Quick Answer
No. Pennsylvania requires every driver's license applicant to prove lawful presence in the United States, a rule in place since 2002, so an ITIN doesn't qualify. Visitors can drive on a valid license from home, but new residents must get a Pennsylvania license within 60 days, and the transfer requires a Social Security card.
Can You Get a Driver's License in Pennsylvania Without Legal Status?
No. Pennsylvania's lawful-presence law, in effect since 2002, requires driver's license and ID applicants to prove both lawful presence in the United States and Pennsylvania residency. PennDOT has no license for residents without status, and an ITIN is an IRS tax number, not an immigration document.
Proposals to license residents regardless of status have been introduced in past sessions, but none has become law.
Who Can Get a Pennsylvania Driver's License?
Citizens, green-card holders and people whose immigration documents show lawful presence can get a Pennsylvania license, including DACA recipients with a valid Employment Authorization Document. PennDOT checks non-citizens' documents electronically with the Department of Homeland Security and sets the license's expiration by the authorized length of stay.
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents
- Visa holders with an authorized stay
- Asylees and refugees
- DACA recipients and others with a valid Employment Authorization Document
Can I Drive in Pennsylvania With a License From Another State?
Yes as a visitor, but only for 60 days once you move. Unlike Florida and Tennessee, Pennsylvania hasn't voided other states' licenses issued regardless of status. PennDOT requires new residents to get a Pennsylvania license within 60 days, and the transfer requires proof of identity, residency and a Social Security card.
See PennDOT’s pages on transferring an out-of-state license and moving to Pennsylvania.
Can I Drive in Pennsylvania With a License From My Country?
Yes, as a short-term visitor with a valid license from your country; an International Driving Permit translates it but doesn’t replace it. Once Pennsylvania is your home, you need a Pennsylvania license, and PennDOT requires every applicant to prove lawful presence and Pennsylvania residency before issuing one.
An International Driving Permit only translates your license; carry it with the original.
What Are Your Options in Pennsylvania Without a License?
PennDOT requires a Social Security number and lawful presence, and driving without a license is a summary offense under 75 Pa.C.S. §1501 with a $200 fine. Without a work permit, the paths are moving to New York, New Jersey, Maryland or Delaware, which border Pennsylvania and license all residents, or not driving.
- Know the penalty. 75 Pa.C.S. §1501 sets a $200 fine for driving without a license.
- Four neighbors license all residents. New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware border Pennsylvania and issue licenses regardless of status, but you must live in that state; a Pennsylvania resident can't use their license to drive at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can undocumented immigrants get a driver's license in Pennsylvania?
No. Pennsylvania has required proof of lawful presence for every license since 2002, and it has no license for residents without status.
Can I use an ITIN for a Pennsylvania driver's license?
No. An ITIN is an IRS tax number, not proof of lawful presence.
How long can I drive in Pennsylvania on an out-of-state license after moving?
60 days. PennDOT requires new residents to get a Pennsylvania license within 60 days of establishing residency.
Can DACA recipients get a Pennsylvania driver's license?
Yes. DACA recipients with a valid Employment Authorization Document can apply, and the license expires with their authorized stay.