How to Change Your Address on Your Pennsylvania Vehicle Registration

Where to report your address change and what documents you need

You can change your vehicle registration address with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in three ways: by mail, in person at a PennDOT office, or online through the PennDOT website if you have an account. The online method is fastest — you can update your address in minutes without leaving home. By mail, the process takes one to two weeks after PennDOT receives your form. In person, you can walk out with confirmation the same day.

For any method, you will need your current vehicle registration card, your driver's license or ID, and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address. If you are moving out of state or your registration is expiring soon, contact PennDOT before you move to understand whether you need to renew at the same time.

Key Takeaways

The fastest way to change your address is online through your PennDOT account, which takes minutes and requires no mailing or office visit.
By mail, send Form MV-44 (Address Change) to PennDOT with your registration card, ID, and proof of your new address; processing takes one to two weeks.
At a PennDOT office, bring the same documents and you will receive confirmation when ready, though wait times vary by location.
Your new registration card will arrive by mail within two weeks; you can drive legally with your old card until the new one arrives.
If you move out of state, your Pennsylvania registration becomes invalid, so do not delay reporting the change.

Changing your address online through PennDOT

The PennDOT website allows registered users to change their address without visiting an office or mailing documents. Go to www.dmv.pa.gov, log into your account, and select the vehicle registration you want to update. The system will ask for your new address and let you confirm it before you submit. You will receive an on-screen confirmation when ready.

You must have a PennDOT online account to use this method. If you do not have one, you can create it on the same website using your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The account creation takes a few minutes. After you submit your address change online, PennDOT will mail your new registration card to the address you provided within two weeks.

Mailing your address change to PennDOT

If you prefer to mail your change, use Form MV-44, which is the official PennDOT form for address changes. You can read it from the PennDOT website or request it by calling 717-787-2937. Fill out the form with your current registration number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and new address. Sign and date the form.

Include with your form: your current registration card, a copy of your driver's license or ID, and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Mail everything to PennDOT, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 68467, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8467. PennDOT will process your change within one to two weeks of receiving it and mail your new card to your new address.

Changing your address in person at a PennDOT office

You can visit any PennDOT Driver License Center or Regional Office to change your address. Bring your current registration card, driver's license or ID, and proof of your new address. The staff will update your record on the spot and you will receive a confirmation receipt. Your new registration card will still be mailed to you within two weeks, but you leave the office knowing the change is complete.

Wait times at PennDOT offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in smaller towns typically have shorter waits than those in cities. You can find the nearest office and its hours on the PennDOT website. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others allow you to schedule an appointment online. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you choose when to visit.

What happens after you submit your address change

After PennDOT processes your change, you will receive a new registration card by mail within two weeks. Your old card becomes invalid once the new one is issued, but you can legally drive with your old card until the new one arrives. You do not need to do anything else — your insurance company will receive notice of the address change automatically through PennDOT's records.

If you do not receive your new card within three weeks, contact PennDOT at 717-787-2937 to confirm the change was processed. Have your registration number and VIN ready. If your card was lost in the mail, PennDOT can issue a replacement. There is no fee to change your address, but a replacement card costs the same as a duplicate registration card.

Changing your address if you are moving out of state

If you are relocating permanently to another state, your Pennsylvania registration is no longer valid once you establish residency there. You will need to register your vehicle in your new state within the timeframe that state requires — typically 30 to 60 days after you move. Do not straightforward update your address with PennDOT; instead, contact your new state's motor vehicle agency to learn their registration process.

Before you move, check whether your Pennsylvania registration is expiring soon. If it expires within a few months, you may be able to renew it before you leave, which can simplify your transition. Some states will recognize a valid out-of-state registration for a short period, but others will not. Contacting your new state's motor vehicle agency before you move will tell you exactly what you need to do and when.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if my registration is expired?

You can report an address change for an expired registration, but PennDOT will not issue a new card until you renew. Contact PennDOT to find out whether you can renew and change your address at the same time, or whether you need to renew first.

Do I need to notify my insurance company about my address change?

Your insurance company will receive notice of your address change through PennDOT's records, but it is a good idea to call your agent directly to confirm they have updated your policy. Some policies have different rates based on where the vehicle is garaged, so notifying them quickly prevents billing issues.

What if I move and do not change my registration address?

Driving with an outdated registration address can result in a citation if you are pulled over. More importantly, official notices from PennDOT, your insurance company, or law enforcement will go to your old address and you may miss them. Change your address as soon as you move.

How long does it take to receive my new registration card?

PennDOT mails new registration cards within two weeks of processing your change. Mail delivery typically takes three to five business days after that, so expect your card within three weeks total. You can drive legally with your old card until the new one arrives.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No, changing your address is free. PennDOT charges a fee only if you need a duplicate or replacement card due to loss or damage.

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.