PennDOT Form DL-6: Ten-Year History Information Guide

What Is PennDOT Form DL-6?

Form DL-6 is a one-page official document issued by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Driver Licensing. It is designated specifically for commercial driver applicants. The form collects personal identification details and a complete list of every state (outside Pennsylvania) in which the applicant was licensed to operate any type of motor vehicle during the past 10 years.

According to the form itself, before issuing, renewing, or transferring a CDL, a state must request the driving record from each state listed by the driver. The receiving state is required to respond to PennDOT within 30 days. Any driver history information obtained becomes part of the permanent driver record.

Key points about Form DL-6:

• It is required only for commercial driver’s license applicants.
• No fee is required to submit the form.
• It must be typed or printed in blue or black ink.
• The form number and revision date appear as DL-6 (3-10).

You can download the official Form DL-6 PDF directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website here: Download Official PennDOT Form DL-6 (PDF).

Who Must Complete Form DL-6?

Form DL-6 is required for any individual applying for, renewing, or transferring a Commercial Driver’s License or Commercial Learner’s Permit in Pennsylvania. This includes:

• First-time CDL applicants
• Current Pennsylvania CDL holders seeking renewal
• Drivers transferring a CDL from another state into Pennsylvania
• Applicants for a commercial learner’s permit (CLP), which is treated as a CDL for record-keeping purposes

Federal regulations (49 CFR Part 383) require that every CDL applicant provide the names of all states where they were licensed to drive any type of motor vehicle during the previous 10 years. PennDOT uses Form DL-6 to fulfill this federal mandate.

If you have only been licensed in Pennsylvania during the last 10 years, you still must complete the form and check the appropriate box confirming that fact.

How to Complete PennDOT Form DL-6

The form is divided into two main sections. Follow these steps carefully to avoid processing delays.

Section A – Applicant Information

Provide the following details accurately:

• Pennsylvania driver’s license number (if you already have one)
• Last name, first name, middle name, and any suffix (Jr., Sr., etc.)
• Date of birth (month, day, year)
• Telephone number (available 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
• Email address (optional but recommended)

All information should match the details on your current driver’s license or identification documents.

Section B – Ten-Year History from Other States

This is the most critical part of the form. You must check one of the two boxes:

• “I have only been licensed in Pennsylvania during the last 10 years.”
• “I have been licensed in the following states during the last 10 years.”

If you select the second option, list up to 10 states in the spaces provided. For each state include:

• The state abbreviation or full name
• Your driver’s license number from that state (if known)
• The name under which you were licensed if it differs from the name in Section A

Important note from the form: Do not include information regarding your Pennsylvania license. Only list out-of-state licenses held during the previous 10 years.

After completing the list, you must sign and date the certification statement. By signing, you certify under penalty of law that all information is true and correct.

Legal Warning and Penalties

Form DL-6 contains a clear warning: Misstatement of fact is a misdemeanor of the third degree punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment up to one year under 18 Pa. C.S. Section 4904(b).

Providing incomplete or false information can result in denial of your CDL application and potential criminal charges. Always double-check every entry before signing.

Where and How to Submit Form DL-6?

Completed Form DL-6 should be submitted to:

Bureau of Driver Licensing
P.O. Box 68272
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8272

In most cases, Form DL-6 is submitted together with your main CDL application forms (such as DL-180CD, DL-180RCD, or DL-143CD, depending on whether you are a new applicant, transferring, or renewing). Check the specific instructions on your primary application for the exact submission process.

No fee is required for Form DL-6 itself. However, standard CDL application, testing, and issuance fees still apply.

Why the Ten-Year History Requirement Exists?

The ten-year history disclosure is a federal requirement designed to improve highway safety. Before the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act, some drivers held licenses in multiple states and could hide suspensions or serious violations by moving between jurisdictions.

By requiring a complete 10-year history, PennDOT and other states can request full driving records from every jurisdiction. This process helps identify problem drivers and prevents them from obtaining or keeping a commercial driver’s license when they pose a safety risk.

Driver history information collected through this process becomes a permanent part of your Pennsylvania driver record and may be visible to employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement under applicable laws.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to list states where you held only a non-commercial license
• Including your Pennsylvania license information in the out-of-state section
• Leaving the form unsigned or undated
• Using pencil or colored ink instead of blue or black ink
• Providing an outdated or incorrect driver’s license number from another state

If you are unsure about a previous license number, list the state and note that the number is unknown. PennDOT will still request the record from that state.

Related Forms and Resources

Form DL-6 is typically used alongside other PennDOT commercial driver forms. Useful related resources include:

• Self-Certification Form (DL-11CD)
• Commercial Driver’s License Application forms
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate requirements
• Official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website for the most current versions of all forms

Always download forms directly from the official Pennsylvania government website to ensure you have the current version.

Download the Official Form DL-6

To obtain the current official version of Pennsylvania PennDOT Form DL-6 – Ten-Year History Information, use the direct link below:

Download PennDOT Form DL-6 (Official PDF)

The form is provided free of charge by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Print it, complete it carefully, and submit it with your CDL application materials.

Contact PennDOT for Assistance

If you have questions about completing Form DL-6 or the CDL application process, contact PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services:

• Phone: 717-412-5300
• Mailing address for Form DL-6: Bureau of Driver Licensing, P.O. Box 68272, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8272
• Official website: www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv

Customer service representatives can provide guidance on required supporting documents and current processing times.

Final Tips for a Smooth Application

Completing Form DL-6 accurately and completely is one of the most important steps in obtaining or renewing a Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License. Take the time to gather records of every state where you held a license in the past decade. When in doubt, list the state even if you no longer remember the exact license number.

By following the instructions on the official form and providing truthful information, you help ensure that your CDL application moves forward without unnecessary delays. Always use the official download link provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to obtain Form DL-6.