You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility
Illinois lets you change your address on your driver's license through three routes: the online system, mail, or an in-person visit. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home if your license is valid and you have a computer with internet access. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits at a Secretary of State office take about 30 minutes once you arrive, though wait times vary by location.
You do not need to pay a fee to change your address. The Secretary of State treats address updates as a service, not a renewal or replacement. This matters because it means you keep your current license number and expiration date — you are not starting a new license cycle.
The method you choose depends on your situation. If you moved recently and need proof of your new address quickly, in-person is most reliable. If you prefer to avoid a trip, online works if your license meets the requirements. Mail is an option if you have time and prefer not to use the internet.
Key Takeaways
- The online system at cyberdriveillinois.com is the fastest route and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- You can mail a completed DL 44 form with proof of your new address to the Secretary of State, though this takes one to two weeks.
- In-person visits at any Secretary of State facility allow you to update your address when ready, and no appointment is required.
- Address changes are free and do not affect your license expiration date or license number.
- You must have a valid Illinois driver's license to use the online system; expired or suspended licenses require in-person or mail updates.
Updating your address online through the Secretary of State website
The online system is available at cyberdriveillinois.com under the "Driver Services" section. Look for the link labeled "Change Address Online" or "Address Change." You will need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it. Once you submit, the change takes effect when ready in the Secretary of State's database. You do not receive a new physical card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it until it expires. If you need a card with your new address before your license expires, you would need to request a replacement card, which does carry a fee.
This method works only if your license is currently valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you cannot use the online system and must go in person or mail your request.
Mailing your address change to the Secretary of State
To change your address by mail, you need to complete form DL 44, which is available on the Secretary of State website. Print the form, fill in your new address, and include one document that shows your name and new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. Do not send your original license.
Mail the completed form and proof of address to the address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. You can track your request by calling the Secretary of State's driver services line, though wait times are often long. Like the online method, mailing does not issue a new card — your license remains valid with the old address until expiration.
Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. The Secretary of State does not return documents you send, so do not include anything you need back.
Changing your address in person at a Secretary of State office
Any Secretary of State facility can process an address change. You do not need an appointment. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your name and new address — the same documents accepted by mail work here. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail all count.
The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, though the wait to reach the counter varies widely. Some offices are busy during lunch hours and after 3 p.m. on weekdays. Arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means shorter waits. You can check wait times for your nearest office on the Secretary of State website before you go.
Like the other methods, an in-person address change does not issue a new card. Your license keeps its current expiration date and number. If you want a card with your new address printed on it before your license expires, ask the clerk about ordering a replacement card at the same visit — this costs money and takes a few days to arrive by mail.
What documents count as proof of your new address
The Secretary of State accepts documents that show both your name and your new address. A current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or mortgage statement works. So does a bank statement, credit card statement, or government mail — anything from a federal, state, or local agency addressed to you at your new address.
The document must be recent — generally within the last 60 days, though the Secretary of State does not publish a strict cutoff. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, a signed lease agreement or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your move-in date can work. Call your local Secretary of State office before you go if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted.
Do not bring your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate — the Secretary of State does not need these for an address change. Bring only your driver's license and one proof-of-address document.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change
Online changes take effect when ready in the Secretary of State's system. You can use your updated address for official purposes right away, even though your physical card still shows the old address. If you need to prove your new address to a bank, landlord, or government agency, you can print a confirmation from the online system or call the Secretary of State to verify.
Mail requests take one to two weeks. In-person changes are recorded when ready. In all three cases, your physical license card does not change — it continues to show your old address until your license expires and you renew it.
If you move again before your license expires, you can update your address as many times as you need. There is no limit to how many address changes you can make, and each one is free.
Getting a new card with your updated address before your license expires
If you need a physical card that shows your new address before your current license expires, you can order a replacement card. This is different from an address change — it is a new card with the same license number but a new expiration date (typically eight years from the date you order it). Replacement cards cost money; the fee varies but is typically around $20 to $30.
You can order a replacement card online at cyberdriveillinois.com, by mail using form DL 44, or in person at a Secretary of State office. The online system is fastest. The card arrives by mail in about five to seven business days. If you order in person, ask the clerk how long delivery will take.
A replacement card is optional. Your current license remains valid for all purposes even after you change your address online or by mail — the address on the card does not have to match your current address. You only need a replacement card if you want the card itself to show your new address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address if I move to a different city in Illinois?
Yes. The Secretary of State requires you to report any change of address, whether you move across town or across the state. You have no specific important date, but updating within 30 days of your move is standard practice and helps avoid issues if you are stopped by police or need to prove your address.
What if my license is expired or suspended?
You cannot use the online system. You must go in person to a Secretary of State office or mail your request with form DL 44 and proof of your new address. Bring your expired or suspended license if you have it, or call ahead to ask what to bring if you do not.
Can I change my address if I do not have proof of my new address yet?
It depends on your situation. If you have a signed lease or a letter from your landlord, most offices will accept that. If you have nothing, call your local Secretary of State office before you go — some offices can work with you if you explain your situation, but policies vary by location.
Will changing my address affect my license expiration date?
No. An address change does not renew your license or change when it expires. Your license keeps the same expiration date it had before. Only a renewal or replacement card changes the expiration date.
How do I find the nearest Secretary of State office?
Visit cyberdriveillinois.com and use the office locator tool. You can search by city or zip code. The site also shows hours, phone numbers, and current wait times for most locations.