DMV Holidays (Office Closed) Closed on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day (or following Monday if holiday falls on weekend), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday, Christmas Day.
1. Get Started Online With New ID Card Assistance
An ID card is an official form of identification provided by your state’s licensing agency. ID cards look like state drivers licenses, but they only serve as a type of photo ID and do not provide the cardholder with driving privileges. To obtain a state ID card, you must apply in person at your local DMV office. Some states offer online ID card preapproval, and some offer a mail-in option for disabled citizens. However, most applicants will be required to apply for an ID card in person. To prepare your ID card application, you will need to have a completed ID card application, proof of identity, proof of citizenship or lawful presence, proof of state residency and more. Remembering which documents you need to take to the DMV when you apply can be difficult, and forgetting any piece of information can result in you missing an appointment. To avoid these complications, you can download our helpful guide, which explains all the steps you need to take to apply for a new ID card and all the documents you need to have on hand.
2. By Mail
Under certain circumstances, disabled residents who are unable to go to a DMV office may be able to request a state ID card by mail. However, this option is not available in all states, so applicants are encouraged to contact their state DMV for more information. If an applicant qualifies for the mail-in option, he or she will need to fill out an ID card application and a specific mail-in request form. Applicants will also be required to send in proof of citizenship, identity, state residency and all other documents required by the state.
3. In Person at a DMV Office
Most residents will be required to submit their ID card application in person at a local DMV office. Applicants are encouraged to make an appointment at the DMV to avoid long wait times and expedite the application process. All applicants will need to complete an ID card application form and provide all the necessary documents that prove their identity and legal residency. These documents include an applicant’s Social Security Number, tax forms, birth certificate and more. If any of these documents are missing, an applicant may be asked to return another day even if he or she has an appointment. Once an application is filed, applicants will receive a temporary ID until they receive their credential in the mail.
A Pennsylvania ID card can provide a convenient form of identification for state residents who do not have a driver’s license. A DMV ID card can be easily obtained at a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Driver License Center by most state residents, including certain minors. A photo ID comes in handy whenever you are required to provide proof of your identity but lack a valid driver’s license.
Although a state ID card serves the same identification purposes as a driver’s license, it does not provide any type of driving privilege. However, this comes with the benefit of not needing to take any driver’s license tests. Keep in mind that if you already have a PA driver’s license, you cannot apply for a PA ID card. State residents may hold one or the other. Review the following sections to learn how to get a photo identification card in Pennsylvania and how much you will pay PennDOT in ID card fees.
Pennsylvania DMV ID Requirements
PennDOT has basic DMV state ID requirements that applicants must follow to receive a photo ID card. An identification card in Pennsylvania is easily attainable by any state resident age 10 or older. Applicants must surrender their state driver’s license before getting an ID card, because it is not possible to have both documents at once.
Non-United States citizens may not apply for a PA state ID card unless they have a minimum of one year of legal presence in the country. PennDOT verifies immigration document dates electronically with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This may take up to six weeks to complete.
Getting a state ID for minors requires a parent or guardian to be present at the time of application. Minors younger than 18 years of age are required to apply for a photo ID card in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center.
What do you need to get an ID in Pennsylvania?
If you are wondering, “What do you need to get a state ID in Pennsylvania?” the requirements vary according to the applicant’s age and other factors. The documents needed for state ID help to prove your identity, Pennsylvania residency and your legal presence in the United States.
PennDOT provides a comprehensive list of acceptable documents in each category. These lists are available in several languages, including English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Hindi, Khmer, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.
PA Residents Younger Than 18
- One identity document
- Social Security card
PA Residents 18 or Older
- One identity document
- Social Security card
- Two proof of state residency documents
New Residents Younger Than 18
- One identity document
- Social Security card
- Out-of-state driver’s license or ID card
New Residents 18 or Older
- One identity document
- Social Security card
- Two proof of state residency documents
- Out-of-state driver’s license or ID card
Examples of acceptable identity documents for U.S. citizens include a birth certificate with raised seal, a valid U.S. passport, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or a Certificate of Naturalization.
Proof of residency for a state ID can be satisfied with tax records, a current weapons permit, and mortgage or lease documents. You may also show current utility bills clearly printed with your home address. Minors and others who live with someone else and do not have bills in their name can bring the person they live with to the Driver License Center. A secondary residency document is required, such as a magazine imprinted with the applicant’s name and matching address.
Documents required for state ID applicants who are not U.S. citizens vary according to immigration status. Please consult the Fact Sheet: Identification and Legal Presence Requirements for Non-United States Citizens document linked in the forms section below.
Mailed applications and most PennDOT Driver License Center locations require DMV ID card fee payments by check or money order made payable to PennDOT. The Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg can also accept cash payments. Credit card payments are limited to online transactions.
How to Get an ID in Pennsylvania
Pa Driver's Permit
Residents wondering where to get state ID in Pennsylvania may apply by mail or in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center. When applying by mail, submit your packet to the address printed on the application. Although you cannot get an ID online with an initial card application, you can use the PennDOT portal for renewals and replacements. Follow these steps for your new ID application:
- Complete and sign Form DL-54A, Application for Initial Photo Identification Card.
- Submit the form and supporting documentation described above.
- Pay the DMV ID card
- Have your photo taken. If you already have a photo on file at PennDOT, your new ID card may be issued without having a new photo taken.
- Receive your new photo state ID
REAL ID Cards in Pennsylvania
In March 2019, the REAL ID program begins in PA. Getting a REAL ID card is optional in Pennsylvania, but having this type of identification can be helpful. Because it complies with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005, this type of ID provides a higher level of security. Additionally, you must have a REAL ID card (or another acceptable form of ID) to enter certain federal facilities or board domestic flights after October 1, 2020.
