How To Do a Pennsylvania DMV Change of Address

Planning on moving to, from, or within Pennsylvania? Make sure that you know exactly what’s expected of you in terms of DMV paperwork. The Keystone State has plenty for residents to enjoy, including two great cities and a history that stretches all the way back to the beginning of the country—but you’ll need to figure out your Pennsylvania DMV Change of Address forms before you can start to really settle in. And the sooner you can get all of these documents in order the better, since Pennsylvania requires that you notify the DMV and complete your change of address and vehicle registration paperwork within 60 days of your move for a driver’s license change and 20 days for a registration change if you’re coming from out of state, and just 15 days if you’re moving within the state.

Not sure where to start? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together all of the information that you’ll need to complete your Pennsylvania DMV change of address and vehicle registration, so read up and then make your way to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to get started.

If You’re Moving to Pennsylvania from Another State

Will you need to get a new driver’s license if moving to Pennsylvania from another state?

How do you get one?

To get a Pennsylvania driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you’ll have to go to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation office in person to apply (sorry!). Unfortunately you can’t do a Pennsylvania DMV change of address online or over the phone, so you’ll have to set aside time in your day for a visit. You can’t make an appointment online ahead of time either, so make sure that you allot enough time.

You will need to bring along the following documentation when you visit the PA DMV:

Completed application for a Pennsylvania driver’s license (Form DL – 180R)
Proof of identity. The list of acceptable forms includes your birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, and certificate of U.S. citizenship.
Proof of residency. Acceptable documents include tax records, lease agreements, and utility bills. (Note that if you are a former resident of Pennsylvania who is moving back to the state you do not need to show proof of residency.)
Your social security card.

Is there a fee?

Yes. The fee for a new Pennsylvania driver’s license is $35.50. View the PA DMV’s payments and fees page to see if you might be subject to additional or alternative costs.

Does a Pennsylvania DMV change of address require a driving test?

No, provided that your out of state license is either currently valid or expired no more than six months ago.

How long do you have to get a Pennsylvania driver’s license or ID card?

60 days — so act fast!

How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?

How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of Pennsylvania?

You’ll need to head to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in person to update your vehicle’s registration, and unfortunately forms are not available ahead of time online. Bring your car along as well as the following information:

Valid photo I.D.
Valid title for the vehicle issued in your name from your previous state.
Proof of Pennsylvania insurance indicating policy start and end dates.
Tracing of the VIN (vehicle identification number) for your vehicle, or VIN verification provided by inspection mechanic or notary republic at a dealership or issuing agent.
Odometer reading. A picture of your vehicle’s actual mileage should suffice.
Check or money order for vehicle registration payment.

What is the registration fee?

The fee to register most motor vehicles in Pennsylvania is $37 for passenger vehicles and $19 for motorcycles, but fees may vary so wait until you’re at the DMV to fill in the specifics.

If You’re Moving Within Pennsylvania

Per Pennsylvania law you will have just 15 days to update your address with the DMV after you move. Thankfully, there are three ways to do this for a non-commercial license:

Fill out a Pennsylvania DMV change of address form online. You can do so here. Be sure to have your current driver’s license number handy, as well as your social security number.
Go to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Find a Pennsylvania driver’s license office near you and fill out a Pennsylvania DMV change of address form in person.
Fill out a form by mail. Print and complete the Pennsylvania Change of Address Form and mail it to Bureau of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 68287, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8287. Use Form MV-36 if you’re changing your address on both your driver’s license and vehicle registration and Form DL-80 if you’re just changing your address on your driver’s license. Your new license will arrive in the mail in about 10 business days.

How much does a Pennsylvania change of address cost?

There is no fee to change your address on your non-commercial driver’s license, provided you do not want a new license printed. The fee to change your address on a commercial driver’s license is $30.50.

What information do you need to provide to update your address on your driver’s license?

To change your address on your Pennsylvania driver’s license or identification card, you will need to provide:

A completed Change of Address Form (Form MV-36 for license + vehicle registration; Form DL-80 for license only).
Your driver’s license number.

To change your address for your vehicle’s registration, you will need:

A completed Change of Address Form.
Your vehicle title number.
Your PA driver’s license number.
Your license plate number.
Your insurance policy holder name and your policy start and end dates.
Your odometer reading.

You can easily update the address on your vehicle’s registration online through the Pennsylvania DMV—go here to do it. Note that you’ll need to print your new registration documents yourself—no registration card will be mailed to you. You can also update your registration in person. You must update your registration information within 15 days of your move, and there is only a fee if you request new documentation be sent to you.

Will Pennsylvania issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?

If You’re Moving From Pennsylvania to Another State

Do you need to notify the Pennsylvania DMV if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?

Nope. Once you get a driver’s license from your new state the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will automatically cancel your PA driver’s license.

Do you need to notify the Pennsylvania DMV if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?

Yes. You will do so by returning your license plates (more info on that next).

Do you need to return your Pennsylvania license plates?

Yes, you are required to return them, as well as to remove all framing, fasteners, and stickers prior to the return. Ship your PA plates to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Return Tag Unit, P.O. Box 68597, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597.

Have questions?

If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of Pennsylvania, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation directly at 717-412-5300.

Need to hire movers for your move to or from Pennsylvania?

We can help with that! Use our free online moving company directory to quickly and easily search reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your Pennsylvania move will cost.