You can change your Illinois driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility
The fastest way is online through the Illinois Secretary of State website if your address change is within the state and your license is not expired or suspended. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.
If you can't use the online system — because your license is expired, you're moving from out of state, or you prefer to handle it in person — you can visit a Secretary of State facility with your current ID and proof of your new address. By mail, you send a completed form with copies of your documents to the address listed on the Secretary of State website, though this route takes longer.
Your vehicle registration does not automatically update when you change your driver's license address. You'll need to handle that separately through the Illinois Secretary of State's vehicle registration system or at a facility.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the Illinois Secretary of State website is free and takes about 10 minutes if your license is current and you're staying in Illinois.
- You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to change it online.
- If your license is expired, suspended, or you're moving from another state, you must visit a Secretary of State facility or mail in your request.
- Changing your driver's license address does not change your vehicle registration address — you must update that separately.
- Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other official document showing your name and current address.
Changing your address online through the Secretary of State
Go to the Illinois Secretary of State website and look for the driver's license services section. You'll find a link to change your address online. You do not need to create an account or log in — the system uses your personal information to verify your identity.
Have your current driver's license and Social Security number ready. Enter your license number, the last four digits of your SSN, and your new address. The system will confirm the change when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number. Your updated license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can use your old license until the new one arrives.
This option only works if your license is not expired and you're moving within Illinois. If either condition doesn't explore to you, skip to the in-person or mail sections below.
Changing your address in person at a Secretary of State facility
Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Walk in during business hours — most facilities accept address changes without an appointment, though wait times vary by location. Tell the clerk you need to change your address. They will verify your documents, update your record, and issue you a new license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the facility. There is no fee for an address change.
This route works whether your license is current, expired, or suspended, and whether you're moving from another state or within Illinois. It's also the fastest way to get a new license in your hands if you need it when ready.
Changing your address by mail
read the address change form from the Illinois Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely with your name, current license number, new address, and date of birth. Make a copy of your driver's license (front and back) and a copy of your proof of address document.
Mail the completed form, your license copy, and your address proof copy to the address listed on the form. Do not mail your actual license — send copies only. Include a note with your phone number or email so the Secretary of State can contact you if there's a problem. Mail delivery typically takes 5 to 7 business days, and processing takes another 7 to 10 days after they receive it, so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total.
Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If you don't receive your new license within 4 weeks, contact the Secretary of State to check the status.
What counts as proof of your new address
Your proof document must show your name and your new address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also works. Government mail like a tax notice or court document counts if it has your name and address on it.
A piece of mail addressed to you at your new address, even if it's from a store or subscription service, usually works. A postmarked envelope is not enough — the document itself must show the address. If you're unsure whether a document will be accepted, call the Secretary of State before you go in or mail it.
Updating your vehicle registration separately
Changing your driver's license address does not change your vehicle registration. You must update your registration address through the Illinois Secretary of State's vehicle registration system or at a facility. You can do this online if your registration is current, or in person with your vehicle title and proof of address.
The registration update is separate because your vehicle and your license are tracked in different systems. If you don't update your registration, renewal notices and other important mail will go to your old address, and your registration records will show outdated information.
What to do if your license is expired or suspended
If your license is expired, you can still change your address online or by mail, but you cannot renew it at the same time through the address change process. You'll need to renew your license separately after your address is updated, or renew it first and then change the address.
If your license is suspended, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person to change your address. The online and mail options are not available. Bring your current ID, proof of your new address, and be prepared to address the reason for the suspension if asked.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license after I change my address?
If you change your address online or in person, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you change it by mail, add another 7 to 10 days for processing after the Secretary of State receives your documents, so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.
Can I change my address if I just moved and don't have a utility bill yet?
Yes. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or even a piece of mail from a bank or government agency dated within the last 60 days works. If you have nothing dated that recently, a signed lease with your move-in date is usually accepted. Call the Secretary of State to confirm what documents they'll take before you go in.
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 after moving. There is no specific important date, but it's best to do it within 30 days to avoid problems with renewal notices and official mail. Driving with an outdated address on your license is not illegal, but it can cause confusion if you're stopped by police.
What if I'm moving out of Illinois?
You cannot change your address to an out-of-state address through the online system. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person or mail in your request. Bring your current Illinois license and proof of your new out-of-state address. You may want to get an Illinois license with your new address before you leave, or switch to your new state's license once you arrive.
Is there a fee to change my address?
No. Changing your address on your driver's license is free whether you do it online, in person, or by mail. You only pay a fee if you're renewing your license or getting a replacement for a lost or damaged license at the same time.