If you want to apply for REAL ID in PA, the process is the same as applying for the state’s standard photo ID. The documents required for REAL ID applications are mostly the same in that you must prove your identity and legal presence in the country. However, you must show a complete name change history that connects your birth certificate name to your current name. You can do this with a marriage certificate, divorce documents or other legal name change documents. A valid U.S. passport can substitute for this requirement.
How to Renew or Replace a Pennsylvania ID in Pennsylvania
Replace a lost ID card or renew an expired photo ID by the same methods detailed above. You may also get a DMV replacement ID or renewal ID through the PennDOT online portal by creating an account and paying the applicable fee.
DMV ID Costs in Pennsylvania
The current DMV ID cost in Pennsylvania is $30.50, regardless of the applicant’s age.
Pennsylvania Identification Card Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
Pa Driver's License Camera Card
- Get a Photo ID from PA.gov
Identification card holders are required to begin a Pennsylvania ID card renewal procedure when they approach the expiration date of their credentials. Moreover, they are recommended to apply for a duplicate ID card when dealing with a lost, stolen or mutilated credential. To renew or replace ID card, applicants need to complete a procedure through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT).
The PA DOT offers two ID card renewal and one replacement method. Individuals must complete those procedures in order to get a copy of ID card or a renewed credential. If you want to learn more information about how to renew ID card or how to obtain a replacement ID card in Pennsylvania, continue reading the sections below.
How to Renew Your ID Card in Pennsylvania
A Pennsylvania ID card renewal procedure must be completed through the DOT when residents are about to face an expired credential. Individuals can renew ID card online or in person at an On-Line Messenger Service Center.
How to Renew ID Cards in Pennsylvania Online
When you decide to renew ID card online in PA, you will be required to visit the DOT website and complete the procedure. Obtaining access to the Online Driver’s License/Photo ID service will require you to logon the website by providing the following information:
- Photo ID number
- Date of birth
- Last four digits of your Social Security Number
Entering these personal details will enable you to begin the online ID card renewal procedure. You need to follow the instructions on the online service and complete one step at a time.
If you do not receive a computer generated identification card renewal application and your credential is to expire within six months or less, you may obtain a Photo Identification Card Application for Change/Correction/Replacement/Renew (form DL-54B).
Once you complete an online application form for renewing ID card in Pennsylvania, your camera card will be issued. Note that you may be required to bring the camera card and proof of identification to a Photo Center in order to get a new digitized Photo ID.
How to Replace ID Cards in Pennsylvania by Mail
ID holders may renew ID card by mailing a completed Photo Identification Card Application for Change/Correction/Replacement/Renew (form DL-54B) to the PA DOT along with a check or money order for the applicable fees.
After the ID card renewal is processed, a camera card will be issued and you may be required to bring it to a Photo Center along with documents proving your identity.
How to Renew ID Cards in Pennsylvania in Person
When renewing ID cards in person at a local On-Line Messenger Service Center, you will be required to complete several steps. Individuals who want to renew ID card in PA need to do the following:
- Complete a Photo Identification Card Application for Change/Correction/Replacement/Renew (form DL-54B).
- Pay the applicable ID card renewal fees.
- Get a camera card and take it to a Photo Center.
- Present appropriate identification when at the Photo Center.
Once you complete these steps for renewing ID cards in Pennsylvania, you will receive a new digitized Photo ID card.
How to Replace Your ID Card in Pennsylvania
Individuals may apply for a duplicate ID card in Pennsylvania when they are faced with lost, stolen or mutilated credential. Moreover, they may need to obtain an ID card copy if they have never received their identification credential.
The PA DOT allows online ID card replacement only in situations when you have a photo and signature on file with the DOT. Otherwise, identity card holders will be able to replace ID card by mail, or appear in person at a Photo Center or at a Driver License Center.
How to Replace ID Cards in Pennsylvania Online
To replace ID card online, individuals will be required to login at the Online Driver Services available at the PA DOT website. The Online Driver Services Login procedure will ask you to provide your Photo ID number, your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
After providing these details, complete the steps in the ID card replacement procedure and wait for the duplicate credential to arrive in the mail within 10 days.
How to Replace ID Cards in Pennsylvania by Mail
Individuals may also apply for a copy of ID card via mail, by following several steps:
- Complete a Photo Identification Card Application for Change/Correction/Replacement/Renew (form DL-54B).
- Provide a check or money order for the applicable ID card replacement fees.
Once you complete the application for duplicate ID card in Pennsylvania, you need to mail it to PA DOT along with the payment for the applicable fees. Note that you will receive a replacement ID card with your current picture on file. However, if there is no picture on file at the PA DOT, you will receive a camera card.
Receiving a camera card when applying for an ID card copy, will require you to go in person at a Photo Center in order to get a duplicate Photo ID card.
How to Replace ID Cards in Pennsylvania in Person
Identification card holders are also able to replace ID cards in person at a Driver License Center. They may apply for a PA duplicate ID card by simply completing a Photo Identification Card Application for Change/Correction/Replacement/Renew (form DL-54B) and submitting it at the Driver License Center.
Pennsylvania ID Card Renewal and Replacement Fees
Pa Drivers License Photo Id Locations
The last step in the Pennsylvania ID card renewal and ID card replacement procedure is to provide payment for the applicable fees. To renew ID card in PA, individuals need to pay $30.50, which is the same as for an initial identity card. However, the fee for a duplicate ID card is lower and amounts to $29.50.
Pa Photo Id Locations
Note that the procedures for renewing or replacing ID cards in Pennsylvania will not be finished if you do not provide payment for the ID card cost.
