Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver and Vehicle Services (PennDOT) Out of State Customer Service

Once you call the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver and Vehicle Services, an automated service guides you to continue in English by selecting 1 or pressing 2 for any foreign language assistance. I chose 1 to continue in English and was given an automated menu of options from which to choose. The list moves quickly, so you can repeat messages by pressing the star (*) key. I had to do this a few times but I also made sure to listen closely. 

The customer care center menu offers services ranging from driver's license and photo identification to vehicle registration and parking placards. Callers can also find out the locations of nearby service centers. However, before calling, it's ideal to visit the website to determine if your need can be addressed online. While waiting for a representative, I was directed to the website for a variety of services. 

I wanted to know more about Real ID cards, so I chose to speak with a representative. I was told by the automated service that my call would be recorded, and as the department was experiencing high call volumes, access to customer service representatives was limited. At this point, I was given the option to press 1 for more information related to details on the website or to press 2 to continue holding. I chose to wait for a representative by pressing 2 but was told to call back later or visit their website. The call was quickly disconnected. 

After attempting other options, I discovered it's quite difficult to reach a customer service representative to ask questions or address concerns. Numerous calls after being disconnected led me to automated lists of services and options for leaving information in a voice message or accessing the website. While this can be frustrating, it's helpful to know that many services can be completed online. 

The tasks that are simple to handle over the phone range from accessing service center location details and guidance to specific license and registration forms found on the website. You can also schedule a day and time for a regular driver exam over the phone by having your personal information ready. However, it will be an automated service guiding you rather than the assistance of a representative.

For Pennsylvania residents who have moved and need to update their address, you can change your personal information for vehicle registration forms by leaving your address information over the phone for processing at a later time. To renew a residential license, the automated system directs callers to the website to complete applications.

Based on my call and lack of success in reaching a customer service representative on numerous attempts, I suggest handling vehicle and registration services on their website as much as possible or leaving information over the phone. Located on the website is also an email address where queries and questions can be sent to be answered within two business days.