Obtaining a driver’s license is a crucial step when settling into a new place, and Pennsylvania is no exception. For those new to the state, especially international residents, understanding the process can seem daunting. This guide simplifies the steps to get your first Pennsylvania driver’s license from a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Photo & Drivers License Center.
Important Note for International Residents: If you are visiting Pennsylvania and hold a valid driver’s license from your home country, you can legally drive in Pennsylvania for up to one year from your date of entry into the U.S. While not mandatory, carrying an international driving permit alongside your foreign license is highly recommended for ease of understanding by law enforcement.
For international individuals intending to stay longer and establish residency, acquiring a Pennsylvania driver’s license is essential. To be eligible, ensure your immigration documents, such as your I-20 or DS-2019 form, are valid for at least 11 months, ideally 12 months or more, from the date of your application.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how first-time drivers, including internationals, can secure a Pennsylvania driver’s license or a State ID:
Steps to Obtain Your First Pennsylvania Driver’s License or State ID
Step 1: Complete the DL-180 Application Form
Begin by downloading and filling out the first page of the Form DL-180: Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Application. This form gathers your basic personal information and initiates your application process with PennDOT.
Step 2: Undergo a Physical Examination (Driver’s License Only)
A physical examination is mandatory for a driver’s license application but not for a Pennsylvania State ID. You need to visit a licensed physician, physician assistant, certified registered nurse practitioner, or chiropractor to conduct the exam. They will then complete the second page (back) of your DL-180 form, certifying your physical fitness to operate a vehicle.
For students and scholars enrolled in the Penn State Student Insurance Plan, you can conveniently schedule your physical exam at University Health Services by calling (814) 863-0774.
Step 3: Secure Your Social Security Card or Ineligibility Letter
You are required to present either your Social Security card or an official Letter of Ineligibility from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This letter confirms that you are not eligible for a Social Security Number.
University Park students can visit the local Social Security Administration office at 901 University Drive, Suite 2, State College, PA 16801. For those at Commonwealth Campuses, the Social Security Administration’s website provides a tool to locate the nearest office.
It’s advisable to confirm the acceptance of the SSA ineligibility letter at your chosen PennDOT Driver License Center to avoid potential issues. If you encounter any rejection of your SSA letter at the , immediately seek guidance from an ISSA advisor.
Step 4: Compile Your Original Required Documents
Gather the following original documents to take with you to the PennDOT center:
- Completed DL-180 form
- Valid Passport
- Most recent I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Immigration Documents (any one of the following):
- Valid I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status
- Valid DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card (if applicable, and must be presented alongside your I-20 or DS-2019)
- I-797, Notice of Action
Refer to PennDOT’s comprehensive Fact Sheet: Identification and Legal Presence Requirements for Non-United States Citizens (PUB 195NC) for an exhaustive list of acceptable documents.
You will also need to provide two proofs of your Pennsylvania residency. Acceptable documents include:
- Utility bills (gas, electric, water, etc.)
- Bank statements
- Official proof of on-campus housing (dorm agreement, etc.)
- Lease agreement for off-campus housing
Step 5: Prepare Payment for PennDOT Fees
Be ready to pay the required fees at the PennDOT center. Cash is not accepted. PennDOT accepts payments via:
- Checks or money orders payable to PennDOT
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Consult the PennDOT website for the current fee schedule to ensure you have the correct payment amount.
Step 6: Visit a PennDOT Photo & Exam Center In Person
Applying for a Pennsylvania driver’s license or State ID requires an in-person visit to a PennDOT Photo and Exam Center. Online applications are not available for first-time licenses or IDs.
For detailed information, visit PennDOT’s official guide on how to Get a Driver License.
Pennsylvania Driver’s License Renewals
If you already possess a Pennsylvania driver’s license and need to renew it, the process is different. Please refer to PennDOT’s dedicated page on Driver License Renewal for detailed instructions.
Locating a PennDOT Photo & Exam Center
Finding a convenient Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Photo & Drivers License Center is easy. For students near University Park, the closest center is:
Centre County PennDOT Photo & Exam Center
812 West College Avenue
Pleasant Gap, PA 16823
Phone: (800) 932-4600
View on Google Maps
Hours of Operation:
- Photo License Center: Monday – Saturday, 8:30 AM – 4:15 PM (Thursdays until 6:00 PM)
- Driver’s License Center: Tuesday – Saturday, 8:30 AM – 4:15 PM
For students at other Commonwealth Campuses or residents elsewhere in Pennsylvania, use PennDOT’s online locator to find the nearest Driver and Photo License Center and check their operating hours.
Additional Resources
For further information and official details, consult these resources from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation:
- Get a Driver License
- Driver License Renewal
- Fact Sheet: Identification, Residency, and Legal Presence Requirements for Non-United States Citizens
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Information (Homepage)
- Pennsylvania Driver’s License Manual
- Pennsylvania Driver’s License Application (DL-180)
- Pennsylvania Driver’s License or Photo Centers Locations
- Social Security Office Locator
This guide aims to simplify the process of obtaining your Pennsylvania driver’s license. By following these steps and preparing the necessary documents, your visit to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Photo & Drivers License Center will be efficient and successful.
