PennDOT Form DL-82: Out of State Address Exemption Guide

PennDOT Form DL-82: Out of State Address Exemption Guide – Pennsylvania law generally requires a valid Pennsylvania residential address for the issuance or renewal of driver’s licenses and photo identification cards. However, certain individuals whose workplace is located outside the Commonwealth may qualify for an exception. The official form used to request this exception is PennDOT Form DL-82, titled “Out-of-State Address/Photo Exemption.”

This guide explains who qualifies, what documentation is required, how to complete and submit Form DL-82, and related considerations for vehicle registration when moving out of state. All information is based on official guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

What Is PennDOT Form DL-82?

Form DL-82 is the official Pennsylvania application used to request an exemption from the residency requirement so that a driver’s license or photo ID can be issued or updated with an out-of-state address. It also covers a limited photo exemption for non-commercial drivers who will be absent from the state for an extended period.

PennDOT may not issue driver license products to an out-of-state address except in specific cases involving employees of the federal government, Pennsylvania state government, or U.S. Armed Forces personnel (and their immediate families) whose workplace is located outside Pennsylvania.

You can download the current official form here: Download PennDOT Form DL-82 (PDF).

Who Qualifies for the Out-of-State Address Exemption?

According to official PennDOT Address Requirements FAQs, you may qualify if your workplace is located out of state and you are employed by (or are the immediate family member of someone employed by) one of the following:

U.S. Armed Forces
Federal Government
Pennsylvania State Government

Immediate family members who may qualify include a spouse or dependent child of a person meeting one of the above employment categories.

Important limitations:

Students attending school out of state do not qualify for the exemption under Pennsylvania law.
You remain subject to the laws of the state where you actually reside. Pennsylvania’s exemption does not override another state’s requirement that you obtain a local driver’s license.
You may not hold a driver’s license from more than one state at the same time.

Required Documentation for Form DL-82

When submitting Form DL-82, you must include supporting documentation. Acceptable documents include:

A letter from your employer on official letterhead documenting your employment status and out-of-state workplace location, or
A copy of your current photo identification card issued by your employer, or
For military personnel: a copy of military orders.

If you are applying as a spouse or dependent child, attach the documentation of the qualifying employee and clearly indicate your relationship on the form.

A Post Office Box may be used in addition to an actual residential address but cannot serve as the only address listed.

How to Complete and Submit PennDOT Form DL-82?

Follow these steps carefully:

Download the latest version of Form DL-82 from the official PennDOT website: DL-82 PDF.
Complete Section A with your driver information (name, license number, date of birth, residential and mailing addresses, telephone number, and email if applicable).
In Section B, check the appropriate box indicating the qualifying employment category (U.S. Armed Forces, Federal Government, or Pennsylvania State Government) and, if applicable, your relationship (spouse or dependent child).
If requesting a photo exemption (non-commercial drivers only who will be out of state for the entire next 60 days), complete Section C and provide the reason (military, work, or other with supporting documentation).
Sign and date Section D (Authorization and Certification) in ink. Misstatement of fact is a criminal offense under Pennsylvania law.
Attach all required supporting documentation.
Mail the completed form and documents to the address printed on the form:
Bureau of Driver Licensing
P.O. Box 68272
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8272

The form also serves as a request to update your Pennsylvania voter registration unless you specifically opt out. If you are not registered to vote, you will receive a voter registration application (U.S. citizenship is required).

Photo Exemption Option on Form DL-82

Non-commercial drivers who will be absent from Pennsylvania for the entire next 60 days may request a temporary photo exemption. You will receive either a Camera Card with further instructions or a photo license (if a photo is already on file and your name has not changed). You must apply for a driver’s license containing your photo within 45 days of your return to Pennsylvania.

If you have already renewed and received a photo camera card, you may request a free replacement photo-exempt license by attaching the original signed camera card to Form DL-82. Otherwise, a duplicate application (Form DL-80) and fee may be required.

Vehicle Registration Considerations When Moving Out of State

Even if you successfully obtain an out-of-state address exemption for your Pennsylvania driver’s license, you will generally still need to register your vehicle in the new state of residence. Contact the DMV (or equivalent agency) in the state you are moving to for specific requirements.

After obtaining a registration plate from the new state, return your Pennsylvania license plate to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Return Tag Unit
P.O. Box 68597
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597

Once received, the plate will be marked “dead.” Returning the plate helps protect you from potential fraud.

For vehicle registration address changes involving qualifying exemptions, use Form MV-8 (Self-Certification for Proof of Residency) along with supporting documentation. Note that vehicle address rules have some additional limited exceptions (for example, certain out-of-state businesses or permanently located park model trailers).

Important Reminders and Restrictions

Customers moving out of state cannot update their driver’s license address online. Form DL-82 must be used when an exemption applies.
Always use the most current version of the form available at www.pa.gov/dmv or the direct download link provided.
PennDOT Customer Service can be reached at 717-412-5300 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET, excluding holidays) for questions about specific situations.
Keep copies of everything you submit for your records.

Official Resources and Downloads

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer directly to official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and PennDOT websites. Requirements and forms can be updated, so verify details before submitting any application.