Top Determine the Status of Your Driver's License

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the court system can suspend your license. PennDOT will send you a notice in the mail to officially inform you of your license suspension.

If you're unsure about your license status, contact PennDOT at (800) 932-4600 or order a copy of your driving history.

Check Your Driving Record

You can't obtain your driving history through an outside vendor, but PennDOT does give you three ways to secure a copy of it:

• Order Driving Record Online
  1. Be ready to pay the $5 fee with your American Express, Discover Card, MasterCard, or Visa credit card.
  2. Visit PennDOT's Online Services Center, click the option to "Request Your Driver History," and follow the instructions provided.

• Order Driving Record in Person
  1. Complete a Request for Driver Information form.
  2. Have the $5 fee.
  3. Bring everything to a On-Line Messenger location.

• Order Driving Record in Person
  1. Fill in the Request for Driver Information form.
  2. Send it along with your $5 payment to:
     • Bureau of Driver Licensing
     • Driver Record Services
     • P.O. Box 68695
     • Harrisburg, PA 17106-8695

Suspended in All States?

Don't think that just because your license may be suspended in this state that you'll be free to drive in other states.

The National Driver Register (NDR) stores information on Pennsylvania drivers with suspended licenses, and makes this data available to other state motor vehicle agencies.

Additionally, the Keystone State belongs to the Driver License Compact (DLC), which means that your driving information will be shared between DLC members, and if you're convicted of an offense in another state, PennDOT will know about it.

Top Penalties for Driving on a Suspended License

Penalties vary according to the suspension. After your license has been suspended, call (800) 932-4600 and ask PennDOT to send you a Restoration Requirements letter. The letter will contain important information about the length of your suspension, as well as what you need to do to have your driving privileges reinstated.

Contact an Attorney

Of course, depending on the severity of your penalty, you might consider consulting an attorney who may be able to assist you with this matter.

Top Obtain a Restricted License

In some situations, those with suspended licenses may be granted limited driving privileges. If it's necessary to drive your vehicle for your job or study, or to receive medical treatment, you may apply for an Occupational Limited License. (This doesn't apply to revoked, disqualified, canceled, or recalled licenses.)

To do so, send a completed Form DL-15, along with your proof of insurance and fee payment to the address on the form. PennDOT will determine if you qualify for the license, and will inform you of its decision within about three weeks.

Probationary licenses are also available, but only to those whose licenses have been suspended or revoked for at least five years.

Call PennDOT at (800) 932-4600 or consult an attorney for more information on gaining a restricted license.

Top Reinstate Your License

In most cases, once you've served your suspension penalty, you can resume your full driving privileges after you provide proof of identification and pay your fines and fees. However, it's best to consult with PennDOT. Ask the agency to send you a Restoration Requirements letter, which will detail the exact path you'll need to take. You may want to talk to a lawyer for additional guidance.

Your insurance premiums are likely to rise due to your license suspension, so you might want to change carriers or at least compare rates between providers. Stop by our Insurance Center for more information.

Top Keep Your Record Clean

There are many ways to get your license suspended, including the following.

Accumulating Six Points or More for the Second Time

Doing so could result in a 15-day suspension.

Excessive Speeding

If you're convicted of going at least 30 mph over the speed limit, you may be hit with a 15-day license suspension.

Failing to Stop for a School Bus With Flashing Red Lights

You could receive a 60-day suspension if you're caught doing this.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Being caught driving under the influence can lead to an automatic license suspension.

Speeding in a Work Zone

If you're convicted of going over 10 mph above the speed limit in these zones, your license could be suspended for 15 days.

Failing to Attend a Scheduled Hearing

Doing so means an automatic license suspension.

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