What a Pennsylvania ID Card Is and Who Can Get One

A Pennsylvania ID card is a state-issued photo identification document that proves who you are. It is not a driver's license — you do not need to pass a driving test or own a car to get one. The card shows your name, date of birth, address, and a photo, and it works as proof of identity for things like opening a bank account, boarding a domestic flight, or entering a federal building.

You can get a Pennsylvania ID card if you are a resident of Pennsylvania, are at least 16 years old, and can provide proof of your identity and address. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, though you will need to show a valid document that proves who you are — a passport, birth certificate, or other state ID all work.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get a Pennsylvania ID card at any PennDOT Driver License Center without a driving test or vehicle ownership.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of your current Pennsylvania address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • The card costs $30.50 and is valid for four years if you are under 65, or eight years if you are 65 or older.
  • You can explore in person at a Driver License Center, and the card is usually ready to pick up within two weeks.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you can mail an process to PennDOT, though the process takes longer.

Documents You Need to Bring

Pennsylvania requires you to bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted.

Proof of identity can be a U.S. birth certificate, a valid passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a valid ID from another state. If your birth certificate is more than 10 years old or was issued outside the United States, bring it along with a second form of ID — such as a school ID, work ID, or medical card — that shows your name and date of birth.

Proof of your current address must show your name and your Pennsylvania street address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A PO box does not count as a current address. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name (such as a parent or spouse) plus a document showing you live there — for example, a lease in your name with no address, plus a utility bill in your parent's name at that address.

Proof of your Social Security number or ITIN can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS.

Where to explore and What It Costs

You explore at a PennDOT Driver License Center. Pennsylvania has centers in most counties. You can find the one nearest you on the PennDOT website by entering your zip code. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online, which usually gets you in faster.

A Pennsylvania ID card costs $30.50. You can pay with cash, debit, or credit card at the center. If you are explore by mail, you will need to include a check or money order payable to "PennDOT".

The card is valid for four years if you are under 65 years old, or eight years if you are 65 or older. When your card expires, you will need to renew it by visiting a Driver License Center again or explore by mail.

explore in Person at a Driver License Center

Bring your three types of documents (identity, address, and Social Security proof) and your $30.50 payment to any Driver License Center. You will fill out an process form — staff can help you if you need it — and have your photo taken. The photo is taken at the center, so you do not need to bring one.

The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a receipt showing your process number. Your card will be mailed to the address you provided within two weeks. You can check the status of your card online using your process number.

If you need your ID faster, some Driver License Centers offer a rush service for an extra fee. Ask at the center whether rush service is available in your location.

explore by Mail

If you cannot visit a Driver License Center in person, you can mail your process to PennDOT. You will need to fill out form DL-44 (the Pennsylvania ID process), include copies of your three documents, include a check or money order for $30.50, and include a photo of yourself (2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months).

Mail your packet to the address shown on the form. The process takes longer by mail — usually four to six weeks from the time PennDOT receives your packet. You can read form DL-44 from the PennDOT website, or call 1-717-787-2540 to request one by mail.

If you are mailing documents from outside Pennsylvania, use certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Keep a copy of everything you send.

What Happens If Documents Are Missing or Incorrect

If PennDOT receives your process and finds that a document is missing, expired, or does not meet their requirements, they will mail you a letter explaining what is wrong. You will have 60 days to send the correct document or to visit a Driver License Center in person to fix the problem. If you do not respond within 60 days, your process will be denied and you will need to start over.

Common reasons applications are delayed or denied include: a birth certificate that is too old or was not issued by a vital records office, an address document that is older than 60 days, a photo that does not meet size or quality requirements, or a Social Security proof document that does not clearly show your number. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call PennDOT at 1-717-787-2540 before you explore.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged Card

If your Pennsylvania ID card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement. Visit a Driver License Center with your proof of identity and address (the same documents you brought for your original card) and pay $30.50. You do not need to bring your Social Security proof again.

If your card was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and get a report number, though this is not required by PennDOT. A replacement card is usually ready within two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Pennsylvania ID card if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen. You do need to be a Pennsylvania resident and have a valid document that proves your identity — such as a passport, birth certificate, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you have a visa or work permit, that can help prove your identity as well.

How long does it take to get my card if I explore in person?

Your card is usually mailed to you within two weeks of your visit to the Driver License Center. You will receive a receipt with an process number that you can use to check the status online. Some centers offer rush service for an extra fee if you need it faster.

What if my address changes after I get my card?

You can update your address by visiting a Driver License Center or by mail. You do not need to get a new card — you can update the address on your existing card. Bring your current card and proof of your new address. There is no fee to update your address.

Can I renew my Pennsylvania ID card before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your card up to one year before it expires. Visit a Driver License Center with your current card, proof of your current address, and $30.50. The renewal process is the same as getting a new card.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need a letter from the IRS showing your ITIN. If you do not have either a Social Security number or an ITIN, contact PennDOT at 1-717-787-2540 to learn about other options.