Update your address with the Illinois Secretary of State, not your local DMV
Illinois does not have a separate DMV office. The Illinois Secretary of State handles all driver's license changes, including address updates. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. The online method is fastest and costs nothing.
You do not need to renew your license to change the address on it. The Secretary of State will issue you a replacement card with your new address at no charge if you update within a reasonable time of moving. If you wait years, you may be charged a replacement fee when you eventually renew.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois Secretary of State's online portal lets you change your address in minutes without visiting an office or paying a fee.
- You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to use the online system.
- A replacement card with your new address arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you submit the change online.
- If you prefer to update in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address to any Driver Services facility during business hours.
- Updating your address does not affect your vehicle registration — you must change that separately with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Change your address online through the Secretary of State website
Visit the Illinois Secretary of State's official website and select "Change Address" under the driver's license section. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and display your current information.
Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your replacement card. Double-check the spelling and zip code — this is what will print on your license. Once you confirm the change, the system will show you a confirmation number. Save or print this number in case you need to follow up.
The Secretary of State will mail your replacement card to the new address you provided. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license with the old address until the new card arrives — it remains valid.
Update in person at a Driver Services facility
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can visit any Driver Services facility in Illinois. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
The staff will process your address change on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your replacement card is mailed to you. The replacement arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Driver Services facilities are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; some locations have extended hours on certain days. Check the Secretary of State's website for the facility nearest you and its hours before you go.
What counts as proof of your new address
The Secretary of State accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and bank or credit card statements all work. Government mail — such as a tax notice, voter registration card, or court document — also counts.
A piece of mail addressed to you at your new address is not enough by itself; it must be an official document from a utility, financial institution, or government body. A letter from your landlord or a handwritten note does not meet the requirement. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, contact the Secretary of State's customer service line to ask about alternatives.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit the change
If you change your address online, you will see a confirmation number when ready. If you change it in person, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. In both cases, your replacement card with the new address printed on it arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
During this waiting period, your old license remains valid for driving. You do not need to carry the temporary paper license unless you were issued one at a facility. Once the new card arrives, the old one is no longer valid — you can destroy it or keep it as a record. If your replacement does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Secretary of State to check the status.
Changing your address does not update your vehicle registration
Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate documents. Changing your address on your license does not automatically change it on your registration. You must update your vehicle registration separately through the Secretary of State's online system or by mail.
It is a good idea to update both at the same time to avoid confusion, but there is no legal important date to do so when ready. However, if you are stopped by police, having a current address on file helps avoid complications. The Secretary of State's website has a separate section for vehicle registration address changes with its own process and timeline.
If you have not received your replacement card after two weeks
Contact the Illinois Secretary of State's customer service line with your confirmation number (if you changed your address online) or your driver's license number. They can check whether your card has been mailed and provide an estimated delivery date. If there is a delay, they may be able to reissue the card or provide a temporary solution.
If your replacement card is lost or damaged in the mail, the Secretary of State can issue a new one. You will not be charged a fee for a replacement that was lost in transit. Keep your confirmation number or temporary paper license as proof that you requested the change in case you need to follow up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my license if I move?
Illinois law requires you to notify the Secretary of State of your new address within a reasonable time of moving. There is no specific important date, but updating within 30 days is considered timely. Driving with an outdated address on your license is not illegal, but it can cause problems if you are stopped by police or need to use your license as proof of residency.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
You can update your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change does not affect the status of your license. However, you cannot renew a suspended or revoked license until you have resolved the underlying issue with the Secretary of State.
What if I moved out of state — do I still need to update my Illinois license?
If you have moved out of Illinois permanently, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. You do not need to formally cancel your Illinois license, but you should not use it as your primary ID once you hold a valid license from another state. If you still need to use your Illinois license temporarily, you can update the address to your out-of-state address.
Is there a fee to change my address on my license?
No. Changing your address is free whether you do it online or in person. You will receive a replacement card at no charge. The only time you pay is if you are renewing your license at the same time or if you are replacing a lost or damaged card years after the address change.
Can someone else change my address for me?
No. Only you can change the address on your driver's license. If you change it online, you must provide your own license number and Social Security information. If you change it in person, you must bring your current license. The Secretary of State does not allow third parties to make changes on behalf of another person.