How to Change Your Driver’s License Address in PA

by Tyler Castle

12.7 min read

changing address on your PA driver's license

Maintaining an accurate address with the Pennsylvania DMV is essential for ensuring that your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and other related documents are correct and current. An updated address helps avoid potential legal issues and ensures that you receive important correspondence, including renewal notices and updates on your vehicle.  

Staying on top of this requirement contributes to a smoother and more organized management of your driving records and vehicle status. Here’s the complete guide on how to change your PA driver’s license address. 

How to update your driver’s license address in PA  

Step-by-step process to change your driver’s license address in PA online  

If you’re currently a PA resident and you’re looking to change your address on your PA driver’s license, you can do so in an easy online process. 

To update your information, you’ll need to complete a PA driver’s license address change within 15 days of moving to your new residence in PA. 

  1. First, visit this page on the official PennDOT Website for details on changing your address on your driver’s license.  
  2. You can fill out a change of address form online at any time. For a commercial license, you’ll need to fill out the DL-80CD and for a non-commercial license, you’ll need to fill out the DL-80 form. 
  3. Log into the online driver services portal and enter your driver’s license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number. 
  4. Navigate to the form you need to fill out for a commercial or non-commercial license. Then, submit it. If you’re moving from out-of-state to PA, we cover this process later in the article. 
  5. Within 10 days of your address change, you will receive a free address update card that MUST be carried with you at all times.  
  6. If you paid for a new license with an updated photo or name, it will be in your possession in a few weeks. Note, if you’re looking to change your photo or name on your updated PA driver’s license, you’ll need to complete this process in person. 

Step-by-step guide to change your address on your PA driver’s license in person  

  1. You can download an official form online and fill it out at home, or head to your local DMV and fill out a physical form there. See the list below for some DMV locations in PA. 
  2. If you want to fill out the form ahead of time, visit this page on the official PennDOT website and download the DL-80 form to complete a PA driver’s license address change for a non-commercial license. There’s a separate form to fill out if your license is expiring in the next 6 months. 
  3. There is no fee for a change of address unless you request an updated license with a new photo or name change. 
  4. Within 10 days of the change of PA driver’s license address, you will receive a free address update card in the mail that MUST be carried with you at all times.  
  5. If you paid for a duplicate license, it will be in your possession in a few weeks.  

Major DMV locations in Pennsylvania 

Below are some of the major DMV locations in Pennsylvania where you can complete this process:  

  • Philadelphia DMV: Address: 330 Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148 & 7121 Ogontz Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19138 
  • Pittsburgh DMV: Address: 708 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222  
  • Harrisburg DMV: Address: 1101 S. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104  
  • Norristown DMV: Address: 1700 Markley Street, Norristown, PA 19401  
  • Erie DMV: Address: 7200 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509  
  • Scranton DMV: 81 Keystone Industrial Park Rd, Dunmore, PA 18512  

Step-by-step process for mailing in required forms to change your address in PA  

  1. Visit the PennDOT website to download the appropriate forms for updating your address. For a driver’s license address change, use Form DL-80 (Non-Commercial Driver’s License PA address change). If you do not have access to a printer, you can pick up these forms from any local PennDOT office or request them by mail.  
  2. Fill out all required sections of the form carefully. Make sure to include your full name and current driver’s license or registration information, your new address, and any supporting information requested.  
  3. Place your completed forms and any required documents or payment in an envelope. There is no fee for a change of address unless you request a duplicate license.   
  4. Mail the forms to the address provided on the forms: Bureau of Driver Licensing, P.O. Box 68272, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8272. 

How to change your driver’s license if you’re moving out of PA  

The exact process will differ depending on where you’re moving to. To submit a PA change of driver’s license address: 

You’ll need to contact the DMV in the state you’re moving to. Customers moving out of PA are not eligible to record their change of address online in the PA portal.  

For a residency exemption form to change the address on your driver’s license, you’ll need to fill out Form DL-82. Mail your request form to this address: Bureau of Driver Licensing • P.O. Box 68272 • Harrisburg, PA 17106-827  

How to update your driver’s license address if you’re moving into PA from another state  

If you’re moving into PA for an extended period of time, you’ll need to apply for a PA driver’s license address change within 60 days of establishing residency.  

