PennDOT Form DL-31: PA Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit

PennDOT Form DL-31: PA Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit – If you need to add a vehicle class, extend an expired permit, replace a lost or damaged one, or correct information on your Pennsylvania non-commercial learner’s permit, Form DL-31 is the official document required by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). This comprehensive guide explains everything U.S. residents and Pennsylvania drivers need to know about the Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Application to Add/Extend/Replace/Change/Correct (Form DL-31).

Whether you are a new driver, a parent of a teen learner, or an experienced driver upgrading vehicle classes, understanding Form DL-31 helps you stay compliant with Pennsylvania driving laws and continue practicing safely under supervision.

What Is PennDOT Form DL-31?

Form DL-31 is the official Pennsylvania application used exclusively for non-commercial learner’s permits. It allows qualified individuals to:

  • Add a new non-commercial vehicle class (Class A, B, or C)
  • Extend a learner’s permit that has expired or after failing the skills test three times
  • Replace a lost, stolen, mutilated, or never-received permit
  • Change or correct personal information on an existing permit

Important distinction: The initial non-commercial learner’s permit application is Form DL-180. Form DL-31 is used only after you already hold (or previously held) a Pennsylvania non-commercial learner’s permit or driver’s license.

You can download the current official Form DL-31 directly from PennDOT here: Download PennDOT Form DL-31 (PDF).

Who Needs to Use Form DL-31?

U.S. residents in Pennsylvania typically need Form DL-31 in these situations:

  • Your non-commercial learner’s permit has expired
  • You failed the road/skills test three times and need an extension
  • Your permit was lost, stolen, damaged, or never arrived in the mail
  • You currently hold a Class C license or permit and want to upgrade to non-commercial Class A or Class B
  • You need to correct information such as address, eye color, or other details (name changes generally require in-person processing)

Minimum age requirements remain the same as initial permits: 16 for Class C and 18 for Class A or B non-commercial permits.

How to Complete and Submit Form DL-31?

Follow these official steps from PennDOT to successfully process your application:

  1. Download and complete Form DL-31 – Fill out all required sections accurately using information that matches your current Pennsylvania non-commercial driver’s license or learner’s permit.
  2. Prepare payment – Make a check or money order payable to PennDOT for the correct fee (see fee details below).
  3. Submit the form – You have two options:
    • Mail the completed form and payment to:
      PennDOT
      P.O. Box 68272
      Harrisburg, PA 17106-8272
    • Visit a PennDOT Driver License Center in person for same-day issuance in most cases.
  4. Receive your permit – Mail applications typically process within 7–10 business days. In-person visits usually result in immediate issuance over the counter.

For applicants under age 18, a parent, guardian, person in loco parentis, or spouse (age 18 or older) must complete the consent section. Notarization is required in specific cases, including when applying for a never-received permit or when the applicant is under 18.

Current Fees for Form DL-31

According to the official PennDOT fee schedule:

  • Adding, extending, or replacing a Class A, B, or C non-commercial learner’s permit: $6.00 per permit requested
  • No fee is required if you checked the “never received” box, the application is submitted within 90 days of original issuance, and Section D is properly notarized
  • Change or correction only (no new permit issued): No fee in many cases; an update card may be issued

Optional contributions (add to your total payment if desired):

  • $3.00 to the Organ Donation Awareness Trust Fund
  • $5.00 to the Veterans’ Trust Fund

PennDOT Driver License Centers accept debit/credit cards, checks, or money orders (no cash at most locations). The Riverfront Office Center Customer Counter in Harrisburg also accepts cash. Returned checks incur a fee of $62 or more.

Always verify the latest fees on the official PennDOT Payments and Fees page.

Required Documents and Special Notes

When submitting Form DL-31, be prepared to provide:

  • Your current Pennsylvania driver’s license or learner’s permit number
  • Accurate personal information matching existing records
  • Supporting original documents for certain changes (name changes must generally be processed in person with original marriage certificates, court orders, or birth certificates)
  • Notarization when required (never-received permits or applicants under 18)

Key restrictions and notes from the form:

  • If you have not taken or successfully completed the road test within three years of your physical examination date, you must start over with a new DL-180 application and retake the knowledge test.
  • Name changes cannot be completed by mail in most cases—visit a Driver License Center with original documents.
  • Pennsylvania generally does not issue driver license products to out-of-state addresses except for specific military, federal, or state government employees and their immediate families.

Class Information for Non-Commercial Permits

Form DL-31 covers the following non-commercial classes:

  • Class C (minimum age 16) – Single non-commercial vehicles not over 26,001 lbs gross vehicle weight rating (passenger cars, station wagons, small trucks, etc.). Does not include other classes.
  • Class B (minimum age 18) – Single non-commercial vehicles of 26,001 lbs or more, or such vehicles towing a trailer not over 10,000 lbs. Includes Class C.
  • Class A (minimum age 18) – Combination non-commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 lbs or more where the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs. Includes Classes B and C.

Holders of Class A, B, or C licenses/permits are also authorized to operate mopeds.

Tips for a Successful Application

  • Use the most current version of the form available on the official PennDOT website.
  • Double-check all information against your existing license or permit to avoid delays.
  • Keep a copy of the completed form and payment for your records.
  • If mailing, use a trackable shipping method and allow 7–10 business days for processing.
  • Locate the nearest Driver License Center using the official PennDOT location finder.
  • For questions, contact the PennDOT Customer Care Center at 717-412-5300 (TTY: 711).

Related Official Resources

For complete and up-to-date information, always refer to these trusted Pennsylvania government sources:

Conclusion

Pennsylvania PennDOT Form DL-31 is the essential tool for managing your non-commercial learner’s permit after the initial issuance. By following the official steps, paying the correct $6 fee (when applicable), and submitting accurate information, you can quickly extend, replace, add classes, or correct your permit.

Download the form today from the official link, complete it carefully, and either mail it or visit a Driver License Center to stay on the road toward your full Pennsylvania driver’s license. Always rely on current information from pa.gov and PennDOT for the latest requirements, as procedures and fees can update.

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