You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility
Illinois lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new license or paying a fee. The fastest route is the online system at cyberdriveillinois.com, which takes about 10 minutes and updates your record when ready. If you prefer not to use the website, you can mail a form to the Secretary of State or walk into a Driver Services facility in person — both take longer but work just as well.
The method you choose depends on how soon you need the change recorded and whether you have the documents the Secretary of State requires. Online is fastest. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person service varies by location but usually happens the same day you visit.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through cyberdriveillinois.com are free and take effect when ready, with no need to visit a facility or mail anything.
- You need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to change your address online.
- Mailing a completed form to the Secretary of State works if you do not have internet access, but expect one to two weeks for processing.
- In-person changes at a Driver Services facility require your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Address changes do not renew your license — your expiration date stays the same, and you will still need to renew when that date arrives.
Changing your address online through the Secretary of State website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Change Address" and you will be directed to a login screen. You will need 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 using this information.
Once you log in, enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail all work. The system accepts the change when ready and updates your record that same day. You do not need to pay anything, and you do not need to visit a facility. Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but the Secretary of State's records will reflect the new one.
Mailing a form to update your address
If you cannot or do not want to use the online system, read the "Change of Address" form from cyberdriveillinois.com or call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to request one by mail. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency — a recent utility bill, lease, or similar document showing your name and new address.
Mail the completed form and proof to the address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives it. You will not receive a confirmation letter, so if you need proof the change went through, contact the Secretary of State after two weeks to verify.
Updating your address in person at a Driver Services facility
Bring your current driver's license and one piece of proof of your new address to any Driver Services facility. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — anything with your name and new address dated within the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary.
Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will update your record on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready. Your physical license card will still show the old address, but your official record will be correct. There is no fee for this service.
What happens to your physical license card
Changing your address does not issue you a new license card. Your current card will continue to show your old address until you renew your license. When your license expires and you renew it, the new card will print with your current address on file.
This can create confusion if you are stopped by police or need to show your license for identification purposes. The officer or business can verify your current address through the Secretary of State's system, but your card itself will look outdated. If this bothers you, you can request a replacement card with your new address, though this costs money and requires visiting a Driver Services facility.
Timing and what to expect after you change your address
Online changes take effect the same day you submit them. Mail changes take one to two weeks. In-person changes happen when ready. Once your address is updated in the Secretary of State's system, that is where official records point — insurance companies, law enforcement, and government agencies all check this database.
You should also notify your auto insurance company of your address change separately, since they maintain their own records. Some insurers update automatically when the Secretary of State's database changes, but others do not. Confirm with your insurance agent that they have received the update, because driving with an address mismatch between your policy and your license can create problems if you are in an accident.
Changing your address if your license is expired or suspended
You can change your address online even if your license is expired, as long as it expired within the last five years. The online system will accept your information and update your record. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot change your address online — you must visit a Driver Services facility in person and bring documentation of why the suspension or revocation has been lifted.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to renew it before you can change your address. Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to find out what documents you need for renewal in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address if I move out of state?
No. If you move out of Illinois, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead of keeping an Illinois license. You can keep your Illinois license if you want, but most states require you to get a license in your new state within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check your new state's requirements.
Will changing my address affect my license expiration date?
No. Your license expires on the same date no matter when you change your address. Changing your address is not the same as renewing your license. You will still need to renew when your expiration date arrives.
What if I do not have proof of my new address?
You need proof of residency to change your address in person or by mail. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to ask what other documents they will accept.
Can I change my address if I am homeless or living temporarily?
Yes. You can use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a mail forwarding service address. You will need proof that you receive mail at that address or that you are staying there. Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to discuss what documents work for your situation.
How do I know if my address change went through?
If you changed your address online, it takes effect when ready and you can log back into your account to verify. If you mailed a form, wait two weeks and then contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 or visit cyberdriveillinois.com to check your record. If you changed it in person, ask the clerk for a receipt or confirmation before you leave the facility.