  1. Go in person to a PennDOT driver’s license center to submit your application and pay the fee. You’ll need to complete this process in person because you’ll be required to surrender your out-of-state license.  
  2. You’ll need to provide documents proving your new address in Pennsylvania, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, and you must have your social security card.  
  3. Complete Form DL-180R (PDF), “Application for Pennsylvania Non-Commercial Driver’s License By Out-of-State Non-CDL Driver.” A brand-new PA driver’s license will cost around $39.50.  
  4. For new PA residents, you will need to take a vision screening test as a final step.  
  5. You’ll be issued a temporary license with your official license coming in a few weeks.  

What happens if I don’t change my address on my driver’s license?    

By law, Pennsylvania residents are required to keep their addresses updated with the DMV. Failing to do so can result in penalties, an invalid license, or expired vehicle registration.  

Driving with an incorrect address on your driver’s license or registration can lead to fines if pulled over by law enforcement.  

DMV and other state agencies send critical notices, such as license renewal reminders, vehicle registration renewal deadlines, and any changes to driving regulations, to the address on file. Not receiving these notices can result in missed deadlines, expired documents, or other complications that can affect your driving privileges.  

How to change your vehicle registration address in PA  

Online 

To submit a change of address on your vehicle registration online: 

  1. Log in to the PennDOT website to access the online portal for updating your vehicle registration address (the same portal you use for updating your driver’s license address linked above). 
  2. Enter the required details, including your vehicle registration number, current address, and new address.  
  3. Submit your request, and the changes should be processed immediately.  
  4. If you request a new registration card, you may have to pay a fee.  

In-person  

To submit a change of address on your vehicle registration in person: 

  1. Visit a local PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Service Center to complete the address change in person. Bring along: your current vehicle registration card and proof of your new address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).  
  2. Fill out form MV-63 for vehicle address changes and submit it along with any necessary supporting documentation. To save time, consider printing your required form from the PennDOT website. 
  3. If requesting a new registration card, be prepared to pay a small fee.  

By mail  

To submit a change of address on your vehicle registration by mail: 

  1. Download and print Form MV-63 (Change of Address for Vehicle Registration) from the PennDOT website.  
  2. Complete the form with your current and new address, vehicle details, and other relevant information.  
  3. Mail the form to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 68274, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8274, along with any required documents and payment for a new registration card if needed.  
  4. Allow 7-10 business days for processing.  

Is a vehicle emissions test required in PA?  

Vehicle emissions tests aren’t required throughout all of PA but here’s a list of some counties where emissions testing is typically required:  

  • Allegheny  
  • Bucks  
  • Chester  
  • Delaware  
  • Montgomery  
  • Philadelphia  

Most vehicles in PA must undergo emissions testing, especially in counties with higher pollution levels. Testing is typically required annually in conjunction with safety inspections. Pass results are electronically sent to the state, and if the vehicle fails, repairs are required before a retest.  

Breakdown of fees to change your driver’s license address in PA 

1. PA Driver’s License Address Change

In Pennsylvania, updating the address on your driver’s license, learner’s permit, or photo ID card is generally free if you do not request a new physical card. You can update the address online, by mail, or in person without any additional costs if you’re simply notifying the DMV.  

If you would like a new physical driver’s license or ID card that reflects your updated address, there is a fee for a replacement license or a duplicate photo ID card. If you’re changing your name or photo on your ID, there’s an additional fee for that too. 

For those moving to PA from another state, you’ll pay an initial fee for a brand-new PA driver’s license.

2. Vehicle registration address update

Similar to the driver’s license, changing your address for your vehicle or trailer registration is free if you’re only updating the records without requesting a new registration card.  

If you want a new registration card that reflects your updated address, there is typically a small fee for a replacement card.  

For those moving to PA from another state, you’ll pay a fee for a brand-new PA vehicle address registration.

