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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Address Requirements Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Are there any exemptions from the requirement to have a Pennsylvania address?
    2. Would a spouse or dependent child qualify?
    3. What do I need?
    4. I am going to school out of state. Would I qualify for an exemption?
    5. The state I am living in says I have to get a license there. What should I do?
    6. May I use a Post Office Box address on my license?

    Effective April 6, 2003, Act 152 of 2002, prohibits PennDOT from issuing or renewing driver license products for any person who is not a resident of the Commonwealth. Without a Pennsylvania address, no driver’s license or photo identification card may be processed by PennDOT.

    1. Are there any exemptions from the requirement to have a Pennsylvania address?
    Yes, if your workplace is located out of state and you are employed by one of the following, you may qualify:

    • U.S. Armed Forces
    • Federal Government
    • Pennsylvania Government

    2. Would a spouse or dependent child qualify?
    Yes, as long as the spouse/parent was employed by one of the agencies listed previously.

    3. What do I need?
    With your application, you should attach a copy of your photo identification card issued by your employer. Or, provide a letter from the employer to document your status, on their letterhead. If you are the immediate family of a person meeting one of the allowable exceptions, the documentation should be of the person employed. Additionally, you must indicate your relationship to that person.

    4. I am going to school out of state. Would I qualify for an exemption?
    No, Pennsylvania law does not exempt students from the residency requirement.

    5. The state I am living in says I have to get a license there. What should I do?
    Although Pennsylvania allows this exemption, you would still be subject to the laws of the state where you are residing. You may not hold a driver’s license from more than one state.

    6. May I use a Post Office Box address on my license?
    Pennsylvania law requires your residence address. You may use a PO Box in addition to your residence address, but not as the only address on your license.