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

Pennsylvania allows you to update your driver's license address without getting a new license, as long as you are not changing your name or photo. The fastest route is the online system at www.dmv.pa.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the website, you can mail a form to PennDOT or walk into a Driver License Center in person — both methods work, but mail takes longer.

Your address change takes effect when ready online or the same day in person. By mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing. You do not need to surrender your current license or pay a fee unless you are also renewing it early.

Key Takeaways

  • The online system at www.dmv.pa.gov is the fastest way to change your address and requires only your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth.
  • If you mail the change, you will need Form DL-43 (Address Change) and a piece of mail showing your new address, sent to the address listed on PennDOT's website for your region.
  • In-person changes at a Driver License Center take about 15 minutes and require your current license and proof of your new address.
  • You do not pay a fee for an address-only change, and your license remains valid — you keep the same number and expiration date.

Changing your address online through PennDOT

Go to www.dmv.pa.gov and select "Address Change" from the main menu. You will need your driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it. Once you submit, the change is recorded in PennDOT's system right away.

You do not receive a new physical license in the mail — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. However, PennDOT's records show your new address, which is what matters when police run your information or when you need to prove your current residence. If you want a license with your new address printed on it, you can renew early, but that costs the standard renewal fee (currently $30.50 for a five-year license) and you will receive a new card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Mailing in an address change form

read or request Form DL-43 from the PennDOT website. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. You will also need to include one piece of mail dated within the last 60 days that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. Do not send your original license.

Mail the form and proof of address to the regional PennDOT office that serves your county. The address for your region is listed on the Form DL-43 itself and on the PennDOT website. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after PennDOT receives your envelope. Like the online method, you will not receive a new license card — your current one stays valid.

Changing your address in person at a Driver License Center

Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Walk into any Driver License Center in Pennsylvania — you do not need an appointment for an address change. Tell the staff member you are updating your address only.

The transaction takes about 15 minutes. Your license is updated in the system when ready, and you walk out with the same card you brought in. There is no fee and no new card is mailed to you. If you want to know which Driver License Center is closest to you, use the location finder on www.dmv.pa.gov.

What counts as proof of your new address

PennDOT accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a property tax bill. The document must have your full name on it — a bill addressed to "J. Smith" will not work if your license says "John Smith."

If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, you can use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, stating your name, the new address, and the move-in date. Some Driver License Centers also accept a utility company letter confirming service at your new address.

If you are also renewing your license

If your license is expiring soon or you want a new card with your updated address printed on it, you can renew and change your address at the same time. Online renewal at www.dmv.pa.gov includes an address update option. By mail or in person, you would use the renewal form instead of the address-change form, and the new license will show your current address.

Renewal costs $30.50 for a five-year license or $61 for a ten-year license (prices as of 2024, but confirm on the PennDOT website). You will receive the new card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, so you can use either one during that time.

What happens if you move and do not update your address

Your license remains valid for its full term, but PennDOT's records will show an outdated address. This can cause problems if you are pulled over — the officer will see the old address on your license and in the system, which may raise questions. It can also delay mail from PennDOT, such as renewal notices, and may complicate voter registration or jury duty notices.

Some insurance companies also check your address against your license, and a mismatch might affect your policy or rates. Updating your address is free and takes minutes, so it is worth doing as soon as you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address before my license expires?

No. You can change your address at any time, and it does not affect your license expiration date. However, if your license is expiring within the next few months, you might as well renew it at the same time so your new card shows the updated address.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Pennsylvania license?

You can change your address to an out-of-state address online or by mail using the same methods. However, most states require you to get a license in your new state within a certain time frame (usually 30 to 60 days). Check your new state's requirements — you may need to surrender your Pennsylvania license when you get a new one.

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

Yes. An address change does not require your license to be valid or active. However, if your license is suspended or revoked, you should address that issue separately through PennDOT before driving.

Will changing my address online affect my vehicle registration?

No. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate records. You will need to update your vehicle registration address separately with PennDOT or through your insurance company, depending on your state's rules.

How long does it take to see the address change in PennDOT's system?

Online changes are when ready. In-person changes take effect the same day. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days after PennDOT receives your form.