PennDOT Form DL-298 | Service Person PA Driver’s License – Pennsylvania active-duty service members and their eligible dependents who remain Pennsylvania residents can use PennDOT Form DL-298 (Service Person Request for Non-Commercial Pennsylvania Driver’s License) to apply for an original non-commercial driver’s license, add a Class M (motorcycle) endorsement, renew with a Class M endorsement, or request a replacement photo license with a Class M endorsement while stationed outside the Commonwealth.
This official form, revised July 2025 (DL-298 7-25), is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Driver Licensing and is available only to current Pennsylvania residents.
Download the official Form DL-298 PDF here: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-form/dl-298.pdf
Who Is Eligible to Use Form DL-298?
Form DL-298 is restricted to Pennsylvania residents only. Applicants must answer “Yes” to the residency question on the form. If you are not a current Pennsylvania resident, do not complete the form—you are not eligible.
Eligible applicants typically include:
- Active-duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces who maintain Pennsylvania residency
- Eligible dependents of those service members (may need to provide a birth certificate)
- Service persons stationed outside Pennsylvania who already hold a Pennsylvania learner’s permit or non-driver photo ID
Pennsylvania law keeps a service person’s non-commercial driver’s license valid while on active duty outside the Commonwealth and for 45 days after return or separation. The same rule applies to the spouse and dependent children living in the same household. A valid-without-photo license option is also available for those who will be absent 60 days or more at the time of renewal.
For general military driver licensing information, visit the official PennDOT page: Military Personnel and Veterans.
What Can You Request with Form DL-298?
The form supports several specific non-commercial transactions (this form is not valid for commercial driver tests):
- Original issuance of a Pennsylvania non-commercial driver’s license – Fee: $39.50 (Class M: $45.50)
- Add Class M endorsement to a current PA non-commercial license – Fee: $12.00
- Renewal of PA non-commercial driver’s license with Class M endorsement – Fee: $63.50
- Replacement PA photo license with Class M endorsement – Fee: $48.50
To obtain an original license, you must already have a Pennsylvania learner’s permit or non-driver photo ID on file.
Required Documents and Attachments
When submitting Form DL-298, include:
- Completed and signed Form DL-298
- Copy of your Military Photo ID Card
- Memorandum of authorization on military letterhead from the Provost Marshal, Company Commander, Department Head, or Officer in Charge (OIC) certifying that the examiner is authorized to administer skills testing
- Skills test results (attach to the form)
- Check or money order payable to “PennDOT” for the applicable fee
- Birth certificate (if required as a dependent of an eligible service person)
Section C (Driver Qualification Report) must be completed by authorized military personnel. Section D (Physical Examination Certification) must be completed by a medical officer (M.D., D.O., C.R.N.P., or P.A.). Applicants under 18 need parental/guardian consent in Section E.
How to Complete and Submit Form DL-298?
- Download the current official PDF from the PennDOT link above.
- Confirm you are a current Pennsylvania resident.
- Complete Section A (Applicant Information) and Section B (Mailing Address if different).
- Have authorized military personnel complete Section C and attach the required memorandum and test results.
- Have a medical officer complete Section D (vision and physical standards).
- Complete Section E if under age 18.
- Sign and date Section F (Authorization and Certification).
- Complete Section G if requesting a photo exemption due to absence from Pennsylvania for military, school, work, or travel reasons (you must apply for a photo license within 45 days of return).
- Mail the complete package to:
Bureau of Driver Licensing
P.O. Box 68272
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8272
You may also change your address or renew certain licenses online at www.pa.gov/dmv.
Important Notes for Service Members
- Pennsylvania does not issue special military licenses or place special stamps on licenses.
- An expired but legible license remains valid while on active duty outside PA (with supporting military documents in your possession) and for 45 days after return or separation.
- Service members and families may renew at four-year intervals.
- Consider applying for a Military Status Endorsement Card using Form DL-176 to help keep your driving record valid during extended absences. More information is available on the Military Status Endorsement page.
- Form DL-298 cannot be used for commercial driver’s license (CDL) purposes. Separate military CDL test waiver options exist under different forms.
Contact PennDOT for Assistance
For questions about Form DL-298 or military driver licensing:
- Driver and Vehicle Services Customer Call Center: 717-412-5300 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET, except holidays)
- Official website: www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot or www.dmv.pa.gov
- Mailing address for this form: Bureau of Driver Licensing, P.O. Box 68272, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8272
Always use the most current version of the form directly from the official Pennsylvania government website. Fees and requirements can change, so verify details on the form itself or with PennDOT before submitting.