PA ID Cards

There are several advantages to getting your ID card in Pennsylvania, especially with strengthened efforts to increase security in the U.S. and all throughout the state. If you aren’t yet eligible for your driver’s license, or choose not to drive yet, having an ID card is essential, and the next best form of photo identification in PA. There are several reasons you need an ID including:

  • Checking into hotel
  • Purchasing alcohol and tobacco
  • Boarding a plane
  • Applying for your license when ready
  • Getting your passport
If you wish to get your photo ID in PA, you will obtain it through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, or PennDOT. You will be required to complete the application process within any state Driver License Center, which can be found by visiting online. Make sure to bring the following:

If you are under 16 in PA you are not yet eligible for your ID card.

U.S. Noncitizen

If you aren’t a citizen of the United States, you will be required to bring the following to get your ID card:

  • Social Security Card
  • Passport
  • Government BCIS/INS documents, all originals – no copies are accepted
  • Proof of school attendance if it applies to your situation
  • Employment proof if employed
  • Check or money order for $13.50
Acceptable Proof of Citizenship in U.S.

Proving you are a legal citizen of the U.S. means bringing in the following documents in their original form. If you bring copies of these documents, they will be denied.

  • United States birth certificate featuring raised seal
  • U.S. citizenship certificate
  • Naturalization certificate
  • U.S. passport
Proof of Residency Accepted by PA DOT

In order to prove PA residency, you will be required to provide two of the following:

  • Income Tax Records
  • Any Mortgage or Rent Documents
  • Lease Agreements
  • W-2 Wage Form
  • Current PA Weapons Permit
  • Current PA Utility Bills
ID Card Renewal in PA

There is nothing to renewing your identification card in Pennsylvania, which can be done online or by visiting the DOT office near you.

  1. Receive renewal notice within 6 months prior to your ID expiration date.
  2. Complete attached application and send by mail to address on form with $12 check or money order; or visitOnline Driver's License/Photo ID to complete the renewal.
  3. Within no more than 6 weeks, you will receive Camera Card which must be taken to Camera Center with proof of identity.
Photo ID Replacement in PA

  1. Complete the form DL-80, which you can obtain online.
  2. Write check for necessary fees to “PennDOT”.
  3. Mail to the following address:
PennDOT

P.O. Box 68614

Harrisburg, PA 17106-8614

Your fees will vary, which depends on if your photo is on file with the DOT office or not, with an explanation of applicable fees found on the form.

You will receive your replacement identification card by mail, if your photo is still on file with the state DMV. If not, you will receive a camera card, which you must take to a photo license center to receive your photo ID replacement.