Driver's license in Pennsylvania
What Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Driver and Vehicle Services (PennDOT) publishes about getting a license, checked August 27, 2026.
- A foreign licence works while you are still a visitor
- If you are at least 16, hold a valid licence from your home country and can understand traffic control devices, you may drive in Pennsylvania. Only the vehicle types your licence covers, and following every restriction printed on it. Note: this page is written for visitors. Once you become a Pennsylvania resident, the 60-day rule below applies.
- Source: PennDOT - Driving in Pennsylvania with a Foreign Driver's License · Checked August 27, 2026
- An International Driving Permit is not required
- PennDOT states plainly that an International Driving Permit is NOT required in Pennsylvania and that a valid foreign licence is enough. If you do have an IDP, always carry it with your original licence, because an IDP is only a translation and is not valid on its own.
- Source: PennDOT - Driving in Pennsylvania with a Foreign Driver's License · Checked August 27, 2026
- The 60-day rule for new residents
- New residents holding an out-of-state non-commercial licence must obtain a Pennsylvania licence within 60 days of establishing residency. You have to appear in person at a Driver License Center, and some state-to-state services are not available on Saturdays.
- Source: PennDOT - Moving to Pennsylvania · Checked August 27, 2026
- You hand over your old licence
- You must surrender your out-of-state licence, valid or expired by no more than six months, before PennDOT can issue a Pennsylvania one. A vision screening is also required.
- Source: PennDOT - Moving to Pennsylvania · Checked August 27, 2026
- The driver's manual comes in 30+ languages
- The Pennsylvania Driver's Manual is available online in more than 30 languages. If you are stopped, you must show your licence, valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance; if your identity cannot be confirmed from the licence, you may be asked for your passport or visa.
- Source: PennDOT - Driving in Pennsylvania with a Foreign Driver's License · Checked August 27, 2026
Every line carries its own check date, because a page is only as trustworthy as its oldest line.
The oldest line on this page was checked August 27, 2026