume on May 1.
Lists of March 31 and April 20 Projects
List of April 27 Projects
Public Transportation
Please check
local transit agencies and
Amtrak’s website for up-to-date information.
Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP)
All motorcycle training clinics through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) have been postponed until further notice in response to Governor Tom Wolf’s mitigation guidance regarding COVID-19. Future course scheduling will also not be available during this time. Additionally, Motorcycle Safety Kick-Off Day 2020, which was originally scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2020, has been canceled.
For more information about rider safety please visit
www.pamsp.com. If you have further questions please contact us at
[email protected].
Administrative Docket
In response to COVID-19, Acting Secretary Yassmin Gramian has issued an order waiving certain filing restrictions for administrative appeals. The Administrative Docket will accept electronic transmission of filings, including but not limited to, a request for a hearing, subsequent correspondence, briefs, pleadings, or other documents relating to a case, during the emergency period. All administrative appeals and filings can be sent electronically to
[email protected].
