Laws and Benefits for Veterans and Military Drivers in Pennsylvania

For members of the military, renewing licenses and registrations can be downright impossible, especially if you're outside of Pennsylvania or even out of the country. Fortunately, the state is making things relatively easy for active duty military personnel and their families. There are also some benefits offered to veterans of the state.

Exemption from licensing and registration taxes and fees

Several exemptions are offered in Pennsylvania, but they primarily apply to men and women on active duty, and their immediate family if they are out of state and live in the same household.

The biggest benefit here is that you don't have to worry about renewing your license while you're out of state. Pennsylvania is waiving mandatory renewals, although you can renew your license every four years if you wish. In this case, you just need to send back the email that DOT sends to you, followed by the camera card they send when they receive your response. Note that this applies to all immediate family members living in the same household, so military spouses and children of driving age are also covered.

The state also offers an emission test exemption if your vehicle remains registered with the state while you are outside of Pennsylvania. However, the state does NOT waive the annual registration fee. However, they allow you to register your car (and pay for your registration) online, so you can do it from anywhere in the world that has internet access. You can register your vehicle online here.

Veteran driver's license badge

Since 2012, the State of Pennsylvania has offered veterans the opportunity to list their status and past service on their driver's license. The veteran's designation is in the form of an American flag above the word "Veteran". To apply for this title, you must be a qualified veteran (you must have an honorable discharge) and proof of your service. The state takes the DD-214 form, as well as a number of others, including:

• Form 22 NGB
• Virginia Medical ID
• Retirement military ID

Please note that there is no assignment fee, but you will be required to pay the applicable license issuance fees (either a duplication fee or a new license fee, depending on your situation). To apply for a title, you must check the Veteran box on your driver's license application and provide proof for DOT.

Military badges

Pennsylvania offers a very wide selection of military license plates that veterans can purchase to install on their vehicles. These range from plates for specific conflicts to plates for medals and awards. Each plate has its own requirements. For example, to get a Combat Ribbon Plaque, you must be awarded a Combat Ribbon and provide proof. In addition, each plate has a separate form that must be completed and submitted during the registration process, and each has its own costs. You can find a complete list of all military honorary plates, as well as links to the specific form of each plate, here.

Note that Pennsylvania also offers a series of Honoring Our Veterans plaques which is different. These plates can be purchased by anyone in the state at the time of vehicle registration, not just veterans, and a portion of the sales go to support veterans' benefits programs.

Waiver of military skills exam

Like most other states in the country, Pennsylvania offers current military and reservists the option to opt out of skill testing when applying for a CDL. This also applies to those who have recently been honorably discharged. All applicants must have at least two years of military operating experience and must complete Form DL-398 as well as the standard State CDL application. Note that the same fees apply to military personnel, and the exemption only allows you to skip the skill check. You still need to pass a knowledge test.

Driver's License Renewal During Deployment

The State of Pennsylvania does not require you to renew your license if you work out of state. This is a perpetual renewal, although you will have 45 days to renew your license upon return. The same applies to your emissions testing, although you will only have 10 days to test your vehicle when you return to the state. Please note that this does not apply to your vehicle registration, which must be renewed every year.

Driver's license and vehicle registration of non-resident military personnel

Pennsylvania does not require out-of-state military personnel to register their vehicles or obtain a state-issued driver's license. However, you will need to be tested for outliers. You also need to make sure you have a valid license and registration in your home state.