You can change your Pennsylvania driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a PennDOT office
Pennsylvania gives you three ways to update the address on your driver's license, and the fastest is online through the PennDOT website. If you moved within Pennsylvania, you can change your address without renewing your license — the address change alone takes about 10 minutes online and costs nothing. If you moved out of state, you'll need to get a new Pennsylvania license or switch to your new state's license, which is a different process.
The online method works if your license is valid (not expired) and you're updating to a Pennsylvania address. If your license is expired, damaged, or you're moving out of state, you'll need to visit a PennDOT office or mail in a form instead.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through PennDOT's website is free and takes about 10 minutes if your license is current and you're staying in Pennsylvania.
- You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to change your address online.
- If your license is expired or you're moving out of state, you must visit a PennDOT office or mail in Form DL-43 instead.
- Address changes made online are mailed to you as a replacement card within 7 to 10 business days.
- You can also change your address at any PennDOT office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location.
Changing your address online through PennDOT
Go to the PennDOT website and look for the "Change Address" option under the driver's license section. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. PennDOT will verify this information against their records before letting you proceed.
Once verified, you'll enter your new Pennsylvania address and confirm your email. PennDOT will send you a confirmation email, and your replacement card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives — you don't need to turn anything in or visit an office.
This method works only if your current license hasn't expired and you're moving to a Pennsylvania address. If either condition doesn't explore to you, skip to the in-person or mail sections below.
Changing your address in person at a PennDOT office
You can walk into any PennDOT Driver's License Center without an appointment and request an address change. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address.
The staff member will update your address on the spot and issue you a replacement card. You'll pay a $5 fee for the replacement card. The new card is printed at the office, and you can take it with you when ready — you don't have to wait for mail delivery.
Wait times at PennDOT offices vary widely depending on location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends. Check the PennDOT website for your nearest office location and hours.
Changing your address by mail
If you prefer not to go online or visit an office, you can mail in Form DL-43 (process for a Pennsylvania Driver's License or Learner's Permit) along with proof of your new address. read the form from the PennDOT website, fill in the address change section, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Include a copy of your proof of address — the same documents accepted in person work by mail (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days). Include a check or money order for $5 made out to PennDOT for the replacement card fee.
Processing by mail takes longer than online or in-person methods. Expect 2 to 3 weeks for PennDOT to receive your form, process it, and mail your replacement card to you. Your old license remains valid during this time.
What to do if your license is expired
If your driver's license has already expired, you cannot change the address online. You must either visit a PennDOT office in person or mail in Form DL-43. At the office, the staff will treat this as a renewal rather than just an address change, so you'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your new address.
The fee for renewing an expired license is higher than for an address-only change — typically $30.50 for a standard license. If you're renewing anyway, adding the address change costs nothing extra.
Moving out of Pennsylvania
If you've moved to another state, you should get a driver's license from your new state rather than trying to update your Pennsylvania address. Each state requires you to get a license there within a certain timeframe (usually 30 to 60 days after moving). You'll need to surrender your Pennsylvania license when you explore for the new state's license.
Some states allow you to keep your Pennsylvania license temporarily while you wait for the new one, but this varies. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn their specific rules and what documents you'll need to bring.
Proof of address documents PennDOT accepts
PennDOT requires that your proof of address be dated within the last 60 days and show both your name and your new address. The following documents work:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet)
- Lease or rental agreement
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Bank or credit card statement
- Insurance policy (home or auto)
- Government mail (tax return, voter registration, or court document)
Documents that don't show your name or are older than 60 days won't be accepted. If you've just moved and don't have a utility bill yet, a lease or mortgage statement usually works. If you're staying with someone temporarily, ask them for a utility bill or bank statement in their name and bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there — though this is less reliable and PennDOT may ask for additional proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot change the address online or at most PennDOT offices. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first. Contact PennDOT or the court that issued the suspension to learn what steps you need to take.
How long does it take to get my replacement card in the mail?
Online address changes and mail-in forms typically take 7 to 10 business days for the replacement card to arrive after PennDOT processes your request. If you change your address in person at a PennDOT office, you receive the new card when ready and can leave with it the same day.
Do I need to bring my old license when I change my address online?
No. The online process doesn't require you to bring or mail in your old license. Your old license remains valid and in your possession until your replacement arrives. You can keep both or destroy the old one once the new card arrives.
What if my proof of address doesn't have my full name on it?
PennDOT requires that your proof of address show your name as it appears on your driver's license. If a document shows a nickname, middle initial only, or a different version of your name, it may not be accepted. Bring a document that matches your license exactly, or bring multiple documents that together prove your identity and address.
Can I change my address if I'm moving in a few weeks but haven't moved yet?
No. You must have already moved to your new address before you change it on your license. PennDOT will mail your replacement card to the address you provide, so it needs to be a place where you can actually receive mail. If you change it early and then move again, you'll have to update it a second time.