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How to get a driver's license in Pennsylvania as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Pennsylvania needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Visitors may drive with a valid foreign license for up to one year from entry into the U.S. or until the license expires, whichever comes first; an International Driving Permit is strongly recommended but not required.
Deadline after moving
Not stated in official sources
License exchange without tests
4 countries
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
Provide your Social Security card; if ineligible for an SSN, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating ineligibility.

Driving on a foreign license

Visitors may drive with a valid foreign license for up to one year from entry into the U.S. or until the license expires, whichever comes first; an International Driving Permit is strongly recommended but not required.

Exchanging a foreign license

  • France
  • Germany
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan

Valid non-commercial license only; transferred without knowledge or road test, but a vision test is given. For France and Germany the transfer cannot be completed the same day.

the transfer of a valid non-commercial driver's license without Road or Knowledge testing; however, a Vision Test will be administered. www.pa.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
  • Employment Authorization Document (I-766)
  • Foreign passport with I-94

License validity: License expiration is based on the individual's authorized length of stay.

Expiration dates of products are determined based upon an individual's authorized length of stay. www.pa.gov

Social Security number

Provide your Social Security card; if ineligible for an SSN, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating ineligibility.

If ineligible for a Social Security Number, a letter from the Social Security Administration indicating ineligibility is required. www.pa.gov

Proof of residency

Applicants 18+ present two proofs of PA residency with name and street address (utility bills, lease, tax records, W-2, mortgage documents).

If you are over 18 years of age, you must present two (2) proofs of residency. www.pa.gov

Step by step

  1. Have a health care provider complete the back of the Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (DL-180).
  2. Gather original DHS lawful-presence documents, identity and date-of-birth proof, Social Security card (or SSA ineligibility letter) and two proofs of PA residency.
  3. Visit a driver license center, submit the DL-180 and documents, and pay the $45.50 permit-and-license fee.
  4. Pass the vision test (if not done by your provider) and the 18-question knowledge test (15 correct to pass).
  5. Receive a learner's permit valid for one year and practice with a licensed supervising driver.
  6. Make an appointment and pass the non-commercial road test, then receive your license.

Fees

$45.50 for the initial learner's permit and four-year non-commercial license.

Initial Permit and Four-Year License: $45.50 www.pa.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Pennsylvania

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.