Many Pennsylvanians are planning a visit to one of our locations as PennDOT driver license and photo license center begin to reopen. In preparation of these visits, we have made several changes to our operations to keep our customers safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as they visit our sites.
Reopened driver license centers are currently offering limited services in an effort to help mitigate the spread by allowing controlled transactions between PennDOT and our customers. Customers may obtain Commercial Driver License (CDL) services, initial issuance transactions, including out-of-state transfers, ID card issuance, and related transactions at these locations. Other services available at these locations include:
- Testing for non-CDL, CDL, HAZMAT and Motorcycle permits;
- Photo license services;
- Driver license restoration services that cannot be completed online or via mail;
- Medical-related testing; and
- Non-U.S. citizen transaction processing.
In support of social distancing and to reduce the need to visit a driver license center, online services continue to be offered at no additional cost 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customer may renew their driver's license or photo ID online and receive an updated product using their existing photo in the mail within 15 days. For individuals who still need to renew at a location or have received a camera card and require a visit to a photo license center, expiration extensions have been set to driver's license, photo ID cards, learner's permits and camera cards.
Non-commercial road tests, REAL ID document verification and issuance and transactions that can take place online will not be offered until a later date in the year. With the safety of our customers in mind, the postponement of these services is an effort to support social distancing and reduce initial volume and demand at driver license centers.
Additionally, vehicle registration renewal may also be completed online, as well as driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; and driver license and photo ID duplicates.
At the reopened locations, protocols and equipment have been added to help stop the spread of COVID-19, such as the installation of Plexiglass sneeze guards at each counter to provide barrier protection to both our customers and employees. Other safety protocols include:
- Customers and employees will be prescreened regarding any potential symptoms of COVID-19;
- Requiring customers to wear masks while in the facility;
- Cleaning procedures have been enhanced to sanitize facilities on an ongoing basis;
- Increasing the ability to maintain appropriate social distance by reducing the number of seating and the number of customers in the facility;
- Admittance to the facility will be limited to only the customer requiring service, unless assistance is needed by an accompanying person; and
- Markings on floors have been added to assist with social distancing along with signage to communicate special instructions to customers.
As we reopen, we are working hard to provide you with as smooth and safe experience as possible. We have staff that will work with each customer when they arrive to plan their visit, with additional staff serving as greeters to screen documents and provide information to guide you through the process. We will continue to adjust and move in a direction that safely provides customers with the services they need as soon as possible. We appreciate our customers' understanding during this time of transition.