You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a PennDOT office

Pennsylvania lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new card — you just notify the Department of Transportation (PennDOT) of the change. The fastest way is online through the PennDOT website if you have a valid Pennsylvania license. If you can't use the online system, you can mail a form or visit a Driver's License Center in person. Your current license stays valid; PennDOT straightforward updates their records.

You do not need to update your address when ready, but it's a good idea to do it within a reasonable time after you move. Pennsylvania law does not set a specific important date, but having an outdated address on your license can cause problems if you're pulled over, need to renew, or use it for identification at a bank or other business.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through PennDOT's website is the fastest option and takes just a few minutes if your license is valid and not suspended.
  • If you cannot use the online system, you can mail Form DL-43 (Change of Address) to PennDOT along with proof of your new address.
  • You can also visit any Driver's License Center in person with your current license and proof of your new address to update it on the spot.
  • Proof of address typically means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days showing your new address.
  • Your current license remains valid after an address change — you do not receive a new card unless you also renew your license.

Changing your address online through PennDOT

The online method is available at www.dmv.pa.gov under the "License and ID" section. You will need your current Pennsylvania driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and then let you enter your new address. The change takes effect when ready in PennDOT's system, though you may not see it reflected everywhere right away.

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 few months, you may need to renew it before you can change the address online. If you are unsure whether your license status allows an online change, you can call PennDOT at 717-787-2937 to check before you try.

Mailing a change-of-address form to PennDOT

If you prefer not to use the online system or cannot access it, you can mail Form DL-43 (Change of Address) to PennDOT. You can read this form from the PennDOT website or request it by phone. Fill out the form with your current license information and your new address, then mail it to:

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver's License Section P.O. Box 68691 Harrisburg, PA 17106-8691

Include a copy of proof of your new address with the form — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days works. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. You do not need to include your license itself; just the form and proof of address.

Updating your address in person at a Driver's License Center

You can walk into any Driver's License Center in Pennsylvania and update your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent government mail dated within 60 days). There is no fee for an address change. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so consider visiting early in the morning or on a weekday if possible.

To find the Driver's License Center nearest you, use the location finder on www.dmv.pa.gov. Many centers operate by appointment only, especially since the pandemic, so check the website or call ahead before you go. Some centers accept walk-ins, but confirming in advance saves you a trip.

What counts as proof of your new address

PennDOT accepts several types of documents to verify your new address. The document must show your name and your new address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card).

If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement can work. If you are staying with a friend or family member temporarily, a notarized letter from the homeowner stating that you live there, along with a utility bill showing their name and address, may be accepted — call PennDOT ahead to confirm.

What happens after you change your address

Once PennDOT processes your address change, your records are updated in their system. Your physical license card still shows your old address until you renew your license, which happens every four years for most drivers. You do not need to carry a new card; the address on file with PennDOT is what matters for official purposes.

If you move again before your license expires, you can change your address as many times as you need using any of these same methods. There is no limit to how many address changes you can make, and each one is free.

Renewing your license after an address change

When you renew your Pennsylvania driver's license, your new address will print on the card automatically if you have already updated it with PennDOT. If you have not yet changed your address and you renew your license, you can update it during the renewal process — either online, by mail, or in person — and the new card will show the correct address.

Pennsylvania licenses expire on your birthday four years after they are issued. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, depending on your age and license type. If you change your address close to your renewal date, make sure the address change is processed before you renew so that your new card prints with the right information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new license card when I change my address?

No. An address change updates PennDOT's records but does not issue a new card. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. You will receive a new card with your updated address only when you renew your license at the end of its four-year term.

How long does it take to change my address?

Online changes are when ready. Mailed forms take two to four weeks. In-person changes at a Driver's License Center happen the same day. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded.

What if I moved out of state — do I still update my Pennsylvania address?

If you have moved out of Pennsylvania permanently, you should get a driver's license in your new state instead of updating your Pennsylvania address. If you are moving temporarily but keeping your Pennsylvania license, update your address with your new location.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?

If your license is expired by only a short time, you may be able to change your address online or by mail. If it is suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve that issue first. Call PennDOT at 717-787-2937 to find out your license status before you try to change your address.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

Other documents work, such as a mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's insurance policy, or government mail. If you are staying with someone else, a notarized letter from the homeowner plus their utility bill may be accepted. Call PennDOT to confirm what they will take in your situation.