How Internationals Can Get a Pennsylvania Driver’s License

How To Get a PA Driver's License -- First-Time PA License (or State ID)

NOTE: Internationals who do not qualify for a Pennsylvania Driver's License but are in legal status in the U.S. can drive for one year with a valid foreign driver's license. It is recommended that they also have an international driving permit.

To be eligible for a Pennsylvania Driver’s License, you must have at least 11 months (preferably 12 months or more) left before your I-20 or DS-2019 program end date.

Internationals and their spouses who have never had a driver's license or state ID in any state in the U.S. must take the following steps:

STEP 2: Go to a physician, physician assistant, certified registered nurse practitioner or chiropractor for a physical examination and have them complete Page 2 (back) of the DL-180.

• NOTE: This is not required for a Pennsylvania State ID.
• Enrolled students and scholars who have purchased the Penn State Student Insurance Plan can request a physical exam at University Health Services (814) 863-0774.

STEP 3: Obtain your Social Security card or request a Letter of Ineligibility, also referred to as a denial letter, from the Social Security Administration (SSA) stating that you are not eligible for a Social Security card. University Park students should go to the Social Security Administration located at 901 University Drive, Suite 2, State College, PA 16801. Commonwealth Campus students should check the Social Security Administration’s website to locate the closest office.

NOTE: If the letter from the SSA office is rejected by the Driver’s License office (PennDOT), please contact an ISSA adviser for help.

STEP 4: Gather the following original documents:

• The completed DL-180
• Valid Passport
• Most recent I-94
• Immigration documents (one of these, unless otherwise noted):
  • Valid I-20 or DS-2019
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card (in addition to your I-20 or DS-2019)
  • I-797, Notice of Action

  NOTE: See also PennDOT’s Fact Sheet: Identification and Legal Presence Requirements for Non-United States Citizens (PUB 195NC) for a more comprehensive list of document requirements.

  • Two acceptable proofs of residency in Pennsylvania, such as:
    • utility bills
    • bank statement
    • proof of on-campus housing
    • lease, etc.

    ​STEP 5: Prepare a check or money order payable to PennDOT for the appropriate amount. Cash is not accepted. See PennDOT fees.

    STEP 6: Go to the PennDOT Photo and Exam Center in person. You cannot apply online.

    NOTE: See also PennDOT’s Get a Driver License for more information.

    PENNSYLVANIA STATE DRIVER’S LICENSE RENEWALS

    If you already have held a Pennsylvania driver’s license, please see PennDOT’s Driver License Renewal.

    CENTRE COUNTY PENNDOT PHOTO & EXAM CENTER

    The closest PennDOT Photo & Exam Center to University Park is located at:

    Phone: (800) 932-4600

    (On Route 26 outside of Pleasant Gap – past the Nittany Mall)

    Hours of Operation

    Photo License Center: Open Monday through Saturday from 8:30am to 4:15pm. They are open later on Thursdays until 6:00pm.

    Driver's License Center: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30am to 4:15pm.

    OTHER PENNDOT LOCATIONS

    Commonwealth Campus students should visit PennDOT’s website to find the closest Driver and Photo License Center and the hours of operation.