Where to report your address change to the Illinois DMV
The Illinois Secretary of State's office (which runs the DMV) lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. The online method is fastest — you can update your address in minutes without leaving home. If you prefer to handle it by mail or in person, both routes work, but mail takes longer and in-person visits require you to find an open facility near you.
Your address change applies to your driver's license and vehicle registration at the same time. You do not need to do them separately. The state will mail your updated registration card to your new address once the change is processed.
Key Takeaways
- The fastest way to change your address is online through the Illinois Secretary of State website, which takes a few minutes and costs nothing.
- You can also mail a completed form to the Secretary of State's office or visit a Driver Services facility in person, though both take longer than the online method.
- Your new registration card will be mailed to the address you provide, so make sure it is correct before you submit.
- If you have an outstanding ticket, suspension, or other hold on your license, you may not be able to change your address online and will need to visit a facility or call.
Changing your address online
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the "Online Services" section. You will find a link to change your address for your driver's license and registration. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.
Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your registration card. Double-check the spelling and zip code before you submit, because mistakes here mean your registration card goes to the wrong place. Once you submit, you will get a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions later.
The online system works 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Processing usually takes one to two weeks, and your new registration card will arrive by mail at your new address.
Changing your address by mail
read or print the Address Change form (Form DL 506) from the Secretary of State website. Fill in your current information, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form — currently the Secretary of State's office in Springfield, though you should verify the mailing address on the form itself before you send it.
Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. Mail takes one to three weeks to arrive, and processing takes another one to two weeks after that, so expect three to five weeks total before your new card arrives.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services facility
Find the nearest Driver Services facility using the facility locator on cyberdriveillinois.com. Bring your current driver's license and a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment at most facilities, but some locations now use an online reservation system — check the website for your location.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter wait than afternoons or weekends. The staff will update your address on the spot, and you will receive a temporary paper registration card. Your permanent registration card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
What happens if you do not update your address
If you move and do not report your new address to the Secretary of State, your registration renewal notice and any official mail from the state will go to your old address. You may miss renewal important date or not receive important notices about your vehicle or license.
Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Illinois, even if you did not receive the renewal notice. If you are pulled over, you can be ticketed. The safest approach is to update your address as soon as you move, before your renewal date arrives.
Changing your address if you have a suspension or hold
If your license is suspended, revoked, or has a hold on it (such as an unpaid ticket or child support obligation), the online address change system will reject your request. You will need to visit a Driver Services facility in person or call the Secretary of State's office to find out what the hold is and what you need to do to clear it.
Once the hold is resolved, you can change your address using any of the three methods. If you are unsure whether you have a hold, call the Secretary of State's office or check your status on their website before you try to change your address online.
Documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Time to Process |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, last four digits of SSN, date of birth | 1–2 weeks |
| By Mail | Completed Form DL 506, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) | 3–5 weeks |
| In Person | Current driver's license, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) | 1–2 weeks for permanent card |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address if I only moved temporarily?
If you plan to return to your old address within a few months, you can wait. However, if you are not sure when you will return, it is safer to update your address now. You can always change it again later if you move back.
What if I moved out of state?
You will need to get a driver's license and vehicle registration in your new state. Contact that state's DMV to learn what documents you need. You do not have to formally close your Illinois license, but you should not keep it active if you are now a resident of another state.
How long does it take to get my new registration card after I change my address?
After the Secretary of State processes your change (one to two weeks), your new card is mailed to your new address. Delivery usually takes another one to two weeks, so expect three to four weeks total from the time you submit your change.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes, you can change your address even if your license is expired. However, if your license has been expired for more than a year, you may need to renew it at the same time. Check the Secretary of State website or call to confirm what you need to do.
What if I made a mistake on my address change?
If you submitted your change online or by mail and realized you made a mistake, contact the Secretary of State's office right away with your confirmation number. If your new card has already been mailed, you may need to submit another address change. For in-person changes, ask the staff member to correct it before you leave the facility.