You can change your Pennsylvania driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a PennDOT office
Pennsylvania gives you three ways to update your address on your driver's license: through the online portal, by mailing a form, or by visiting a PennDOT Driver License Center in person. The online method is fastest if your license is not expired and you have a valid email address on file. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew it instead of straightforward changing the address — that requires a different process and in-person visit.
You do not need to pay a fee to change your address. PennDOT will not mail you a new physical card with the updated address unless you request one, which costs $13.50. Many people skip the new card and just update the record in the system, since police and other agencies can see the current address in the database even if your card still shows the old one.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the PennDOT website takes about 10 minutes and works if your license is current or expired less than five years ago.
- If you want a physical card with your new address printed on it, you must request it and pay $13.50; the address change itself is free.
- Mailing a form takes two to three weeks; in-person visits at a PennDOT Driver License Center are processed the same day.
- You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and current email address to use the online method.
Changing your address online through PennDOT
Go to the PennDOT website and find the "Change of Address" option under the driver's license section. You will need to log in with your PennDOT account or create one if you do not have one already. Have your driver's license number and Social Security number ready. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.
Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear in the system. Double-check the spelling and apartment or unit number if you have one. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. The address change takes effect when ready in PennDOT's database, even though your physical card still shows the old address. If you want a new card printed with the updated address, you can request it during this process for $13.50.
Mailing a form to PennDOT
read the "process for a Driver's License or Learner's Permit" form (Form DL-44) from the PennDOT website, or call 1-717-787-2828 to request one by mail. Fill in Section 2 with your new address. Sign and date the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check the form itself for the correct mailing address for your area.
Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Do not send your original driver's license. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date PennDOT receives your form. You will not receive a new card unless you specifically request one and pay the $13.50 fee on the form.
Visiting a PennDOT Driver License Center in person
Find your nearest PennDOT Driver License Center on the PennDOT website by entering your county or zip code. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment at most centers, though some locations now use an online reservation system — check your local center's page to see if reservations are required.
Tell the clerk you are changing your address. They will update your record in the system on the spot. Your address change is complete when ready. If you want a new physical card with the updated address, ask the clerk to print one — you will pay $13.50 and receive it right away. If you do not request a new card, your old one remains valid and the address change is recorded in the system.
What to do if your license is expired or will expire soon
If your license expired less than five years ago, you can still change the address using any of the three methods above. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew it instead — a straightforward address change will not work. Renewal requires an in-person visit to a PennDOT Driver License Center and costs $30.50 for a five-year license or $61 for an eight-year license.
If your license will expire within the next few months, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address. Doing both together means one trip to the center and one fee instead of two separate visits. Ask the clerk whether it makes sense to renew now based on your expiration date.
Documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, Social Security number, email address | when ready | Free (new card: $13.50) |
| By Mail | Completed Form DL-44, copy of address proof (utility bill, lease, etc.) | 2–3 weeks | Free (new card: $13.50) |
| In Person | Current driver's license, one document showing new address | Same day | Free (new card: $13.50) |
What counts as proof of your new address
PennDOT accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, or insurance policy also work. The document must be an original or official copy — a screenshot or photo is usually not accepted by mail, though the online system may allow it.
If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, you can use a letter from your landlord or a signed statement from a family member who lives there, along with a utility bill or lease showing the address. Call your local PennDOT Driver License Center before you visit to ask what they will accept in your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a new card when I change my address?
No. The address change itself is free and takes effect in PennDOT's system when ready. Your old card remains valid for identification and driving. A new card with the updated address printed on it costs $13.50 and is optional. Police and other agencies can see your current address in the database even if your card shows the old one.
Can I change my address online if my license is expired?
Yes, if your license expired less than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew it in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center instead. Renewal requires a visit and costs $30.50 or $61 depending on whether you want a five-year or eight-year license.
How long does it take to change my address by mail?
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date PennDOT receives your form. Mail delivery adds a few days on each end, so plan for four to five weeks total from the time you drop it in the mailbox. If you need the change faster, visit a PennDOT Driver License Center in person — it is processed the same day.
What if I moved but do not have a utility bill or lease yet?
You can use a letter from your landlord or a signed statement from a family member at the new address, along with a document showing the address (such as a lease or utility bill). Call your local PennDOT Driver License Center before you visit to confirm what they will accept, since rules can vary slightly by location.
Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?
Changing your address with PennDOT does not affect your driving record or any violations on it. You should also notify your auto insurance company separately of your address change, as they keep their own records. Some insurance companies may adjust your rate based on your new location, so contact them directly.