Change your address online, by mail, or in person at a PennDOT office

Pennsylvania allows you to update your driver's license address without renewing your license itself. You can do this through the PennDOT website, by mail, or by visiting a Driver's License Center in person. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your updated license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail and in-person visits also work but take longer.

You do not need a new photo or a new license number. PennDOT will issue you a replacement card with your current photo and the same license number, with only the address changed. This replacement card costs $20.50 if you do it online or by mail, or $20 if you do it in person at a Driver's License Center.

Pennsylvania law requires you to notify PennDOT within 15 days of moving. If you are pulled over and your address on file does not match where you actually live, you can receive a citation, though this is uncommon in practice. More importantly, your vehicle registration must also match your current address — that is a separate process handled through your county's Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the PennDOT website is the fastest route and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
  • You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and your new address to start the process.
  • A replacement license with your new address costs $20.50 online or by mail, or $20 in person at a Driver's License Center.
  • Your updated license arrives in 7 to 10 business days if you do it online, or 2 to 3 weeks if you mail the form.
  • You must also update your vehicle registration separately through your county's Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.

Change your address online through the PennDOT website

Go to www.dmv.pa.gov and select "Change Address" under the Driver's License section. You will need your current Pennsylvania driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.

Once you pass the identity check, enter your new address exactly as it appears on your mail or utility bill. PennDOT will not accept a P.O. box as a primary residence address. After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot. Your replacement license will be mailed to the new address you provided within 7 to 10 business days.

The online fee is $20.50 and you can pay by debit card or credit card. If the identity verification fails, the system will tell you to visit a Driver's License Center in person instead.

Change your address by mail

read or request the DL-43 form (process for Pennsylvania Driver's License or Learner's Permit) from the PennDOT website, or call 1-717-787-2937 to have one mailed to you. You only need to fill out the address section — do not fill out the entire form. 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.

Mail the completed form and address proof to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $20.50 made payable to "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania." Do not send cash. Your replacement license will arrive in 2 to 3 weeks. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Change your address in person at a Driver's License Center

Visit any Driver's License Center operated by PennDOT. Bring your current Pennsylvania driver's license and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the PennDOT website for your nearest center and its hours.

Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will take your old license, process the change, and give you a receipt. Your replacement license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $20 if you pay in person with cash, debit, or credit card.

What documents prove your new address

PennDOT accepts any of these documents dated within the last 60 days:

  • Utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet)
  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Mortgage statement or property tax bill
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Insurance policy (auto, home, or renters)
  • Pay stub from your employer
  • Letter from a government agency

The document must show your full name and your new street address. A P.O. box alone will not work as proof of residence. If you just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address.

Update your vehicle registration at the same time

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically change your vehicle registration. You must update your registration separately through your county's Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. In most counties, you can do this by mail, online, or in person — the process varies by county.

Contact your county's BMV office to find out which method they offer. You will need your current registration card, proof of your new address, and a fee (usually $10 to $20, depending on the county). Some counties let you renew your registration and change your address at the same time, which can save you a trip.

What happens if you move and do not update your address

Pennsylvania law requires you to notify PennDOT within 15 days of moving. If you are stopped by police and your license shows an old address, you may receive a citation for failing to report a change of address. However, this is enforced inconsistently and is not common.

A bigger practical problem is mail. Your vehicle registration renewal notice, insurance documents, and other important mail will go to your old address. If you miss a registration renewal important date because the notice went to the wrong place, you could face fines or have your registration suspended. Updating your address promptly prevents this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my replacement license?

Online and in-person changes take 7 to 10 business days. Mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. These are estimates — delays can happen during high-volume periods. If you need your license urgently, visit a Driver's License Center in person and ask if they can issue a temporary paper license while you wait for the replacement card.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No. You must renew your license first, then change the address. If your license is expired or will expire within 60 days, you should renew instead of just changing the address — it costs more to do both separately. Visit the PennDOT website to check your license expiration date.

What if I moved out of state?

If you no longer live in Pennsylvania, you do not need to update your Pennsylvania license. However, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state within the timeframe they require (usually 30 to 60 days). Once you have a license from your new state, you can surrender your Pennsylvania license if you wish.

Do I need to change my address before renewing my license?

No, but it is simpler to do both at once. When you renew your license, you can update your address as part of the renewal process. This costs less than changing the address separately and then renewing later. Check the PennDOT website to see when your license expires.

What if the online system says my identity cannot be verified?

Visit a Driver's License Center in person with your current license and proof of your new address. The staff can verify your identity manually and process the change on the spot. Bring all documents with you — do not mail them.