Where to report your address change in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has three ways to change your address with the DMV: online through the PennDOT website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Center. The online method is fastest — you can update your address in minutes without leaving home, and the change takes effect when ready. Mail takes about two weeks. In-person visits at a Driver License Center are also quick, though you may wait in line.

You do not need to renew your license or get a new photo to change your address. PennDOT will mail you an updated license with your new address printed on it, but your current license remains valid until its expiration date. The address change itself costs nothing.

Which method you choose depends on whether you have a computer and internet access, how soon you need the change recorded, and whether you prefer to handle it yourself or talk to someone in person. Each route has different document requirements, which we cover below.

Key Takeaways

  • Pennsylvania lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person, and the online method is free and takes minutes.
  • You will need to prove your identity and your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement usually works for proof of address.
  • Your current license stays valid after you change your address; PennDOT mails you an updated one with the new address printed on it.
  • If you change your address online or by mail, you do not need to visit a Driver License Center or bring documents in person.
  • Scammers sometimes pose as PennDOT and ask for payment to change your address — the real process is always free.

Changing your address online through PennDOT

The online method is the fastest route. Go to the PennDOT website, select "Change of Address" under the Driver License section, and follow the prompts. You will need your Pennsylvania driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it.

After you submit, the change is recorded right away. You do not upload documents or prove your address online — PennDOT verifies your identity through the information on your license. Within one to two weeks, you will receive a new license in the mail with your updated address. Your old license remains valid until it expires.

This method works only if you already have a valid Pennsylvania driver's license. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot use the online system and must go by mail or in person.

Changing your address by mail

To change your address by mail, you need to send PennDOT a completed form DL-43 (process for Pennsylvania Driver License or Learner's Permit) along with proof of your new address. You can read the form from the PennDOT website or request it by phone.

Proof of address means a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A piece of mail from your employer or a credit card statement also works. Do not send originals — send copies.

Mail your completed form and copy of proof of address to the PennDOT address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. You will receive your updated license in the mail. Keep a record of when you mailed it in case you need to follow up.

Changing your address in person at a Driver License Center

You can walk into any Pennsylvania Driver License Center and change your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address (dated within the last 60 days). The same documents that work for mail — utility bills, leases, mortgage statements, bank statements — work in person.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you want to change your address. They will update your record in the system, and you will receive your new license in the mail within one to two weeks. There is no fee, and you do not need an appointment at most centers, though some locations ask you to take a number or check wait times online before you go.

If you are not sure which Driver License Center is nearest you, use the PennDOT location finder on their website. Hours vary by location, so check before you visit.

What counts as proof of your new address

PennDOT accepts a narrow list of documents to prove you live where you say you do. The document must show your name and your new address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. Older documents will not work.

Documents that work include utility bills (electric, gas, water, phone, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank or credit card statements, insurance policies, and government mail from federal, state, or local agencies. An employer pay stub with your address on it also counts. A letter from a landlord or property manager on official letterhead stating your address and move-in date is acceptable if you do not have other documents yet.

Documents that do not work include personal letters, emails, text messages, screenshots, or documents with only a post office box. If you moved recently and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on letterhead, or bring a signed lease agreement instead.

What happens after you report your address change

Once PennDOT records your address change, your old license remains valid. You do not need to do anything else. Within one to two weeks, you will receive a new license in the mail with your updated address printed on it. Your license number and expiration date stay the same.

If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, contact PennDOT by phone or visit a Driver License Center to check the status. Bring your old license and proof of address with you. If your new license arrives damaged or with an error, you can request a replacement at a Driver License Center.

After your address change is recorded, make sure to update your address with your insurance company, vehicle registration, and any other agencies that have your old address on file. A DMV address change does not automatically update these records.

Scams and safety warnings

Scammers sometimes send emails or texts claiming to be from PennDOT and asking you to pay a fee to change your address or renew your license. The real PennDOT process is always free. Do not click links in unsolicited emails or texts, and do not give your Social Security number, date of birth, or license number to anyone who contacts you first.

If you receive a suspicious email or text claiming to be from PennDOT, do not reply. Instead, go directly to the official PennDOT website (www.dmv.pa.gov) or call PennDOT's customer service line to report it. The official website never asks for payment for an address change.

Be cautious of third-party websites that offer to change your address "for you" for a fee. You can do this yourself for free through PennDOT's official channels. If you need help because you do not have internet access or cannot visit a Driver License Center, call PennDOT directly — they can answer questions about the mail-in process at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you change your address online or in person, your new license arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. If you mail in your form and proof of address, allow about two weeks for processing plus mail time. Your old license is still valid during this time.

Do I have to change my address if I move within Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania law requires you to report an address change within a reasonable time after you move. Failing to do so can result in fines or other penalties. The easiest way is to report it online as soon as you move.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

A bank statement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days also works. If you just moved and do not have any of these yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on official letterhead stating your address and move-in date. A signed lease agreement is also acceptable.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, not online. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you must change your address by mail or in person at a Driver License Center. You will need to bring or mail proof of your new address along with your expired license.

Will changing my address update my vehicle registration too?

No. Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You will need to report your new address to PennDOT separately for your vehicle registration, or do so when you renew your registration.