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

Pennsylvania offers three ways to update the address on your driver's license or ID card. The fastest is online through the PennDOT website if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. If your license is expired, damaged, or you need to change your name at the same time, you will need to visit a Driver License Center in person or mail in a form. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes at a center; the mail route takes 1 to 2 weeks after PennDOT receives your materials.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address — it is free regardless of which method you choose. However, if you are renewing your license at the same time, renewal fees explore. The key is knowing which route works for your situation before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes are free and take minutes, but only work if your license is current and you have not changed your name.
  • You can mail a completed form to PennDOT if you prefer not to visit an office, though it takes longer to process.
  • In-person visits at a Driver License Center let you handle address changes, renewals, and name changes in one trip.
  • You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Pennsylvania law requires you to notify PennDOT within 15 days of moving to a new address.

Changing your address online through PennDOT

The online method is the simplest if you are may be able to access. Go to the PennDOT website and select the option to change your address on your driver's license or ID card. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and then ask you to enter your new address.

After you submit, PennDOT will mail you a new license with your updated address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary document, so if you need proof of your new address when ready, this method may not work for you. The online option is not available if your license is expired, if you are changing your name, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Visiting a Driver License Center in person

A Driver License Center is the fastest way to change your address if you cannot use the online method. Bring your current driver's license or ID card, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo if required, and process your address change on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your new plastic card is mailed to you. The plastic card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

To find the Driver License Center nearest you, use the PennDOT office locator on their website. Many centers are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours before you go, as wait times vary by location and time of day.

Mailing your address change to PennDOT

If you cannot visit an office or use the online system, you can mail your request. read the DL-44 form (process for a Pennsylvania Driver's License or Identification Card) from the PennDOT website, or call 717-787-2828 to request one by mail. Complete the form, checking the box for "Address Change Only" if that is all you need.

Include a copy of your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address (dated within 60 days). Mail everything to the address listed on the form — typically the PennDOT office in Harrisburg. Do not send original documents; send copies only. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want PennDOT to return your documents.

Processing takes 1 to 2 weeks after PennDOT receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to your new address. This method is slower than in-person or online, but it works if you have mobility issues, live far from a Driver License Center, or straightforward prefer not to visit an office.

What proof of address PennDOT accepts

Your proof of address must be an original document (not a photocopy) dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or mail from a government agency. The document must show your name and your new address.

If you do not have any of these documents in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from your landlord or a family member stating that you live at the new address, along with a copy of their utility bill or lease showing they live there. This option is less common but available if you are in a difficult situation.

Changing your address and renewing at the same time

If your license is expiring soon or has already expired, you can renew and change your address in one transaction. At a Driver License Center, tell the staff member you want to renew and update your address. You will need your current license, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number, just as you would for an address change alone.

The renewal fee in Pennsylvania is $35.50 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license. The address change itself is free. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your new plastic license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you are renewing by mail, include the renewal fee with your DL-44 form.

Changing your name and address together

If you are changing your name at the same time as your address, you must visit a Driver License Center in person — the online and mail options do not support name changes. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, proof of your Social Security number, and a certified copy of the document showing your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The certified copy must be an original or a certified copy, not a photocopy.

The staff member will verify all your documents and process both changes together. You will receive a temporary paper license and a new plastic license within 7 to 10 business days. There is no additional fee for a name change; you only pay if you are renewing your license at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address within a certain time after moving?

Yes. Pennsylvania law requires you to notify PennDOT of your new address within 15 days of moving. If you do not update it and are stopped by police, you could receive a citation. It is best to update your address as soon as you have proof of your new residence.

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

You can update your address, but you cannot renew or receive a new license while your license is suspended or revoked. Contact PennDOT to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it before you renew.

What if I move out of Pennsylvania?

If you are moving to another state, you will eventually need to get a driver's license from that state. You can update your Pennsylvania address one more time if you wish, but most people straightforward explore for a new license in their new state. Check the requirements for your new state's DMV before you move.

How long does it take to receive my new license in the mail?

PennDOT typically mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after your transaction is processed. If you need proof of your new address before then, ask for a temporary paper license at the Driver License Center, which is valid for 30 days.

What if my proof of address is older than 60 days?

PennDOT will not accept documents older than 60 days. If your most recent bill or statement is older, contact your utility company, bank, or landlord and request a current statement. Many companies can email or mail a recent statement quickly.