You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a PennDOT office
Pennsylvania offers three ways to update the address on your driver's license or ID card. The fastest is online through the PennDOT website if your license is valid and not suspended. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a form to PennDOT or visit a Driver License Center in person. You do not need to pay a fee for an address change alone — you only pay if you are renewing your license at the same time.
The method you choose depends on how soon you need the change processed and whether your license is currently valid. Online changes typically show up in the system within a few days. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person visits are processed the same day, but you may wait in line.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online at www.dmv.pa.gov without visiting an office or paying a fee, as long as your license is valid and not suspended.
- If you mail your change, send Form DL-43 with proof of your new address to the PennDOT address listed on the form — processing takes two to three weeks.
- Visiting a Driver License Center in person is fastest if you need the change recorded when ready, and you can walk out with an updated card the same day.
- You must show proof of your new address no matter which method you use — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.
Changing your address online through PennDOT
The online method is available at www.dmv.pa.gov under "Change Address Online." 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 ask you to enter your new address and confirm your identity. Once you submit, the change is recorded in PennDOT's database.
Online changes work only if your license is currently valid and not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is expired by more than a year, you cannot use this method. The address change itself is free, but you will not receive a new physical card in the mail — your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it. Your record in the system will show the new address, which is what law enforcement and other agencies see when they scan your license.
If you need a new card printed with your updated address, you can request one online for a fee, or you can wait until your license renewal and update the address at that time.
Mailing your address change to PennDOT
To change your address by mail, read or print Form DL-43 from the PennDOT website. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. You must also include proof that you live at the new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Do not send your physical license card.
Mail the completed form and proof of address to the PennDOT address shown on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a new card; like the online method, your record updates but your current card keeps the old address. If you need a replacement card with the new address printed on it, you can request one by mail for a fee or visit a Driver License Center.
Keep a copy of what you mail in case PennDOT needs to contact you about your submission. If you do not hear back within four weeks, call PennDOT at 717-412-8090 to confirm receipt.
Updating your address in person at a Driver License Center
Visit any PennDOT Driver License Center with your current license and proof of your new address. Bring a document dated within the last 60 days — utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. You can find the nearest center and check hours at www.dmv.pa.gov.
Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will update your record and can print a new card on the spot with your updated address. This takes about 15 minutes once you reach the counter, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will pay a fee for the replacement card (usually around $20 to $30, though this varies). If you only want your record updated without a new card, some centers will do that for free, but call ahead to confirm your local center's policy.
In-person visits are the best option if you need proof of your new address when ready — for example, if you are opening a bank account or signing a lease and need to show an ID with your current address.
What counts as proof of your new address
PennDOT accepts several documents as proof of address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government notice (such as a tax bill or voter registration card).
Post office change-of-address forms do not count as proof. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, or use a bank statement if your address has already updated there. Some centers are flexible if you explain your situation, but calling ahead is safer than showing up without the right document.
When you need to change your address before renewing
You do not have to wait for your license renewal to update your address. Changing it early is actually a good idea — it ensures your renewal notice goes to the correct address, and it keeps your record current with law enforcement and government agencies.
If you change your address online or by mail and then renew your license before the new card arrives, the renewal will use your updated address. If you visit a Driver License Center to change your address in person, you can ask to renew at the same time if your license is expiring soon. Doing both together costs less than paying for a replacement card now and a renewal later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new card when I change my address online?
No. Online changes update your record in PennDOT's system, but your physical card keeps the old address. You can request a replacement card for a fee, or wait until your renewal. Law enforcement will see your new address when they scan your license, even though the card shows the old one.
What if I moved out of state?
If you moved to another state, you should get a driver's license in your new state instead of updating your Pennsylvania address. Once you have a new state's license, you can surrender your Pennsylvania license to that state's DMV. Contact your new state's DMV for their process.
How long does it take to change my address by mail?
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date PennDOT receives your form. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so allow four to five weeks total. If you do not hear back within a month, call 717-412-8090 to check the status.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended?
No. You cannot use the online system if your license is suspended. You can still mail Form DL-43 or visit a Driver License Center in person, but you should resolve the suspension first. Call PennDOT to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it.
Do I need to change my address if I moved within the same county?
Yes. PennDOT requires you to update your address whenever you move, even within the same county. This keeps your record accurate for voter registration, jury duty notices, and law enforcement records.