Where to Report Your Address Change
Pennsylvania requires you to report an address change to PennDOT (the Department of Transportation) within 15 days of moving. You have three ways to do this: online through the PennDOT website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Center.
The online method is fastest if you have a valid Pennsylvania driver's license and a computer with internet access. The mail route takes longer but requires no trip. In-person visits at a Driver License Center let you handle it when ready and get a replacement card on the spot, though you may wait in line.
You cannot change your address at a typical PennDOT office or by phone. You must use one of these three channels, and the method you choose affects how quickly your new card arrives and whether you pay a fee.
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania law requires you to report an address change within 15 days of moving, or you risk a fine.
- The online method through PennDOT's website is free and takes a few minutes if your license is current and valid.
- If you change your address by mail or online, PennDOT will mail you a replacement card at no charge within two to three weeks.
- Changing your address in person at a Driver License Center costs $20 for a replacement card but is complete the same day.
- You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and new address to complete any method.
Changing Your Address Online
Go to the PennDOT website and select the option to change your address on your driver's license. You will need your current Pennsylvania driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will verify your identity using information from your license record.
This method is free and takes about five minutes. After you submit your information, PennDOT will mail you a replacement card with your new address printed on it. The card typically arrives within two to three weeks. Your current license remains valid during this time, even though it shows your old address.
The online option works only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name since you received it. If either of those conditions applies to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Changing Your Address by Mail
Print and complete the address change form from the PennDOT website, or request one by calling PennDOT at 717-787-2828. Include your current driver's license number on the form. Mail the completed form and a copy of your current license to the address listed on the form.
Include proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address. PennDOT will not process your request without this proof.
This method is free. PennDOT will mail your replacement card to your new address within two to three weeks. Your old license stays valid until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your new card within four weeks, contact PennDOT to check the status.
Changing Your Address in Person at a Driver License Center
Visit any PennDOT Driver License Center with your current driver's license and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will fill out a form and pay a $20 fee for a replacement card.
The Driver License Center will photograph you, print your new card, and give it to you before you leave. This is the only method that gives you an updated card the same day. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return, because PennDOT will verify it during the transaction.
Wait times at Driver License Centers vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings typically have shorter lines than afternoons or weekends. You can check the PennDOT website to find the center nearest you and see current wait times at some locations.
What Happens if You Miss the 15-Day important date
Pennsylvania law requires you to report your address change within 15 days of moving. If you do not, you can be fined up to $200. Police or other officials may cite you if they discover you are driving with an outdated address on your license.
The 15-day clock starts the day you move, not the day you sign a lease or close on a home. If you move on a Tuesday, you have until the following Tuesday to report the change. Reporting late does not prevent you from changing your address — you can still do it through any of the three methods — but you lose the protection of having reported on time.
If you have already been cited for failing to report an address change, contact the court listed on your citation. Some courts allow you to dismiss the citation by showing proof that you have now reported the change to PennDOT.
Documents You Will Need
For any method, have your current Pennsylvania driver's license number and Social Security number ready. If you are changing your address by mail or in person, you must also provide proof of your new address.
Acceptable proof includes 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 a government-issued document such as a voter registration card or tax return. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. PennDOT will not accept a post office change-of-address form as proof.
If you do not have a document in your name at your new address yet, contact PennDOT before you visit or mail your request. Some Driver License Centers can work with you on a case-by-case basis if you have just moved and paperwork has not arrived in your name.
What to Do if Your License Expires Soon
If your driver's license will expire within the next few months, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address. You can do both in one transaction at a Driver License Center, though you will pay separate fees — $20 for the address change card and the renewal fee (which varies based on your age and the type of license).
If you change your address online or by mail, your replacement card will show your new address but will expire on the same date as your current license. You can renew by mail or online when that date approaches, or you can wait and handle both the renewal and any future address changes together in person.
Renewing your license is a separate process from changing your address. Do not confuse the two. If you only need to change your address, use the method that works best for you. If you also need to renew, a Driver License Center visit handles both at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address on my vehicle registration too?
Yes. Changing your address on your driver's license does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must report your new address to PennDOT's vehicle registration section separately, either online, by mail, or in person. The important date is the same: 15 days after you move.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Pennsylvania license?
You should report your out-of-state address to PennDOT using the same methods available to in-state movers. However, Pennsylvania law requires you to get a license from your new state within a certain time frame (usually 30 to 60 days, depending on the state). Check your new state's requirements and explore for a license there as well.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
You can report an address change, but you cannot renew or get a replacement card while your license is suspended or revoked. Contact PennDOT or the court that issued the suspension to understand what you need to do to restore your driving privileges before you can get a new card.
How long does it take to receive my new card by mail?
PennDOT typically mails replacement cards within two to three weeks of receiving your request. If you have not received your card within four weeks, contact PennDOT at 717-787-2828 to check the status. Delays can happen, especially during high-volume periods.
What if I move again before my new card arrives?
If you move a second time before your replacement card arrives, contact PennDOT when ready with your new address. You may be able to redirect the card to your newest address, or you may need to submit a new address change request. Do not wait — the sooner you notify PennDOT, the better your chances of getting the card to the right place.