Pennsylvania lets you change your 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 your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. You can complete the change in minutes without leaving home. If your license is expired, your name has changed, or you prefer to handle it in person, you can visit a PennDOT Driver License Center or mail in a form.
Pennsylvania does not charge a fee to change your address on a valid license. The new address takes effect when ready online or by mail, and you will receive an updated physical license card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through PennDOT's website works only if your license is current and you have not changed your name.
- You can change your address by mail by sending a completed DL-43 form and a proof of residency document to PennDOT.
- In-person changes at a PennDOT Driver License Center require your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
- Your updated license card arrives in 7 to 10 business days; the address change is active when ready.
- If your license is expired or your name has changed, you cannot use the online method and must visit a center or mail in your request.
Changing your address online through PennDOT
Visit the PennDOT website and log into your account through the PA Licensing System. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to sign in. Once logged in, select the option to update your address and enter your new Pennsylvania address.
The online method works only if your current license has not expired and your name matches the name on your license. If either condition is not met, you must use the mail or in-person method instead. After you submit your new address online, it takes effect right away, and PennDOT will mail your updated card within 7 to 10 business days.
Changing your address by mail
read or request the DL-43 form (process for Pennsylvania Driver's License or Learner's Permit) from the PennDOT website. Fill in your new address on the form, sign it, and mail it along with one proof of residency document to the PennDOT address listed on the form. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address.
Do not send your current license card unless it is expired or damaged. Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days after PennDOT receives your form. Your new address becomes active as soon as PennDOT processes the request, even before your updated card arrives.
Changing your address in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center
Visit any PennDOT Driver License Center with your current license, one proof of residency, and one proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable proof of residency is the same as for mail: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.
Tell the staff member you are updating your address only, not renewing your license. The change takes effect when ready, and you will receive your updated card in 7 to 10 business days. In-person visits are fastest if you need the change recorded right away or if you cannot use the online or mail methods.
What to do if your license is expired or your name has changed
If your Pennsylvania license has expired, you cannot change the address online. You must either renew your license (which includes an address change) or use the mail or in-person method for an address-only change. Renewal requires a new photo and costs a fee; an address-only change does not.
If your name has changed since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you cannot use the online method. Visit a PennDOT Driver License Center with your current license, a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The staff will issue you a new license with your updated name and address.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change
Your address change is recorded in PennDOT's system when ready after you submit it online, by mail, or in person. You can use your current license with the old address while you wait for the updated card. Your new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances.
If you move again before your updated card arrives, you do not need to wait. You can submit another address change using any of the three methods. PennDOT will send the most recent card to your newest address.
Documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | License number, date of birth, last 4 digits of SSN (license must not be expired; name must not have changed) | Free | when ready; card arrives in 7–10 days |
| By Mail | Completed DL-43 form, one proof of residency (dated within 60 days) | Free | 7–10 business days after receipt |
| In Person | Current license, one proof of residency (dated within 60 days), one proof of SSN | Free | when ready; card arrives in 7–10 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if I just moved out of Pennsylvania?
No. Pennsylvania allows address changes only to Pennsylvania addresses. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. You can keep your Pennsylvania license as a non-driver ID if you wish, but you cannot update it to an out-of-state address.
Do I need to change my address before my license expires?
No. You can change your address at any time, whether your license is current or expired. However, if your license is expired, you cannot use the online method — you must mail in a form or visit a center in person.
What counts as proof of residency?
Proof of residency must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
Will I get a new license number when I change my address?
No. Your license number stays the same. Only your address is updated on the card. The new card will have the same number as your current license.
What if I move again before my new card arrives?
You can submit another address change right away. PennDOT will send your updated card to your newest address. You do not have to wait for the first card to arrive.