Moving presents all sorts of annoyances and hassles. This is especially the case when one moves to a new state. As our society becomes more mobile, individuals are more apt to move to another state than their parents. Because each state has different laws regarding obtaining driver’s licenses and registration, new residents often misunderstand, or even ignore, the exact requirements for obtaining new licenses and re-titling their vehicles (Of course, ignoring such requirements might have something to do with horror stories about dealing with department of motor vehicles, irrespective of the state. But this is a story for another time).
In Pennsylvania, new residents must obtain a Pennsylvania driver’s license within 60 days of establishing Pennsylvania residency. To apply for a license, an individual must appear at a Pennsylvania state Driver License Center. At this time, you will be required to surrender your out-of-state license (which must be valid or expired no more than 6 months). You will be required to show proof of identification and residency (some of the acceptable documents include, but are not limited to, social security cards, passports, military identification, utility bills, lease agreements and mortgage documents). Although you will have to pass an eye examination, you will not be required to take a driver exam (i.e. no need to practice parallel parking).
Although you have 60 days to obtain a Pennsylvania license, you are supposed to make an application for Pennsylvania title and registration within 20 days of establishing residency in Pennsylvania. In order to register your vehicle, you must bring a valid out-of-state title for the vehicle, proof of Pennsylvania insurance, and a completed Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Form MV-1 (this form can be obtained from any Pennsylvania tag agency or a Driver License Center). In addition, you must present a valid identification with a Pennsylvania address. This means, notwithstanding the previous paragraph, that in all practicality, you must obtain your driver’s license within the first twenty days of moving to Pennsylvania. If your vehicle is leased, then the leasing company will be required to complete additional forms.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania charges separate fees for obtaining a Pennsylvania driver’s license and re-titling your automobile.