How to Update Your Address on a Pennsylvania Driver's License

You can update your Pennsylvania driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a PennDOT office

Pennsylvania allows you to change your address on your driver's license through three routes: the online system (fastest), mail (takes longer), or a visit to a PennDOT Driver License Center. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you have a REAL ID license, and how quickly you need the change recorded. Most people can complete the online update in minutes without leaving home.

You do not need to renew your license early to change your address — the address update is separate from renewal and does not cost anything. Your current license remains valid at your old address until you update it. However, Pennsylvania law requires you to notify PennDOT of an address change within 10 days of moving.

Key Takeaways

The online address change system at www.dmv.pa.gov works for most driver's licenses and takes just a few minutes from any computer or phone.
You must update your address within 10 days of moving under Pennsylvania law, though the penalty for delay is typically a warning rather than a fine.
If you update online, you will receive a confirmation email but no physical document — your old license remains valid until it expires or you renew.
Mail and in-person updates take longer but work if you do not have internet access or if your license is expired or suspended.
A REAL ID license requires in-person verification at a PennDOT office if you are changing your address at the same time as renewing.

Updating your address online through PennDOT

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) online system is the fastest route for most people. Go to www.dmv.pa.gov, select "Change Address" from the menu, and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current record and ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving history.

Once you pass the identity check, you enter your new address and review it for accuracy before submitting. PennDOT sends a confirmation email to the address on file (or to an email you provide). The address change takes effect when ready in the system, though you will not receive a new physical license card — you keep using your current one. The confirmation email serves as proof of the change if you need it for a utility company, bank, or employer.

The online system works for standard driver's licenses and commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). It does not work if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license falls into any of those categories, you must use the mail or in-person method.

Mailing in an address change form

If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a completed form to PennDOT. read form DL-44 (Address Change) from www.dmv.pa.gov or request it by calling 717-787-2937. Fill in your current license number, date of birth, and new address, then sign and date the form.

Mail the form to: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Driver License Section, P.O. Box 68467, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8467. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. PennDOT typically processes mail requests within two to three weeks, though processing times can vary during busy periods.

You will not receive a new license card by mail. Once PennDOT processes your form, the address change appears in their system, and you can verify it by logging into your online account or calling the driver license center. Keep a copy of the form and the address document you mailed for your records.

Updating your address in person at a PennDOT office

You can walk into any PennDOT Driver License Center and request an address change. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage, or bank statement from the last 60 days). The staff member will update your record on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready.

If you want a new license card printed with your updated address, you can request it at the same visit. There is no fee for the address change itself, but a replacement card costs $30.50. The new card is usually mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not request a replacement card, your current license remains valid and you keep using it.

PennDOT offices are open Monday through Friday, typically 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and check its hours at www.dmv.pa.gov. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to book an appointment online. Check before you go.

What happens if you have a REAL ID license

A REAL ID license (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner) meets federal identification standards for air travel and federal building access. If you have a REAL ID license and you are only changing your address, you can use the online system or mail method — no in-person visit is required.

However, if you are renewing your REAL ID license at the same time as changing your address, you must visit a PennDOT office in person. The office will verify your identity documents (passport, birth certificate, or other approved documents) before issuing the new card. A standard renewal without an address change can be done by mail, but the combination of renewal plus address change requires the in-person step.

Address changes and vehicle registration

Updating your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must notify PennDOT separately if your vehicle registration address needs to change. You can update your registration online at www.dmv.pa.gov, by mail using form MV-44, or in person at a PennDOT office.

Pennsylvania law requires you to notify PennDOT of a registration address change within 10 days of moving, just as with your driver's license. If you own multiple vehicles, you must update the registration for each one. The online registration update system works the same way as the license update — enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and other details to verify ownership, then submit your new address.

What to do if you move again before your update processes

If you submitted an address change by mail and then moved again before PennDOT processed it, contact the driver license section at 717-787-2937 to update your request. Provide your license number and explain that you have moved a second time. PennDOT will update the address in their system to your current location.

If you updated your address online and then moved again, straightforward log back into the online system and submit a new address change. The system will overwrite your previous update with the new one. There is no limit to how many times you can update your address online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a new license card when I change my address?

No. Your current license remains valid at your old address. You can request a replacement card with your new address printed on it, but it costs $30.50 and is optional. The address change in PennDOT's system is what matters for legal purposes.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address?

You need one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. Some PennDOT offices accept this as proof.

How long does it take to update my address?

Online updates take effect when ready. Mail updates typically take two to three weeks. In-person updates at a PennDOT office take effect the same day. If you request a replacement card in person, the new card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

No, not through the online system. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you must use the mail method or visit a PennDOT office in person. You may also need to renew your license at the same time, depending on how long it has been expired.

What if I moved out of state?

If you moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state. Pennsylvania will not issue an out-of-state address on a Pennsylvania license. You can keep your Pennsylvania license as a form of ID, but you will need to get a license from your new state if you plan to drive there.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.