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

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

Pennsylvania offers three ways to update the address on your driver's license or ID card: through the online portal at www.dmv.pa.gov, by mail using Form DL-43, or by visiting a PennDOT Driver License Center in person. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home — but it only works if your license is not expired and you have a valid email address. Mail and in-person visits work for any license status and don't require internet access.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address. The address update is a separate transaction that costs nothing and does not affect your license expiration date. Pennsylvania law requires you to report an address change within 15 days of moving, though the state does not penalize you for missing this important date — the requirement exists so your license matches your actual residence.

Key Takeaways

Online address changes through www.dmv.pa.gov take minutes and are available 24/7 if your license is current and you have an email address.
Mailing Form DL-43 to PennDOT takes one to two weeks and works for expired licenses or if you prefer not to use the online system.
In-person visits at a PennDOT Driver License Center require an appointment (book at www.dmv.pa.gov) and typically take 15 to 30 minutes.
You must report your address change within 15 days of moving, though there is no penalty if you miss this window.
Your new license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you change your address online or in person.

Changing your address online through PennDOT

The online method is the fastest route if your license is valid (not expired). Go to www.dmv.pa.gov, select "Change Address" under the Driver License section, and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask for your new address.

Once you submit the change online, PennDOT will mail you a new license card with the updated address. The card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can use it for identification during that time. The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and there is no fee.

If your license is expired, the online system will not let you proceed. In that case, use the mail or in-person method instead, or renew your license at the same time you change your address.

Mailing Form DL-43 to PennDOT

If you prefer not to use the online system or your license is expired, you can mail your address change. read or request Form DL-43 (process for a Pennsylvania Driver License or Learner's Permit) from www.dmv.pa.gov. You only need to fill in the address section — you do not have to complete 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 form and document to the address listed on the form (typically the PennDOT headquarters in Harrisburg). Processing takes one to two weeks, and your new license card will arrive by mail.

Keep a copy of what you send for your records. There is no fee for this service, and you do not need to include payment or a check.

Changing your address in person at a PennDOT office

You can visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to change your address. First, book an appointment at www.dmv.pa.gov by selecting your county and choosing an available time slot. Walk-ins are not accepted at most locations, so scheduling ahead is necessary.

Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days). The transaction takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your new plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for an address change.

In-person visits are useful if you want when ready proof of your address change or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. They are also the only option if you do not have internet access and do not want to mail documents.

What documents prove your new address

Pennsylvania accepts several documents as proof of your new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government notice addressed to you.

If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and utilities are not yet in your name — you can use a notarized letter from your landlord or a utility company letter showing your name and new address. Some people also use a lease with a cover letter from their landlord. Call your local PennDOT office to confirm what they will accept in your specific situation.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit

The timeline depends on which method you choose. Online changes and in-person visits both result in a new card arriving within 7 to 10 business days. Mail submissions take one to two weeks for processing, plus 7 to 10 days for the card to arrive, so plan for two to three weeks total.

During the waiting period, your old license is still valid. You can use it for identification, driving, and any other purpose until the new card arrives. Once the new card arrives, destroy the old one or keep it for your records — there is no requirement to turn it in.

If your new card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact PennDOT at 1-717-787-2937 or through www.dmv.pa.gov. Have your license number and the date you submitted the change ready.

Changing your address if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you can still update your address. Use the mail method with Form DL-43 and a proof-of-address document. Do not attempt the online system, as it will reject a suspended or revoked license. In-person visits may also work, but call ahead to confirm that the PennDOT office will process an address change for a suspended license.

Updating your address does not affect the suspension or revocation status. Your license will remain suspended or revoked until you complete whatever steps are required to restore it (such as paying fines, completing a safety course, or waiting out a suspension period). The address change is separate from that process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address within 15 days or face a fine?

Pennsylvania law requires you to report an address change within 15 days, but there is no fine or penalty if you miss this important date. The requirement exists to keep your license current with your actual residence, but enforcement is not automatic. However, having an outdated address can cause problems if you are stopped by police or need to renew your license, so updating it promptly is a good idea.

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

It is difficult without one. PennDOT requires proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord for a notarized letter or a lease with a cover letter. Some offices may accept a utility company letter or a property management company letter. Call your local PennDOT office to ask what alternatives they accept.

What if I moved out of state — do I still need to change my Pennsylvania address?

If you moved out of Pennsylvania, you should get a driver's license in your new state instead of updating your Pennsylvania address. Once you have a license in your new state, you can let your Pennsylvania license expire or request a duplicate with no address on it. Contact your new state's DMV to begin that process.

Will changing my address affect my license expiration date?

No. An address change does not renew your license or change when it expires. Your expiration date stays the same. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same time you change your address, but the two are separate transactions.

How long does it take to get my new card after I change my address online?

Your new card arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you submit the change online. During that time, your old license is still valid. If your card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact PennDOT at 1-717-787-2937 to check the status.

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.