15-Day Deadline Under PA Title 75 ยง1515
Pennsylvania law requires you to notify the DMV within 15 days of establishing a new residential address. Penalty for non-compliance: $25 citation.
How to update your address with Pennsylvania DMV
Most Pennsylvania residents can complete the address change online. Here is the step-by-step process:
- 1Visit the official Pennsylvania DMV portal: PennDOT.gov
Go directly to the address change section. Do not use third-party sites that charge fees for this free service.
- 2Verify your identity
You will need your current Pennsylvania driver's license number and date of birth. Some portals also require the last 4 digits of your SSN.
- 3Enter your new residential address
P.O. boxes are not accepted as residential addresses. Your address must be a physical Pennsylvania address.
- 4Submit and save your confirmation
Record your confirmation number. A paper address card or updated record will be mailed to your new address within 2โ3 weeks.
Vehicle registration โ also requires updating
Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate records. Your Pennsylvania vehicle registration must also be updated โ the deadline is 15 days. You can typically update both through the same DMV portal session.
What happens if you miss the 15-day deadline?
The penalty in Pennsylvania is $25 citation. In practice, this is most commonly discovered during a traffic stop when the address on your license does not match your insurance card or registration. Beyond the fine, a mismatch can complicate auto insurance claims if your insurer's records also show the wrong address.
Moving to Pennsylvania from another state?
If you are a new Pennsylvania resident from another state, you must obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license โ not just update an address. Requirements typically include: surrendering your out-of-state license, passing a vision test, and in some cases a knowledge test. Visit PennDOT.gov for current new-resident requirements and fees.
Pennsylvania DMV Address Change Checklist
4 itemsโ Frequently Asked Questions
For most Pennsylvania residents, the address change can be completed entirely online at PennDOT.gov. In-person visits are only required if you cannot verify your identity through the online system, or if you are a new Pennsylvania resident obtaining a license for the first time.
Some states have automatic voter registration links to DMV records, but you should not assume this happened. Verify your voter registration status at your Pennsylvania Secretary of State website after your move. See our voter registration guide.
Yes. Pennsylvania law requires notification for any change of residential address, including moves within the same city or even the same apartment complex. The online process is free and takes about 5 minutes.