PennDOT DL-180TD Form: PA Parent/Guardian Consent Guide – If your teen is applying for a Pennsylvania learner’s permit or driver’s license and is under 18 years of age, the PennDOT Form DL-180TD (Parent or Guardian Consent Form) is a required document. This official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation form provides legal parental or guardian authorization and confirms understanding of supervised driving requirements under the state’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.
This comprehensive guide covers everything U.S. residents in Pennsylvania need to know about the DL-180TD form, including purpose, eligibility, how to complete it, required supporting documents, and where to download the official version.
What Is the PennDOT Form DL-180TD?
The DL-180TD is the official Parent or Guardian Consent Form issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). It must be completed by a parent, legal guardian, person in loco parentis, or spouse (who is at least 18 years old) when a minor applicant seeks a non-commercial learner’s permit or driver’s license.
The form certifies that:
- The application is made with the adult’s full consent.
- The adult understands they can withdraw consent at any time before the minor turns 18, which will result in cancellation of the driver’s license by PennDOT.
- The adult will ensure the minor completes at least 65 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel skill-building, including a minimum of 10 hours of nighttime driving and 5 hours of bad weather driving, before taking the road test.
- The supervising adult must be at least 21 years of age.
- PennDOT recommends using the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program guidebook.
- The adult may consent (or decline) to organ donor designation for the minor applicant.
The current version of the form is marked DL-180TD (2-19). Always use the latest official version from PennDOT.
Who Needs to Complete Form DL-180TD?
Any applicant under 18 years of age applying for a Pennsylvania Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit (using Form DL-180) must have a completed DL-180TD. The form is not required for applicants who are 18 or older.
Eligible adults who may complete and sign the form include:
- Parent
- Legal guardian
- Person in loco parentis (someone acting in place of a parent)
- Spouse who is at least 18 years of age
The signing adult must also be at least 18 years old. Proper identification is required. If the adult and minor have different last names, verification of the relationship may be needed.
How to Complete and Submit the DL-180TD Form
Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the official form from the PennDOT website (link provided below).
- Print the applicant’s full name clearly at the top.
- Check the appropriate box indicating your relationship to the minor (Parent, Guardian, Person in loco parentis, or Spouse).
- Check all applicable certification statements regarding consent, withdrawal rights, supervised driving hours, and the recommendation to use the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program guidebook.
- Indicate whether you DO or DO NOT give consent for organ donor designation.
- Sign the form only in the presence of a notary public or a driver’s license examiner at a PennDOT Driver License Center. Do not sign the form in advance.
Important notes:
- If the parent/guardian cannot accompany the minor to the Driver License Center, the form must be notarized.
- The form is typically brought in person along with the completed DL-180 application when the minor takes the knowledge test. It is not mailed separately.
- Misstatement of fact on the form is a misdemeanor of the third degree under Pennsylvania law (18 Pa. C.S. Section 4904[b]), punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment up to one year.
Required Documents When Applying with DL-180TD
When the minor visits a PennDOT Driver License Center to take the knowledge test, bring:
- Completed Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Application (Form DL-180) — including the physician’s examination section completed no earlier than six months before the 16th birthday.
- Completed and properly signed/notarized Parent or Guardian Consent Form (DL-180TD).
- Original proof of date of birth and identification (photocopies are not accepted).
- Signed Social Security card.
For full details on acceptable identification documents, refer to the reverse side of Form DL-180 or the official PennDOT website.
Supervised Driving Requirements Tied to the DL-180TD
By signing the DL-180TD, the parent or guardian acknowledges responsibility for ensuring the minor completes the required supervised practice:
- Minimum of 65 total hours of behind-the-wheel driving.
- At least 10 of those hours must be at night.
- At least 5 hours must be in bad weather conditions.
- The supervising driver must be at least 21 years old.
After the required practice hours are completed (and the mandatory six-month waiting period after receiving the learner’s permit), a separate Parent or Guardian Certification Form (DL-180C) is typically needed before scheduling the road test.
PennDOT strongly recommends consulting the official Parent’s Supervised Driving Program materials available on the department’s website.
Download the Official PennDOT Form DL-180TD
Always download forms directly from official Pennsylvania government sources to ensure you have the current version:
Download Official PennDOT Form DL-180TD (PDF)
You can also find the form and related documents on the official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Driver and Vehicle Services pages:
- Get a Learner’s Permit – Official PA.gov Guide
- Applying for a Learner’s Permit – Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual
Frequently Asked Questions About Form DL-180TD
Is the DL-180TD required for both the learner’s permit and the full license?
Yes. It is required when a minor applies for the learner’s permit. Consent remains relevant throughout the process until the driver turns 18.
Can I withdraw consent later?
Yes. The form explicitly states that consent may be withdrawn at any time before the minor reaches age 18. PennDOT will then cancel the driver’s license.
Does the form need to be notarized?
It must be signed in the presence of either a notary public or a PennDOT driver’s license examiner. Notarization is required if the parent/guardian does not appear in person at the Driver License Center.
Is there a fee for the DL-180TD itself?
No. There is no separate fee for the consent form. Standard learner’s permit and license application fees still apply.
Where can I find more information about Pennsylvania’s teen driving rules?
Visit the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website or review the current Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual for the most up-to-date GDL rules, practice hour requirements, and restrictions.
Final Tips for Pennsylvania Parents and Guardians
Completing the DL-180TD is an important step that formalizes parental involvement in a new driver’s education. Take time to review the supervised driving requirements carefully and consider using PennDOT’s recommended Parent’s Supervised Driving Program resources.
Always verify the latest form version and instructions on official pa.gov websites, as requirements can be updated. For personalized assistance, contact your local PennDOT Driver License Center or visit the official Driver and Vehicle Services portal.
By properly completing and submitting Form DL-180TD, you help your teen begin the journey toward safe, legal driving in Pennsylvania while meeting all state requirements.