Where to change your address and what you'll need

You can change your address with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in three ways: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Center. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home. By mail takes one to two weeks. In person is when ready but requires a trip to a physical location.

For any method, you will need your current driver's license number and a document proving your new address. PennDOT accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and the new address.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address. Your license itself does not change — only the address on file with PennDOT updates.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the PennDOT website take minutes and are the fastest option available.
  • You will need your current driver's license number and one document showing your name and new address dated within the last 60 days.
  • Changing your address by mail takes one to two weeks; in person at a Driver License Center is when ready but requires a visit.
  • There is no fee to change your address, and your physical license card does not need to be replaced unless it is damaged or expiring soon.

Changing your address online

Go to the PennDOT website at www.dmv.pa.gov and look for the "Change Address" option under the Driver License section. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. Have these ready before you start.

After verification, enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof document. Double-check the spelling and numbers — errors here can cause mail from PennDOT to go to the wrong place. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your address change takes effect when ready in the PennDOT system.

If the online system rejects your identity information, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead. This usually means PennDOT's records do not match what you entered — common reasons include a name change that was not updated or a typo in their system from when you first got your license.

Changing your address by mail

Print or request the Address Change Form (Form DL-43) from the PennDOT website, or call 1-717-787-2828 to have one mailed to you. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Attach a copy of your proof document showing your name and new address.

Mail the completed form and proof document to the address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check the form itself for the correct mailing address for your area. Do not mail it to a general PennDOT office; the regional address ensures it reaches the right processing center.

Processing takes one to two weeks from the date PennDOT receives your mail. There is no tracking system for mailed requests, so if you need to know the status after two weeks, call 1-717-787-2828 with your license number and confirmation that you mailed the form.

Changing your address in person at a Driver License Center

Find your nearest Driver License Center on the PennDOT website by entering your zip code. Bring your current driver's license and one proof document showing your name and new address. You do not need an appointment at most centers, but some locations now use an online reservation system — check the location's page before you go.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are changing your address. They will scan your license, verify your proof document, and update your address in the system. The entire process takes 5 to 10 minutes. Your address change is active when ready, and you walk out with no new card — your current license remains valid.

If the center is busy, wait times can exceed an hour. Going early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.

What happens after you change your address

Once your address is updated, all future mail from PennDOT — including license renewal notices — will go to your new address. If you are expecting a renewal notice and recently moved, the notice may still arrive at your old address if the change was processed after the notice was already printed and mailed. Contact your old address holder or the post office to redirect mail if needed.

Your physical license card keeps the old address printed on it. You can still use it as a valid ID. If you want the card to show your new address, you can request a replacement card, but this costs $30.50 and is optional. Most people wait until their license expires to renew and get a new card with the updated address.

If you move again, you can change your address as many times as needed using the same methods. There is no limit to how often you can update it.

If your address change is rejected or doesn't go through

If the online system will not accept your information, the most common reason is that your name in the PennDOT system does not match exactly what you entered — this includes middle names, suffixes, or hyphens. Try entering your name exactly as it appears on your current license, character for character.

If you recently changed your name through marriage, divorce, or legal petition, you may need to update your name with PennDOT first before changing your address. This requires visiting a Driver License Center in person with your current license and a court order or marriage certificate. Once your name is corrected, you can then change your address online or by mail.

If you have lost your license or it is damaged, you cannot use the online method. Go to a Driver License Center with your proof of address and request a replacement license. The new card will have your current address printed on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I just moved temporarily?

No. Your driver's license address should reflect where you actually live. If you are staying somewhere temporarily — for school, work, or family reasons — and plan to return to your original address within a few months, you do not need to change it. However, if you have moved and do not plan to return, update your address.

What if my proof document is older than 60 days?

PennDOT will not accept it. Get a newer document — a recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement. If you cannot obtain one, a letter from your landlord or mortgage company on their letterhead with your name and new address may work, but call 1-717-787-2828 first to confirm they will accept it.

Can I change my address without my physical license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use the online method. Visit a Driver License Center with your proof of address and request a replacement license with your new address. Bring identification such as a passport or birth certificate. You will pay $30.50 for the replacement card.

How long does my address change take to show up in the system?

Online changes are when ready. By mail, allow one to two weeks. In person, the change is active the moment you leave the Driver License Center. However, other agencies — like your voter registration or vehicle registration — do not automatically update. You may need to change your address with them separately.

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. Your insurance company has your address on file separately — notify them of your move directly so they have current information for claims or correspondence.