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Dead Beat Parent Law Frequently Asked Questions

1. I received a suspension notice from PennDOT for failure to fulfill an obligation with Domestic Relations. I have taken care of this obligation. How do I get my driving privilege reinstated?
2. Where do I send my restoration fee?
3. Once I send my restoration fee to PennDOT, how long will it be until my driving privilege is restored?
4. When can I drive?
5. I sent my restoration fee to PennDOT 14 days ago and I have not received a restoration letter. What do I do?
6. I received a suspension notice from PennDOT for failure to fulfill a Domestic Relations’ obligation. It states that I need to surrender my driver’s license, but I lost it. What do I do?
7. Can I obtain an Occupational Limited License (OLL) or a Probationary License (PL)?

Under Pennsylvania law, the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) is notifying PennDOT to suspend the driving privilege of an individual who:
  • owes support in the amount equal to or greater than three months of the monthly support obligation;
  • failed to comply with a visitation or partial custody order;
  • failed to comply with subpoenas or warrants relating to paternity or child support proceedings.
When PennDOT is notified, a notice of suspension is mailed to the individual. The suspension notice informs the individual of the suspension, instructs them to contact Domestic Relations and lists the requirements for restoration. Allowing for mail time, the suspension takes effect 7 days from the date PennDOT processes the request and the loss of driving privilege is for an indefinite period. The person’s driving privilege will remain suspended until PennDOT receives information from DPW that the obligation has been satisfied. The individual must also pay a restoration fee to PennDOT.

On August 23, 1999, PennDOT began to receive this information electronically from DPW. This automated process enables us to handle large volumes of suspensions in a timely manner. We have included a list of questions and answers which will enable you to understand the process. If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to contact our Clerk of Courts Unit at (717) 783-5759.

1. I received a suspension notice from PennDOT for failure to fulfill an obligation with Domestic Relations. I have taken care of this obligation. How do I get my driving privilege reinstated?
If the obligation was met prior to the effective date of suspension, the suspension will be removed from your driving record and you will receive notice from PennDOT indicating your driving privilege has been reinstated.

If the obligation was met on or after the effective date of suspension, a restoration fee will be required. To determine the fee, please visit our website and print a copy of your restoration requirement letter.

2. Where do I send my restoration fee?
Bureau of Driver Licensing
P.O. Box 68693
Harrisburg, PA 17106
Please be sure to include your driver’s license number on your check or money order made payable to “PennDOT”. If this information is not available, include your date of birth.

3. Once I send my restoration fee to PennDOT, how long will it be until my driving privilege is restored?
If you are not under suspension for any other violations, you should receive a restoration letter within 10 days.

4. When can I drive?
You cannot legally drive until you receive notification from PennDOT that your driving privilege has been restored.

5. I sent my restoration fee to PennDOT 14 days ago and I have not received a restoration letter. What do I do?
Please call PennDOT at 717-412-5300, TTY callers — please dial 711 to reach us, to determine if there are other suspensions on your driving record which prohibit you from being restored at this time.

6. I received a suspension notice from PennDOT for failure to fulfill a Domestic Relations’ obligation. It states that I need to surrender my driver’s license, but I lost it. What do I do?
You need to submit to PennDOT a DL-16LC form.

7. Can I obtain an Occupational Limited License (OLL) or a Probationary License (PL)?
No.

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