Reinstating a Driver's License in Pennsylvania
How to check your Pennsylvania license status, what gets a license suspended, reinstatement steps and fees, and hardship licenses.
Short answer: PennDOT's License and Vehicle Restoration Services let you check the status of your driver's license, request your Driver's License Restoration Requirements Letter, and pay your restoration fee online. PennDOT, License and Vehicle Restoration Services; License Suspensions
| Checking and reinstating a license | PennDOT's License and Vehicle Restoration Services let you check the status of your driver's license, request your Driver's License Restoration Requirements Letter, and pay your restoration fee online. The restoration requirements letter is free and lists the specific steps you must complete; print it when you access it online, because PennDOT will not mail you a copy. If you do not get it online, a letter is mailed to your address of record about 30 days before your eligibility date. Limited licenses (Ignition Interlock, Occupational, Probationary) may be available in some cases. Suspensions: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/license-suspensions |
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| License suspension | Grounds include points (automatic suspension at 11 points), DUI, chemical test refusal, failing to respond to a citation, and driving without insurance (if a vehicle was uninsured 31 days or more, the registration is suspended three months, and the driving privilege is also suspended three months if the owner drove or allowed it to be driven). Before restoration, the driver must serve the suspension, show payment of fines and costs and proof of insurance, and pay a restoration fee. A suspension can be appealed to the county Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of the notice's mailing date. |
| Hardship or restricted license | PennDOT's Driver's Manual notes that an occupational limited license may be available after 60 days of suspension for certain repeat DUI suspensions. General eligibility rules for an occupational limited license (75 Pa.C.S. § 1553) were not confirmed from a page read. |
Where to get help in Pennsylvania
More Pennsylvania traffic tickets & dui
- DUI Laws in Pennsylvania
- How Driver Points Work in Pennsylvania
- Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in Pennsylvania
- All Pennsylvania traffic tickets & dui rules
FAQ
How do I check if my license is suspended and get it reinstated in Pennsylvania?
PennDOT's License and Vehicle Restoration Services let you check the status of your driver's license, request your Driver's License Restoration Requirements Letter, and pay your restoration fee online. The restoration requirements letter is free and lists the specific steps you must complete; print it when you access it online, because PennDOT will not mail you a copy. If you do not get it online, a letter is mailed to your address of record about 30 days before your eligibility date. Limited licenses (Ignition Interlock, Occupational, Probationary) may be available in some cases.
What gets your license suspended in Pennsylvania?
Grounds include points (automatic suspension at 11 points), DUI, chemical test refusal, failing to respond to a citation, and driving without insurance (if a vehicle was uninsured 31 days or more, the registration is suspended three months, and the driving privilege is also suspended three months if the owner drove or allowed it to be driven). Before restoration, the driver must serve the suspension, show payment of fines and costs and proof of insurance, and pay a restoration fee. A suspension can be appealed to the county Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of the notice's mailing date.
Can you get a hardship license in Pennsylvania?
PennDOT's Driver's Manual notes that an occupational limited license may be available after 60 days of suspension for certain repeat DUI suspensions.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.