Top ID Card Basics

The advantages of owning a Pennsylvania photo identification card are many, especially in this day of heightened security regulations. If you don't have a driver's license, you can use a state ID card to check into a hotel, buy booze, board an airline, and apply for a driver's license or passport.

To obtain a Pennsylvania photo ID card from the Department of Transportation (PennDOT), you must apply in person at any statewide Driver License Center location and be sure to bring:

• An Application for Pennsylvania Photo Identification Card, completed in either blue or black ink.

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (see below).

• Two forms of residency in Pennsylvania (see below) if you are 18 or older.

• A check or money order to pay the $10 fee.

You can't apply for an identification card if you are under 16 years old.

Top What to Bring if You're a Non-U.S. Citizen

• A Social Security card.

• Your passport.

• All government BCIS/INS documents. They must be original copies to be considered valid.

• Proof that you're attending school (if it applies).

• Proof from your job that you are employed.

• A check or money order to pay the $10 fee.

Top Acceptable Proof of U.S. Citizenship

All must be original documents. Photocopies will not be considered valid.

• U.S. birth certificate with raised seal

• Certificate of U.S. citizenship

• Certificate of naturalization

• U.S. passport

Top Acceptable Proof of Residency

You'll need to show two of these:

• Tax records

• Mortgage documents

• Lease agreement

• W-2 form

• Current weapons permit

• Current utility bills

Top ID Card Renewals

It's easy to renew your ID card in Pennsylvania. Approximately six months before you card is due to expire, you will receive a notification in the mail regarding the need for renewal. Simply complete the attached application and return it via U.S. Mail to the address listed on the form, along with a check or money order for $10. Within six weeks, you should receive a Camera Card to take to your local Camera Center along with the appropriate Proof of Identity.

If you prefer, you may choose to renew your ID card online by visiting this Driver and Vehicle Service Page on the PENNDOT Web site.

Top Replacing a Photo ID Card

Complete Form DL-80. If you do not have Adobe Reader to view this form, download the latest version for free. Mail the form along with a check to:

• PennDOT

• P.O. Box 68614

• Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17106-8614

Fees vary, depending on whether or not your photo is on file. Fee explanations can be found at the bottom of Form DL-80.

Your new ID will be mailed to you, provided you have a picture on file. Otherwise, PennDOT will mail you a camera card. You then must visit any driver license center, with the camera card, to obtain your ID.

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