You can change your Pennsylvania driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a PennDOT office
The fastest way is online through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) website if you have a valid license and a recent address change. If you cannot use the online system — because your license is expired, suspended, or you do not have internet access — you can mail a form to PennDOT or visit a Driver's License Center in person. The address change itself is free and does not require a new photo or a new license card, though you will receive an updated card in the mail within two to three weeks.
You must report your address change within 15 days of moving in Pennsylvania. Driving with an outdated address on your license is not a criminal offense, but it can complicate things if you are pulled over, get into an accident, or need to renew your license later. Insurance companies also use your license address to verify your residence, so updating it helps avoid coverage disputes.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change tool at www.dmv.pa.gov is the fastest option if your license is current and you have an email address on file.
- You must report your address change within 15 days of moving, though the change itself costs nothing.
- If you cannot use the online system, you can mail Form DL-43 to PennDOT or visit a Driver's License Center with proof of your new address.
- Your updated license card will arrive by mail in two to three weeks; you do not need a new photo or appointment.
- Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
Changing your address online through PennDOT
Go to www.dmv.pa.gov and select "Change Address Online" from the menu. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask for your new Pennsylvania address. You must have an email address on file with PennDOT for this method to work; if you do not, you will need to use the mail or in-person option instead.
The online change takes about five minutes and is available 24 hours a day. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. Your updated license card will be mailed to your new address within two to three weeks. You do not need to visit an office, pay a fee, or take a new photo. Your current license remains valid until the new card arrives.
Mailing your address change to PennDOT
read or request Form DL-43 (Address Change) from the PennDOT website or call 1-717-787-2828. Fill out the form with your name, driver's license number, old address, and new address. Attach a copy of one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days all work.
Mail the completed form and proof of address to: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Driver's License Section, P.O. Box 68691, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8691. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks. You will receive your updated license card by mail; no appointment or office visit is needed. Keep a copy of what you send in case PennDOT needs to contact you.
Changing your address in person at a Driver's License Center
Visit any PennDOT Driver's License Center with your current license and one document showing your new address. Bring the same types of proof as you would for mail: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail from the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment for an address change, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
The staff will update your information on the spot. Your new license card will be mailed to your new address within two to three weeks. There is no fee for the address change. If you want to find the nearest Driver's License Center and check current wait times, visit www.dmv.pa.gov and use the office locator tool.
What counts as proof of your new address
PennDOT accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it shows your current address. Government mail — such as a tax document, voter registration card, or court notice — also counts. A bank or credit card statement with your new address is acceptable.
Documents that do not work include a post office change-of-address form, a cell phone bill, or mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant." If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, you can use a lease signed by you, even if it is dated before you moved in. If you are having trouble finding acceptable proof, call PennDOT at 1-717-787-2828 and ask what documents they will accept in your situation.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
Online changes are processed when ready, and you will see a confirmation on screen. By mail or in person, your information is updated the same day. In all cases, your new license card is printed and mailed to your new address within two to three weeks. You do not need to do anything else — the card arrives automatically.
Your old license remains valid until the new card arrives. If you move again before the new card reaches you, you can update your address a second time, and PennDOT will mail the card to your most recent address. If you do not receive your new card within four weeks, call 1-717-787-2828 to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address if I move out of state?
No. If you move out of Pennsylvania, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state. You do not need to notify PennDOT of an out-of-state move, though you should surrender your Pennsylvania license when you get your new state's license.
What if my license is expired or suspended?
You cannot use the online address change tool if your license is expired or suspended. You will need to mail Form DL-43 with proof of address, or visit a Driver's License Center in person. You can update your address even if your license is not current.
Will I get a new photo on my updated license card?
No. An address change does not require a new photo. The card you receive will have the same photo as your current license. If you want a new photo, you will need to renew your license, which is a separate process.
Can I change my address if I do not have a permanent address yet?
You can use a temporary address — such as a friend's or family member's address, or a shelter address — as long as you have a document showing that address in your name or dated within the last 60 days. Contact PennDOT at 1-717-787-2828 to discuss your specific situation.
What happens if I do not change my address within 15 days?
Driving with an outdated address is not a criminal offense, but it can cause problems if you are pulled over or get into an accident. Insurance companies may also deny claims if your address does not match your policy. It is best to update it as soon as you move.