Coronavirus
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 or the
Commonwealth guide.
Driver and Vehicle Services
Many of PennDOT’s driver license and photo license centers have reopened. They will follow restrictions on work and social interaction set by Governor Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. We also are offering special hours for customers 60 and older.
As our locations reopen, services will be in high demand. Customers should expect longer than normal waits. PennDOT staff will work with each customer when they arrive to plan their visit. Greeters will screen documents and provide information for a smooth and safe transaction as possible. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
As our centers reopen, they will offer limited services. Please visit the location page on our Driver and Vehicle Services website to learn more about what services are available and to find your nearest open location.
Accordion [1]
Expand AllClick here for a more accessible versionTo find your nearest open Driver License Center or Photo License Center, please visit the Locations page on our Driver and Vehicle Services website.
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.
PennDOT will continue to evaluate these processes and will continue to reopen other locations as soon as safely possible. We will continue to communicate any reopening and changes with the public.
The following COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place in all reopened Driver License Centers and Photo License Centers:
- Customers will be required 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.
Non-commercial driver licenses and learner's permits, photo IDs and camera cards scheduled to expire between March 16, 2020, and August 31, 2020, the expiration date is was extended until August 31, 2020. These products will not be extended past August 31, 2020.
Driver licenses and photo ID cards may 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 summer 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.
In all reopened driver license and photo license centers, the following COVID-19 safety protocols have been put in place to keep both our customers and employees safe:
- Customers will be required 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.
Vehicle registrations (including apportioned and fleet registrations),
safety inspections and emissions inspections scheduled to expire from March 16 through May 31, 2020, the expiration date was June 30, 2020. These products will not be extended past June 30, 2020.
Vehicle registrations may also be renewed online at any time.
The extensions for titles and registrations also apply to temporary title and registrations. All registrations and titles that expire between March 16 through June 30, expired on June 30.
Customers who have skills tests scheduled on or after June 2 will be able to obtain a driver's skills test at all open Driver License Centers that perform skills testing. The skills test has been modified to mitigate potential exposure of PennDOT staff and customers while maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Customers whose driver's skills tests were canceled due to the COVID-19 emergency will be given priority in rescheduling skills tests by contacting the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services Call Center at 717-412-5300. All other customers will be able to schedule a skills tests in the appointment system beginning June 20, 2020.
As part of the enhanced safety measures for non-commercial skills test the following safety protocols will be in place:
- PennDOT staff will remain outside the vehicle during the entire skills test and the test taker and accompanying driver will remain in the vehicle.
- All customers and accompanying drivers must wear appropriate face masks during testing.
- Examiners will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, eye protection during the exam.
- Examiners will utilize iPads during the administration of testing, which will be routinely disinfected using wipes or spray sanitizer.
PennDOT-Authorized Third Party Testers are also available for non-commercial testing and adhering to restrictions on work and social interaction set by Governor Tom Wolf and the Department of Health. They must follow official phased reopening guidance outlined by the Governor's Office and the Department of Health. For a list of PennDOT Authorized Third Party Vendors, please visit our website at www.dmv.pa.gov.
Open locations are offering initial issuance transactions, which include permit testing.
Please note that 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.
Persons with Disabilities Parking Placards scheduled to expire from March 16 through May 31, 2020, the expiration date is now extended until June 30, 2020. This product will not be extended past June 30, 2020.
PennDOT continues to provide restoration services and the process has not changed, which may be completed online. Longer than normal wait times may be experienced. You may also call 717-412-5300 for more information.
Ignition Interlock vendors as well as their installation and removal centers have remained opened, and these services remain available. Additionally, PennDOT has continued to process Ignition Interlock compliance forms submitted by Ignition Interlock vendors and applications for unrestricted driver's licenses submitted by customers.
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 ra-pdmedicalunithelp@pa.gov.
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.
Due to our operational changes, most mailed products will be delayed until normal operations resume.
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 September 30, 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 September 30, 2020.
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.
In an abundance of caution, PennDOT will not be returning to the farm show this year for its annual apportioned renewals. Apportioned registrants should mail their apportioned renewal applications to the Department for processing. Apportioned invoices may be paid by certified check, cashier’s check, money order or wire transfer.
Expiration dates for vehicle registrations, safety and emission inspections and Persons with Disability parking placards will be extended for Pennsylvania residents in response to statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts.
Deadlines on the following products was June 30, 2020:
- Vehicle registrations of all classes which includes, but not limited to, mass transit vehicle registrations, apportioned vehicle registrations, fleet vehicle registrations, dealer plate registrations, temporary registrations and biennial farm exemption certificates scheduled to expire from March 16 through June 30.
- Safety inspections and emissions inspections scheduled to expire from March 16 through June 30.
- Persons with Disabilities parking placards scheduled to expire from March 16 through June 30.
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
- May 26, 2020 - License and ID expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- May 26, 2020 - Learner's permit expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- June 3, 2020 - Weight restriction exemption for all Pennsylvania counties
- June 23, 2020 -
License and ID expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- June 23, 2020 - Learner's permit expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- June 23, 2020 - Weight restriction exemption for all Pennsylvania counties
- June 30, 2020 - HME for CDL holders expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- July 14, 2020 - Weight restriction exemption for all Pennsylvania counties
- July 23, 2020 - License and ID expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- July 23, 2020 - Learner's permit expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- July 31, 2020 - HME for CDL holders expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- Aug. 31, 2020 - School bus regulatory waiver for all Pennsylvania counties
- Aug. 31, 2020 - CDL license expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- Aug. 31, 2020 - CDL learner's permit extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- Aug. 31, 2020 - HME for CDL holders expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
Commercial Drivers
Accordion [3]
Expand AllClick here for a more accessible versionExpiration dates for commercial driver licenses and commercial learner’s permits are extended for Pennsylvania residents through September 30, 2020.
