Pennsylvania DMV does not operate a dedicated media office, but you can reach public information staff through the Department of Transportation main line

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) handles all driver licensing and vehicle registration. Unlike some larger states, Pennsylvania does not maintain a separate media relations department within the DMV division. Journalists and members of the public seeking official statements or background information contact PennDOT's central communications office, which fields requests for all divisions including the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

The main PennDOT public information line is 717-787-2241. This number connects you to staff who can direct your inquiry to the right person or office. For written requests, you can also submit questions through the PennDOT website contact form at www.dep.pa.gov (note: this is the Department of Environmental Protection site; the correct PennDOT portal is www.penndot.gov). Email inquiries about DMV-specific topics can be sent to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at bmv@pa.gov.

Key Takeaways

  • PennDOT's public information staff handle all media inquiries for the DMV; there is no separate media office within the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
  • Call 717-787-2241 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time) to reach a communications representative.
  • Written requests for public records or background information can be submitted through the PennDOT website or emailed to bmv@pa.gov.
  • Pennsylvania's Right to Know Law allows you to request public records directly from PennDOT; requests typically receive a response within 15 business days.

How to submit a public records request under Pennsylvania's Right to Know Law

If you need documents, statistics, or other records held by the DMV, you do not have to go through a media contact. Pennsylvania's Right to Know Law (also called the Sunshine Law) lets any person request public records directly from the agency. The DMV must respond within 15 business days, though they can extend that period by an additional 15 days if the request is complex or voluminous.

Submit your request in writing to the Right to Know Officer at PennDOT. The easiest method is through the state's online portal at www.openrecords.pa.gov, where you can file and track your request. You can also mail a written request to: Right to Know Officer, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120. Include as much detail as possible about what you are looking for—specific dates, record types, or topics—so the office can locate the materials quickly.

Some records are exempt from disclosure, including personal information like Social Security numbers, home addresses, and medical data. The DMV will tell you if any part of your request cannot be released and explain why. If you disagree with a denial, you can appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records within 15 business days of receiving the denial.

What information is typically available through public records requests

The DMV holds many records that are open to the public. You can request statistics on driver licensing, vehicle registration numbers, accident data, or suspension and revocation records (in aggregate form, not tied to individuals). You can also request copies of policies, procedures, fee schedules, and administrative documents. Some offices release annual reports or performance data on their own websites without requiring a formal request.

Individual driving records and vehicle registration details are not public. These are protected under privacy law, and the DMV will not release them unless you are the record holder or have written consent from the person whose record you are requesting. Law enforcement and certain other authorized parties can access these records through separate channels, but those requests do not go through the public records process.

Contacting PennDOT regional offices for local DMV questions

If your question is about a specific DMV location or a local service issue, you may get faster results by calling the regional office that oversees your area. Pennsylvania is divided into 11 PennDOT districts, each with its own administrative office. You can find your district and its phone number on the PennDOT website under "Contact Us" or by calling the main line and asking which district serves your county.

Regional offices handle complaints about service, can clarify local procedures, and sometimes can resolve issues without sending you back to Harrisburg. They also know about temporary closures, staffing changes, or local policy variations that the central office may not mention when ready.

Finding published DMV information without submitting a formal request

Before filing a public records request, check whether the information you need is already published. The PennDOT website includes fee schedules, process forms, instruction manuals, and links to the online driver license and vehicle registration systems. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles page lists current policies on license renewals, commercial driver licenses, and vehicle title transfers.

PennDOT also publishes an annual report that includes statistics on licensing and registration activity. You can read this from the main website or request a copy by phone. Many local DMV offices post notices about service changes or temporary closures on their individual pages, so checking the office nearest you may answer your question without a formal request.

How media outlets and researchers typically work with PennDOT

Journalists working on stories about the DMV usually start with the public information line at 717-787-2241. They can request interviews with spokespeople, ask for background briefings, or request that a specific official comment on a story. PennDOT's communications staff can also provide data, statistics, or historical context that helps reporters understand policy changes or performance trends.

Researchers and academics often combine public records requests with interviews. A researcher studying licensing policy might request historical data on test pass rates, then interview a bureau official about how those rates have changed over time. This combination gives both the numbers and the context behind them. PennDOT generally cooperates with academic research, though they may ask to review how their data will be used before releasing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a public records request usually take?

The DMV has 15 business days to respond, and can extend that by another 15 days if the request is large or complex. straightforward requests—like a copy of the current fee schedule or a small set of statistics—often come back within a week. Requests for historical data or records that must be compiled from multiple systems can take the full 30 days.

Can I request records about a specific person's driving history?

No. Individual driving records are private and protected by law. The DMV will only release a person's own record to that person, or to someone with written permission. Law enforcement and certain other authorized parties can access records through separate channels, but those are not public records requests.

What if PennDOT denies my public records request?

The DMV must explain in writing why the record is exempt from disclosure. If you disagree, you can appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records within 15 business days. The appeal is free and you do not need a lawyer, though you can have one represent you if you choose.

Is there a fee to submit a public records request?

Submitting a request is free. PennDOT can charge a copying fee if the records are extensive—typically 25 cents per page for paper copies—but they must tell you the cost before sending the materials and give you the option to proceed or narrow your request.

Can I call the DMV directly to ask about their policies or procedures?

Yes. The main PennDOT line at 717-787-2241 can answer general questions about how the DMV works, what documents you need, or where to find information. For questions about your own license or registration, call the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 717-787-2261 or visit a local office in person.