Where to update your Pennsylvania driver's license

You can update your Pennsylvania driver's license at any PennDOT Driver License Center, by mail, or online through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website — but which route works depends on what you're changing. Address changes, name changes after marriage, and corrections to your photo can each use different paths, and some changes require you to appear in person while others don't.

The fastest option for most updates is the PennDOT online portal at www.dmv.pa.gov. You can change your address there without visiting a center, and the change takes effect when ready. If you need a new photo or are making a name change, you'll need to visit a Driver License Center in person.

Pennsylvania has Driver License Centers in most counties. You can find the one nearest you and check its hours on the PennDOT website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

Key Takeaways

  • Address changes can be done online at www.dmv.pa.gov and take effect right away without visiting a center.
  • Name changes, photo updates, and corrections to your license information require an in-person visit to a PennDOT Driver License Center.
  • You'll need to bring your current driver's license and documents that prove the change — such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a utility bill for an address change.
  • Scheduling an appointment online before you visit a Driver License Center usually means a shorter wait than walking in.

What documents you need to bring

The documents required depend on what you're updating. For an address change, bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The document must show your name and current address.

For a name change, bring your current driver's license, your Social Security card, and the document that proves the name change. This is usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you were married outside the United States, bring the original certificate or a certified copy.

If you're correcting information on your license — such as your date of birth or eye color — bring your current license and a document that proves the correct information, such as your birth certificate or passport.

Updating your address online

To change your address through the PennDOT website, go to www.dmv.pa.gov and select the option to update your address. You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and enter your new one.

Once you submit the change online, it's processed when ready. You don't need to pay a fee for an address change, and you don't need to visit a center. Your new address will appear on your license right away, though if you want a physical card with the updated address printed on it, you can order a replacement license for a fee.

If you move frequently or are unsure whether your address is current, you can check what address PennDOT has on file by logging into your account on the website.

Changing your name in person

Name changes must be done at a Driver License Center. Make an appointment online or walk in during business hours. Bring your current driver's license, Social Security card, and the document proving your name change — a marriage certificate is the most common.

The staff will review your documents, take a new photo for your license, and process the change. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use right away while your new plastic card is mailed to you. The new card usually arrives within two weeks.

There is a fee for a replacement license with a new name. The cost varies, but as of 2024 it is typically between $30 and $50 for a standard license. Check the PennDOT website or call your local Driver License Center for the exact fee in your area.

Updating your photo

If you want a new photo on your license, you must visit a Driver License Center in person. You cannot update your photo online or by mail. Schedule an appointment or walk in during business hours.

Bring your current driver's license. The center will take a new photo and process the change. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new card will be mailed to you within two weeks. There is a fee for a replacement license with a new photo, usually between $30 and $50.

Pennsylvania requires that your photo be taken without glasses, sunglasses, or a hat, and your face must be clearly visible. If you wear glasses for driving, you can note that on your license, but the photo itself must show your face without them.

Correcting errors on your license

If your license has an error — your date of birth is wrong, your eye color is listed incorrectly, or your name is misspelled — you can correct it at a Driver License Center. Bring your current license and a document that proves the correct information, such as your birth certificate, passport, or Social Security card.

Some errors can be corrected without a new photo, while others require one. The staff at the Driver License Center will tell you which applies to your situation. If a new photo is needed, you'll pay the replacement fee. If no photo is needed, the correction may be free.

What happens after you update your information

If you made changes online, your new address is active when ready. If you visited a Driver License Center, you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use right away. Your new plastic card will be mailed to your address on file within two weeks.

While you're waiting for your new card, the temporary paper license is valid for driving and identification. Keep it with you. Once your new card arrives, the old one is no longer valid and you should destroy it.

If your new card doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the Driver License Center where you made the change. They can check the status and reissue the card if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can update your address online even if your license is expired, and the change will be processed. However, if you need to renew your license at the same time, you'll need to visit a Driver License Center in person to get a new photo.

Do I need an appointment to visit a Driver License Center?

Appointments are not required, but scheduling one online usually means a much shorter wait. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours, but wait times can be an hour or longer depending on the center and time of day.

What if I changed my name but don't have a marriage certificate?

If you lost your marriage certificate, you can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married. If you changed your name by court order, bring the court order instead. PennDOT will accept either document.

How much does it cost to update my driver's license?

Address changes made online are free. If you visit a Driver License Center for a name change, new photo, or replacement card, there is a fee — usually between $30 and $50 depending on the type of license. Call your local center or check the PennDOT website for the exact fee.

Can I update my information by mail?

Address changes cannot be done by mail — you must use the online portal or visit a center. Name changes and photo updates also require an in-person visit. Mail is not an option for driver's license updates in Pennsylvania.