3. Expedited services

Updating your address and receiving a new card typically takes 7-10 business days for processing. The DMV will mail the new documents if a physical card is requested.  

For those who need their new driver’s license, photo ID, or registration card sooner, you can request expedited services through select DMV locations or third-party services for an additional fee. Expedited costs vary depending on the service provider. 

Is a driving test required to get a Pennsylvania license?  

Moving within PA

If you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you only need to update your address on your driver’s license. A driving test is not required.  

Moving into PA from another state

If you have a valid driver’s license from another state, you are typically not required to take a driving test in Pennsylvania. Instead, you can simply exchange your out-of-state license for a Pennsylvania license after providing the necessary documentation (proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number). This process applies as long as your out-of-state license has not expired.  

Expired out-of-state licenses

If your out-of-state driver’s license is expired by more than six months, you may be required to take both the knowledge test and the road test in Pennsylvania. The state may consider your license invalid, and you would need to follow the steps of a first-time driver in Pennsylvania, which may involve taking a written test first.  

Will I receive a new license or vehicle registration card when I update my PA address?  

Driver’s license/photo ID card  

After you update your address with PennDOT, you will only receive a new physical driver’s license or photo ID card if you specifically request a replacement card. This applies whether you update your address online, by mail, or in person.  

If you update your address without requesting a new card, the physical card will remain unchanged. Your address will be updated in PennDOT’s records, but the card will still display your old address until you choose to get a replacement.  

Vehicle registration card  

Similar to your driver’s license, you will receive an updated physical vehicle registration card only if you choose to request one after updating your address.  

If you change your address without asking for a new registration card, PennDOT will update its records, but your existing registration card will still show your previous address. A new registration card can be requested at any time if verification is needed.  

When should you request a new physical card?  

You should request an updated card if you frequently need to show proof of your current address (e.g., for work, legal, or identification purposes). While not legally required for driving or vehicle registration purposes, an updated card can make it easier in situations where official documentation is needed.  

How long do I have to update my address on my PA driver’s license?  

When you move from out-of-state 

Pennsylvania law requires you to update your address and obtain a PA driver’s license within 60 days of establishing residency in the state.  

You must surrender your out-of-state license and provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage.  

When you move to a new home within PA  

If you’re moving to a new address within Pennsylvania, you are required to update your driver’s license address within 15 days of the move.  

If your PA license is expired  

If your PA driver’s license has expired and you’re moving to a new address, you must renew your license before updating the address. You cannot change your address on an expired license without renewing it.  

Other rules to consider  

  • Military personnel and their families may be given special consideration for extending this time frame.  
  • Students attending a Pennsylvania school from out of state may not be required to obtain a PA license unless they establish permanent residency.  
  • Failing to obtain a PA driver’s license within the 60-day period may lead to issues with law enforcement, especially in the case of accidents or routine traffic stops.  

FAQs 

Is it possible to change my name and address simultaneously?  

Yes, you can change both your name and address simultaneously when updating your records with the Pennsylvania DMV. You will need to provide appropriate documentation for both changes, such as a marriage certificate or legal name change document, and proof of your new address.  

If you’re looking to change your name on your PA license, you’ll need to do so in person. This cannot be done online because you will need to provide physical proof of your legal name change. 

How do I renew my PA driver’s license?  

You can renew your PA driver’s license online through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) website within their online portal. You can also renew your license in person or by mail.  

How can I find a replacement for my PA driver’s license?  

Apply for a replacement license online through PennDOT’s website, in person or by mail. A replacement license will cost around $40. 

In summary, keeping your address up to date with the Pennsylvania DMV is crucial for maintaining the accuracy of your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Make sure to gather all necessary documents, such as proof of residency and insurance, and act promptly to avoid any fines or complications. 

Tyler Castle

Tyler is an experienced energy professional, having worked for Santanna Energy Services, for the past four years. He is passionate about renewable energy and believes that diversifying the energy grid is the key to a sustainable future. Tyler is dedicated to supplying consumers with the best possible energy solutions and works diligently to make sure that Santanna can deliver the highest quality service.

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