Where to report your address change
Pennsylvania has three ways to change your address on your driver's license: online through PennDOT's website, by mail, or in person at a Driver's License Center. The online method is fastest — you can update your address in minutes without leaving home. By mail takes one to two weeks. In person is when ready but requires a trip to a physical location.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address. PennDOT treats an address change as a separate transaction from license renewal, so your license stays valid and does not get reissued unless you choose to pay for a replacement card.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through PennDOT's website take minutes and cost nothing if you do not request a replacement card.
- You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to change your address online.
- If you change your address online without ordering a replacement card, your old card remains valid — the address change is recorded in the system only.
- Mail-in changes require a completed form and proof of your new address, and take one to two weeks to process.
- In-person changes at a Driver's License Center are when ready but require an appointment or a wait in line.
Changing your address online
Go to the PennDOT website and select "Change Address" under the driver's license section. You will be asked to log in or create an account. Have your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth ready. Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of residency — if the address does not match what you provide later, the change may be rejected.
After you submit your new address online, PennDOT sends a confirmation email. Your address is updated in the system when ready. If you do not order a replacement card, you keep your current physical license and it remains valid. The address on your card will not change, but law enforcement and government agencies can see your updated address when they scan or look up your license. This is the least expensive option and works for most people who just need their address on file updated.
Ordering a replacement card with your new address
If you want a new physical card printed with your updated address, you can order one during the online address change for a fee. The current fee is $20.50 for a standard replacement card. PennDOT will mail the new card to your new address, which takes five to seven business days after processing. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives.
You do not have to order a replacement card unless you want the address printed on the physical card itself. Many people skip this step because the address change is already recorded in the system, and most interactions (traffic stops, ID checks) pull from that system rather than reading the card.
Changing your address by mail
read or request Form DL-43 (Address Change) from PennDOT. Fill in your current license number, new address, and sign the form. Include one piece of proof that you live at the new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days works. Mail the form and proof to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes one to two weeks. PennDOT will send a confirmation to your new address. Like the online method, your physical card does not change unless you pay for a replacement. The mail-in route is slower but works if you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online system.
Changing your address in person at a Driver's License Center
Visit any PennDOT Driver's License Center with your current license and one piece of proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail from the last 60 days). The staff will update your address on the spot. If you want a replacement card with the new address printed on it, you can order one there for $20.50, and it will be mailed to you within five to seven business days.
Many Driver's License Centers now require appointments, which you can book through the PennDOT website. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations but may involve a wait. Call ahead or check the website to see what your local center requires. In-person changes are useful if you need the transaction completed the same day or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.
What counts as proof of your new address
PennDOT accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, insurance documents, or government mail (such as tax forms or benefit notices) dated within the last 60 days. The address on the document must match the address you are reporting. If your name does not appear on the document, bring a second document that shows your name and ties you to that address — for example, a lease plus a utility bill in a roommate's name with a note from them.
Do not bring expired documents or documents older than 60 days. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement works in most cases. Call your local Driver's License Center if you are unsure whether your specific document will be accepted.
What happens after you change your address
Once your address change is processed, PennDOT updates its records. If you did not order a replacement card, your old card stays in your wallet and remains valid — the address printed on it does not matter because officials check the system. If you ordered a replacement card, it arrives at your new address within five to seven business days.
You should also update your address with your vehicle registration, insurance company, and any other agencies that have your old address on file. A driver's license address change does not automatically update your vehicle registration or insurance records. If you are moving out of state, you will need to get a new license from your new state within a set timeframe — check that state's requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address if I move?
Pennsylvania law requires you to notify PennDOT of an address change within a reasonable time after moving. There is no specific important date, but doing it promptly keeps your records current and avoids confusion if you are stopped by police or need to renew your license.
Can I change my address online if my license is expired?
No. You must renew your license before you can change your address online. If your license is expired, use the mail-in method or visit a Driver's License Center in person with your expired license and proof of your new address.
Will my old address still show on my physical card after I change it?
Yes, unless you order a replacement card. The address printed on your card does not update automatically. PennDOT's system shows your new address, and that is what officials see when they look up your license. You only get a new card if you pay the $20.50 replacement fee.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online process takes five to ten minutes. Your address is updated in PennDOT's system when ready, and you receive a confirmation email. If you order a replacement card, it arrives by mail in five to seven business days.
What if I move again before my replacement card arrives?
Contact PennDOT before the card ships to update your mailing address. If the card has already been mailed, you may be able to request it be held or reissued to a different address. Call PennDOT or visit a Driver's License Center to handle this.