PennDOT Form DL-503: Request for Driver Information – If you need an official copy of a Pennsylvania driving record, the primary document required is PennDOT Form DL-503 – Request for Driver Information. This form allows Pennsylvania drivers, employers, insurance companies, attorneys, and other authorized parties to request driver history abstracts from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
This comprehensive guide explains what Form DL-503 is used for, current fees, how to complete it correctly, mailing instructions, and when you can request records online instead. All information is based on official PennDOT sources and the current version of the form (DL-503, 9-25).
What Is PennDOT Form DL-503?
Form DL-503 is the official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation document used to request driver information and driving records. It covers several types of records, including basic information, three-year records, ten-year records (employment purposes only), full history, certified records, and microfilm copies of specific documents.
Driver record information in Pennsylvania is protected under state law (75 Pa. C.S. § 6114) and the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act. Access is limited to the driver themselves or parties with a permissible purpose as listed on the form.
You can download the official current version of Form DL-503 directly from PennDOT here: Download PennDOT Form DL-503 (PDF).
Who Can Request Driver Information Using Form DL-503?
Permissible requesters include:
- The driver requesting their own record
- Employers or prospective employers (with driver authorization in most cases)
- Insurance companies or agents
- Attorneys representing the driver
- Parties with a court order or valid subpoena
- Businesses with a legitimate need related to credit or existing obligations (under specific conditions)
According to official PennDOT guidance, driver information may be requested by employers, insurance companies or agents, attorneys representing the driver, or for use by courts and law enforcement.Source: PennDOT Public Records FAQs
Types of Records Available and Current Fees (2026)
The current Form DL-503 (version 9-25) lists the following options and fees:
- Basic Information: $15.00 – Name, address, driver number, date of birth, and class of license (no history included)
- 3-Year Driver Record: $15.00 – Includes violations and Departmental actions for the past 3 years
- 10-Year Driver Record: $15.00 – Available for employment purposes only
- Full History: $15.00 – Complete history on file with PennDOT
- Certified Driver Record: $47.00 – Full history certified by the Department
- Copy of Document from File (Microfilm): $15.00 per document
- Certified Copy of Document from File: $47.00
Fees are non-refundable. If no record is found or the information provided is insufficient, the fee is still applied to the cost of the search.
Note: Pennsylvania driving records cost $15.00 for standard requests through official channels.Source: PennDOT Individual Driver Records FAQ
How to Complete Form DL-503?
Follow these official instructions carefully:
- Requesting your own record: Complete Sections A (Requester Information) and C (Driver Information) only. Notarization is not required.
- Requesting someone else’s record: Complete Sections A, C, and D (Affidavit of Intended Use). Section E (Driver Release) must be signed by the driver if boxes B, E, or L are checked in Section D. If you are obtaining the information on behalf of another party, also complete Section B (End User).
- Print or type all information. Providing only a name and address is not sufficient for a proper search.
- Check only one record type at the top of the form.
- For microfilm requests, complete Section F and specify the exact type and date of the document.
The form must be signed. Certain third-party requests require notarization.
Where to Mail Form DL-503?
Make your check or money order payable to “PennDOT”. Do not send cash.
Standard mailing address:
Bureau of Driver Licensing
Driver Record Services
P.O. Box 68695
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8695
For overnight or special delivery:
Bureau of Driver Licensing
Driver Record Services
1101 South Front Street, 3rd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516
Online Alternative for Your Own Driving Record
Pennsylvania drivers can request their own 3-year or 10-year driving record online through PennDOT’s Individual Driver Records service. This is often faster than mailing Form DL-503.
Visit the official online portal: PennDOT Individual Driver Records.
You will need your Pennsylvania driver’s license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Certified records and requests for another person’s record still require Form DL-503 by mail.
Businesses that regularly need records for employment or insurance purposes can apply for an Online Business Driver History Request account for real-time access.Source: PennDOT Online Business Driver History Request Service
Important Restrictions on Use of Driver Information
PennDOT emphasizes that driver record information is confidential. Key rules include:
- Information may only be used for the purpose stated on the form.
- It cannot be sold, assigned, or transferred to any other party.
- It cannot be used for direct mail advertising or published on the internet without written permission from PennDOT.
- PennDOT retains exclusive ownership of the data and may audit requests. Unauthorized use can result in termination of access.
Additional Resources and Contact Information
For the most current forms and information, always use official PennDOT websites:
- PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services
- Public Records FAQs
- Customer Call Center: 717-412-5300 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET)
- TDD: 711
Forms are also available at messenger service offices and Driver and Vehicle Service Centers throughout Pennsylvania.
Conclusion
PennDOT Form DL-503 remains the official method for requesting most Pennsylvania driver records, especially certified copies or records belonging to another person. By downloading the current form, completing it accurately, and following the fee and mailing instructions, you can obtain the needed driver information efficiently and in compliance with Pennsylvania and federal privacy laws.
Always download Form DL-503 directly from the official PennDOT website to ensure you are using the latest version: Official DL-503 PDF Download.