Effective August 31, the following products' expiration dates are extended:
- Commercial learner's permits scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020, through September 30, 2020;
- Commercial driver licenses scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020, through September 30, 2020; and
- Hazardous Materials Endorsements (HME) for individuals who are a Pennsylvania-licensed commercial driver's license holder and who held a valid, unexpired HME with a determination of no security threat on or after March 6, 2020.
PennDOT rest areas and welcome centers were initially closed to the public to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, but have since reopened with additional cleaning and maintenance.
There are federal requirements regarding CDL for which PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services does not have oversight; however, FMCSA has granted additional waivers and has provided additional guidance during this emergency period. This information may be accessed through FMCSA's website. Any questions related to these items should be directed to FMCSA.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued multiple waivers and guidance relating to MECs until September 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.
- Drivers who, since their last medical certificate was issued, have been diagnosed with a medical condition that would disqualify the driver from operating in interstate commerce, or who, since their last medical certificate was issued, have developed a condition that requires an exemption or Skill Performance Evaluation from FMCSA are not covered under this waiver.
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 CDLmedscert@pa.gov or by fax at 717-783-5429.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has granted a temporary exemption from requirements regarding the expiration of TSA security threat assessments for Hazardous Material Endorsement (HME) holders (49 CFR 1572). Considering the exemption, the expiration date of an HME for a Pennsylvania CDL holder who held a valid, unexpired HME with a determination of no security threat on or after March 6, 2020, is extended until August 31, 2020.
Yes. When your CDL expiration date is extended, your HME is also extended for the same time period.
Effective August 31, the following products' expiration dates are extended:
- Commercial learner's permits scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020, through September 30, 2020;
- Commercial driver licenses scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020, through September 30, 2020; and
- Hazardous Materials Endorsements (HME) for individuals who are a Pennsylvania-licensed commercial driver's license holder and who held a valid, unexpired HME with a determination of no security threat on or after March 6, 2020.
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
- May 26, 2020 - License and ID expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- May 26, 2020 - Learner's permit expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- June 3, 2020 - Weight restriction exemption for all Pennsylvania counties
- June 23, 2020 - License and ID expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- June 23, 2020 - Learner's permit expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- June 23, 2020 - Weight restriction exemption for all Pennsylvania counties
- June 30, 2020 - HME for CDL holders expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- July 14, 2020 - Weight restriction exemption for all Pennsylvania counties
- July 23, 2020 - License and ID expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- July 23, 2020 - Learner's permit expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- July 31, 2020 - HME for CDL holders expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- Aug. 31, 2020 - School bus regulatory waiver for all Pennsylvania counties
- Aug. 31, 2020 - CDL license expiration extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- Aug. 31, 2020 - CDL learner's permit extension for all Pennsylvania counties
- Aug. 31, 2020 - HME for CDL holders 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.
Customers can obtain a REAL ID by presenting documents for verification and processing at any driver license center. Federal regulations require that to be issued a REAL ID-compliant product, PennDOT must verify the below documents:
- Proof of Identity: Examples include original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised seal/embossed or valid, unexpired, U.S. Passport;
- Proof of Social Security Number: Social security card, in current legal name;
- Two Proofs of Current, Physical PA Address: Examples include a current, unexpired PA driver's license or identification card, vehicle registration or a utility bill with the same name and address; and
- Proof of all Legal Name Changes (if current legal name is different than what is reflected on proof of identity document): Examples include a certified marriage certificate(s) issued by the County Court for each marriage, court order(s) approving a change in legal name or amended birth certificate issued by the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics. If current name is the same as what is reflected on proof of identity document (usually birth certificate or passport), a customer does not need to show proof of legal name changes.
Customers have three options for obtaining a REAL ID product: Customers may order their REAL ID online if they have been pre-verified and their REAL ID product will be mailed to them within 15 business days; they can visit any PennDOT Driver's License Center that is open for driver license services, have their documents verified and imaged, and their REAL ID product will be mailed to them within 15 business days; or they can visit one of 12 REAL ID Centers and receive their REAL ID product over the counter at the time of service.
More information on REAL ID can be found here.
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.
Construction and Maintenance
Due to
Governor Wolf's statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts, all PennDOT district and county maintenance offices were closed. However, 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 became active in accordance with Governor Wolf's April 23, 2020, order to allow in-person construction operations to resume. As of June 5, 2020, the remaining highway and bridge projects became active.
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
msp-info@pa.gov.
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
ra-pdDOTAdminDocket@pa.gov.
Service of Original Process
Pursuant to the orders issued by the Governor and the Secretary of Health, the physical office of the PennDOT's Chief Counsel is currently closed in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. PennDOT will not accept service of subpoenas and original process by mail. PennDOT will waive personal service for it and its employees only if a subpoena, complaint, or writ is emailed to RA-PDOCCEXECUTIVE@pa.gov. Other legal documents received by PennDOT will be treated as correspondence or notice prerequisite to suit per 42 Pa. C.S. 5522, as appropriate. This policy is intended to be temporary and may be rescinded at any time.