What You Need to Know Before You Go
A Pennsylvania ID card is a state-issued photo identification that proves who you are. You do not need a driver's license to get one — the ID card works on its own for voting, banking, air travel within the US, and age verification. You can get one at any Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) office, and the process takes about 15 minutes if you bring the right documents.
The card costs $13.50 and is valid for four years if you are under 21, or six years if you are 21 or older. You can renew it by mail before it expires, or explore in person at a PennDOT office. If you already have a valid Pennsylvania driver's license, you do not need an ID card — your license serves the same purpose.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Pennsylvania residency, and your Social Security number to any PennDOT office to get an ID card.
- Acceptable proof of identity includes a birth certificate, passport, or valid out-of-state driver's license; proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days.
- The ID card costs $13.50, is valid for four to six years depending on your age, and you can renew it by mail before expiration.
- You can find your nearest PennDOT office and check wait times on the PennDOT website before you go.
Documents You Must Bring
Bring one document that proves your identity. PennDOT accepts a U.S. birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a valid out-of-state driver's license, a military ID, or a tribal ID. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth. If your birth certificate is a short form (wallet-sized), bring the long form instead — PennDOT will not accept the short version.
You also need proof that you live in Pennsylvania. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill dated within the last 60 days will work. The document must show your name and current Pennsylvania address. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name (like a spouse or parent) plus a document showing your relationship to them, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
Bring your Social Security number — you can write it on a piece of paper or tell it to the PennDOT clerk. You will also need to bring the $13.50 fee in cash or card, depending on which PennDOT office you visit. Call ahead to confirm payment methods at your location.
Where to Go and How to Find Your Office
PennDOT has Driver License Centers in every county. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices use a reservation system. Go to the PennDOT website at www.dmv.pa.gov, click "Find a Driver License Center," enter your zip code, and you will see all nearby offices with their hours and phone numbers.
The website also shows current wait times at each office. If the wait is long, you can call the office directly to ask when it is least busy. Many offices are quieter on weekday mornings or late afternoons. If you cannot get to an office in person, you cannot get an ID card by mail — you must explore in person the first time.
What Happens When You Arrive
Hand your documents to the clerk at the counter. They will check that your proof of identity and proof of residency meet the requirements. They will ask you to confirm your Social Security number and answer a few questions about your name and address. They will take a digital photo of you for the card — you do not need to bring a photo yourself.
You will sign a form confirming the information is correct. The clerk will collect your $13.50 fee. Your ID card will be mailed to the address on your proof of residency within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a receipt that you can use as temporary ID if you need it before the card arrives.
If Your Documents Are Missing or Expired
If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the state where you were born. This takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, a valid passport or out-of-state driver's license will work as proof of identity instead.
If your proof of residency is older than 60 days, you need a newer one. You cannot use a document from more than 60 days ago, even if it shows your current address. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on letterhead confirming your address, or bring a lease agreement even if it has not been signed yet.
Renewing Your ID Card by Mail
If your ID card is still valid and you have not changed your name, you can renew it by mail instead of going to an office. PennDOT will mail you a renewal form about 60 days before your card expires. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $13.50, and mail it back to the address on the form.
Your new card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive the renewal form, you can read it from www.dmv.pa.gov or call PennDOT at 717-787-2937 to request one. If you have changed your name since your last ID card, you must renew in person at a Driver License Center and bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
What to Do If Your Card Is Lost or Stolen
Report the loss to PennDOT as soon as you can. Call 717-787-2937 or go to any Driver License Center in person. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a new card. You will pay $13.50 for a replacement card, and it will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You will receive a receipt you can use as temporary ID. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling any one of them — they will notify the other two automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Pennsylvania ID card if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. PennDOT requires a Social Security number to issue an ID card. If you do not have one, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration. Visit www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to start the process.
How long does it take to get my ID card after I explore?
Your card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you explore in person. The receipt you receive at the office can be used as temporary ID during that time. If you do not receive your card after 10 business days, call PennDOT at 717-787-2937 to check the status.
Can I use my Pennsylvania ID card for air travel?
Yes. A Pennsylvania ID card is acceptable identification for domestic air travel within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts it at airport security checkpoints. You cannot use it for international travel — you will need a passport for that.
What if I changed my name since my last ID card?
You must renew in person at a Driver License Center and bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew by mail if your name has changed. Bring your old ID card if you still have it, along with your proof of identity and proof of residency.
Can I get an ID card if I am homeless?
Yes. If you do not have a permanent address, you can use a shelter address, a care facility address, or the address of a friend or family member where you are staying. Bring a letter from the shelter or facility on letterhead, or a signed letter from the person whose address you are using, confirming that you live there. This counts as proof of residency.