How to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Pennsylvania

Moving states can be an exciting time for your personal life and professional career. When moving, it’s important to have your affairs in order to ensure you have a seamless transition into the state. Pennsylvania is no different.

This guide will show you everything you need to know about transferring your out-of-state license to Pennsylvania. Be sure to read it in its entirety to ensure you don’t miss a step!

When Do You Need to Transfer Your Driver’s License to Pennsylvania?

You’ll be required to transfer your license 60 days after you establish residency in the state. You are considered a resident once you are physically present for at least half the year and have made Pennsylvania your permanent abode at any time during the tax year.

How to Transfer an Out-of-State Driver’s License to Pennsylvania

1- Visit a Pennsylvania DMV Location

As you can imagine, your first step will be going to the DMV. You can visit any location in the state and an appointment is not necessary. A complete DL-180R form will be required at the time of your visit. It is available at the DMV if you do not have access to a printer at home.

2 – Documents You Need to Bring

There are several documents you need in order to complete the process of transferring your driver’s license. If you do not have all of these documents on hand, you may be turned away at the Pennsylvania DMV. Be sure to have these forms to avoid any complications.

1. 2 Proofs of Pennsylvania residency
2. Proof of Identity
3. Valid Out-of-State Driver’s License
4. Social Security card
5. Required transfer fees

3 – Pass the Vision Test

Your vision will be taken when you apply for a license transfer. You can also have a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist complete this form and bring it to the DMV with you when you visit. A score of 20/40 or better is required to pass.

4 – Have Picture Taken

The Pennsylvania DMV will need to take a picture for your new license, as well as your file with the state. There’s no need to prepare anything special for this picture – simply come as you are and be prepared to smile!

5 – Receive Your Temporary License

If you’ve completed the steps above, then the DMV will check through your documents and determine if you’re eligible to transfer your driver’s license to Pennsylvania.

After your documentation has been approved, a temporary license will be issued to you before your physical credential is mailed to your address on file. This temporary document can be used as proof of identity or to present to a peace officer when needed. Your permanent licensed card should arrive within a few weeks.

What If You’re from Another Country?

If you have a valid driver’s license from a foreign country, you will be allowed to drive in Pennsylvania for one year from the date of your entry into the US or upon expiration of your foreign credentials, whichever comes first. You may utilize an international driving permit, but it is not required to drive within the state.

After the one-year period, you will be required to apply for a new driver’s license.

What Happens if You Transfer Late?

If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer who notices you’ve been in the state over 60 days without transferring your license, you may be subject to additional citations and fines.

That’s It!

That’s all you need to know about how to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to Pennsylvania as a new resident. As you can see, the process is quite simple and won’t require too much work.

You may need some help acclimating to Pennsylvania’s driving laws, however. We provide state-of-the-art courses to help you quickly prepare for any exam you may come across using practice tests, a summarized handbook, and much more. Even if you don’t need to take any knowledge exams, we recommend that you learn the specific traffic laws for your new state as it will save you a lot of headaches (and maybe even tickets) in the future.