Pennsylvania Driver's License Issue Date
Your Pennsylvania driver's license issue date appears as "ISS" on the front of the card, printed in the lower portion under your photo and just above the expiration date (EXP). On a standard PennDOT-issued license, ISS marks the day your current card was printed — not the day you were first licensed.
"ISS" is short for "Issue Date" — the day your current license card was printed. It is not necessarily the day you first became a licensed driver in the state.
What does "DD" mean on a Pennsylvania license?
DD is the Document Discriminator, a serial number assigned to that specific piece of plastic. It is regenerated each time you renew or replace the card.
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What does "REST" or "RESTR" mean?
REST/RESTR stands for Restrictions — common codes include "1" for corrective lenses and "2" for a mechanical aid. The Pennsylvania Driver's Manual lists every restriction code.
What is the gold star on a PA REAL ID license?
A small gold star in the upper-right corner means the card is REAL ID compliant — it can be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Non-REAL-ID cards say "NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES" instead.
How long is a Pennsylvania driver's license valid?
A standard Pennsylvania driver's license is valid for 4 years for most drivers, with options to renew online via the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services portal.
Need an older issue date?
If you need the date you were first licensed in Pennsylvania (for an insurance discount, employment screening, or a CDL application), that information lives in your full driving record — not on the plastic card. Request it from the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/driver-vehicle-services.html.
For a visual tour of every state's driver license design, see our full guide.
