PennDOT Form DL-20: PA Probationary License Guide

PennDOT Form DL-20: PA Probationary License Guide – If your Pennsylvania driving privileges have been suspended or revoked for five or more years, Form DL-20 from PennDOT offers a pathway back to limited driving privileges through a Probationary License (PL). This once-in-a-lifetime Class C non-commercial limited driver’s license allows eligible individuals to operate a non-commercial vehicle under specific conditions. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Pennsylvania PennDOT Form DL-20 – Probationary License Instruction and Petition, including eligibility, application steps, fees, restrictions, and official resources. All information is drawn from current official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania sources.

What Is a Probationary License in Pennsylvania?

A Probationary License (PL) is a Class C (Non-Commercial) Limited Driver’s License issued only once in a lifetime to an individual whose Pennsylvania driving privilege has been suspended or revoked for a cumulative term of five or more years. It authorizes driving a non-commercial vehicle between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. PennDOT may consider additional hours upon written request with supporting documentation.

Important restrictions apply: A Probationary License cannot be used to operate a commercial vehicle, motorcycle, or moped. Depending on your driving record, you may also be required to install an Ignition Interlock device for the first year of the PL.

For more details, review the official PennDOT Probationary License page and the Probationary License Fact Sheet (PDF).

Who Qualifies for a Probationary License?

Eligibility is strictly determined by PennDOT based on your driving record. Key requirements include:

  • Your Pennsylvania driving privilege must have been suspended or revoked for a cumulative term of five or more years.
  • You must have served a minimum portion of the suspension/revocation without any driving offenses during that period. The required time depends on the number of active term suspensions:
    • 1–7 offenses: at least 3 years served
    • 8–14 offenses: at least 4 years served
    • 15–21 offenses: at least 5 years served
    • 22 or more offenses: at least 6 years served
  • All outstanding citations, judgments, examinations, hearings, and restoration fees must be fully satisfied.
  • Certain offenses permanently disqualify you (e.g., homicide by vehicle) or impose a 7-year waiting period (e.g., DUI convictions, chemical test refusal).
  • You must not have previously been issued a Probationary License.
  • Your driving privileges must not be suspended or cancelled in any other state.

Before applying, request your free restoration requirements letter through the official PennDOT system to confirm your status. Detailed eligibility charts are available on the PennDOT Probationary License FAQs page.

How to Download and Complete PennDOT Form DL-20

Form DL-20 is the official “Probationary License Instruction and Petition.” The current version is DL-20 (7-25). Download the official fillable PDF directly from PennDOT:

Download Pennsylvania PennDOT Form DL-20 – Probationary License Instruction and Petition (PDF)

When completing the form:

  • Type or print clearly in all required sections (driver information, address, vehicle details, insurance information).
  • List up to five vehicles you intend to drive, including year, make, model, license plate, and state.
  • Provide complete insurance information for every listed vehicle and attach proof of financial responsibility (insurance ID card, declaration page, or acceptable alternative).
  • Indicate any request for hours outside the standard 6 a.m.–7 p.m. window and attach a supporting letter from your employer or school.
  • Sign and date the petition in ink. The form will be rejected without a signature.
  • Review the checklist on the form carefully.

The form cannot be submitted in person at a Driver License Center. It must be mailed.

Application Process and Required Fees

Follow these steps to apply:

  1. Complete Form DL-20 accurately and attach all required documentation and proof of insurance.
  2. Include a check or money order payable to PennDOT for the total amount due.
  3. Mail everything by certified mail to:
    PA Department of Transportation
    Bureau of Driver Licensing
    OLL/PL Unit
    P.O. Box 68689
    Harrisburg, PA 17106-8689

Current application fee (as listed on the official form and PennDOT website): $169.50, which breaks down as:

  • $46.00 non-refundable Petition Fee
  • $102.00 Processing Fee
  • $6.00 License Fee
  • $15.50 Photo Fee

You must also pay any outstanding restoration fee (call 717-412-5300 or check your restoration letter for the exact amount). Optional voluntary contributions of $3.00 to the Organ Donation Awareness Trust Fund and/or $5.00 to the Veterans’ Trust Fund may be added.

If your petition is denied, the processing, license, and photo fees are typically refunded; the $46 petition fee is non-refundable.

PennDOT will notify you in writing within approximately 30 days. If you meet initial criteria, you will be scheduled for a Departmental Review session. Additional testing or program requirements may be imposed before the PL is issued.

Official application instructions are available on the Apply for a Probationary Driver’s License page.

Restrictions and Conditions of a Probationary License

Once issued, a Probationary License is valid for one year from the issuance date and must be renewed annually (using Form DL-143PL) for up to six years. After the sixth year, you generally become eligible to apply for a regular driver’s license, provided all remaining requirements are met.

Key restrictions include:

  • Driving limited to 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (or approved extended hours).
  • Only the specific vehicles listed on your petition (with valid registration and insurance).
  • No commercial vehicles, motorcycles, or mopeds.
  • Possible Ignition Interlock requirement for the first year.
  • Any new suspension-level violation can result in cancellation of the PL. Point violations typically result in a 30-day recall per point.

Changes to address, name, hours, vehicles, or related information require Form DL-80OP.

What Happens After Approval or Denial?

If approved after the review session and any required testing, you will receive instructions to obtain your Probationary License (usually involving a photo at a Photo License Center).

If denied, cancelled, or recalled, you may request an Administrative Hearing by filing a petition with the Department. The hearing fee is $100 (non-refundable). Hearings address whether PennDOT erred in its determination; extenuating circumstances are generally not considered. See the Administrative Hearing Fact Sheet (PDF) for details.

Renewal of a Probationary License

Approximately 60 days before expiration, eligible holders are invited to renew using Form DL-143PL. The process is similar to the initial application: complete the form, pay the required fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Successful renewal results in a camera card for photo issuance at a Photo License Center.

Renewal information is available on the official Renew a Probationary License page.

Additional Resources and Contact Information

Always verify the most current fees, forms, and requirements directly on official Pennsylvania government websites, as they can change. Form DL-20 provides a structured opportunity for eligible drivers to regain limited mobility after long-term suspensions while demonstrating compliance and responsibility.

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