All new residents must obtain a Pennsylvania driver’s license within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence here.  For additional information or to apply online, visit www.dmv.state.pa.us.

Motor-voter registration
When visiting the Driver’s Exam Center, you’ll be asked if you  want to apply to register to vote. The state Department of Transportation will forward your application to the county voter registration office, which will notify you  about whether it has been accepted.

To get a driver’s license
You  must apply in person at the Driver’s Exam Center, 820 W. College Ave., Pleasant Gap, complete the necessary forms and take a vision screening test. You  may schedule your driving test online at www.dmv.state.pa.us.

If you  are 18 or older and a U.S. citizen you  will need to show a Social Security card and one of the following: a birth certificate, certificate of U.S. citizenship or certificate of naturalization or valid U.S. passport. Different forms of identification are required of non-U.S. citizens. You  also must have two items providing proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage documents, tax records, W-2 form, weapons permit). No cash and credit cards accepted — check or money order only.

Identification requirements for non-U.S. citizens are different. Visit www.dmv.state.pa.us/licensing_master/identity.shtml for details.

If you  are a new resident to Pennsylvania, you  must also present a valid driver’s license or photo ID from your previous state.

If your out-of-state driver’s license expired more than six months ago, you  will be required to apply for a Pennsylvania learner’s permit and complete all testing — including a physical examination, a road test and a parking test — before receiving a Pennsylvania driver’s license. To study for the test, pick up a copy of the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual at the Driver’s Exam Center or for more information and hours call 800-932-4600.

For new drivers

A learner’s permit is issued to anyone 16 or older who has not previously had a license. The following steps need to be completed before receiving a license:

•  Pick up a Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual at the Driver’s Exam Center.

•  Schedule a physical. Have a physician, physician’s assistant or a certified nurse practitioner complete a Medical Qualification Certificate.

•  Take the certificate; a parent or guardian consent form (younger than 18 only); proof of identity; two acceptable proofs of residency (18 or older only); your Social Security card; and a check or money order payable to PennDOT.

•  An eye screening test and a written exam will be given. Once passed, a learner’s permit is issued. Drivers younger than 18 then must wait six months and document 50 or more hours practicing with a licensed driver.

•  Schedule a driving test by calling 800-423-5542.

To register your vehicle

Bring a valid title for the vehicle you  want to register in Pennsylvania, issued in your name, from the state you  left; proof of Pennsylvania insurance, such as a valid insurance identification card; form MV-1 (not available online; this form must be completed by an agent of Penn
DOT, and you  will need to contact a notary or dealer for assistance with the completion of the form); a form of identification; and a tracing of the vehicle identification number or the verification of the VIN by an inspection mechanic or notary at a dealership or agent.

You  also will need to provide identification such as a driver’s license or photo ID card, U.S. passport or Armed Forces Common Access Card.

A registration fee for passenger vehicles will be charged and can be paid at the Driver’s Exam Center in Pleasant Gap or at one of the centers listed under “licensing services” in the yellow pages.

Vehicle inspection rules

•  Your vehicle must have a valid safety inspection sticker before it can be driven with a Pennsylvania license plate. Inspections are performed at official inspection stations (usually a repair garage or a service station with a repair shop) and are good for one year from the date of inspection.

•  Equipment checks are made of the vehicle’s lights, brakes, horn, tires, safety belts, exhaust system, mirrors, suspension, turn signals, steering, wipers and other major parts.

•  An emissions inspection program covers all gasoline-powered vehicles, model year 1975 or newer, vans and light-duty trucks weighing 9,000 pounds or less. You  must get your vehicle’s emissions inspection before you  can complete the safety inspection.

•  Inspection fees are posted at the stations.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles