You can update your Illinois driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office
The fastest way is online through the Illinois Secretary of State website if your address change is within the state. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The online system processes the change when ready, and you don't pay a fee.
If you're moving out of state, changing your name, or the online system won't accept your information, you can mail a completed form or visit a Secretary of State office in person. Mail takes about two weeks. In-person visits are processed the same day, though you may wait in line.
Your physical license card itself won't change — the address update happens in the state's system. You don't need to carry proof of your new address unless you're also renewing your license or explore for a REAL ID.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois Secretary of State website lets you change your address online for free if you're staying in Illinois and have your license number and last four Social Security digits.
- Online changes take effect when ready and don't require you to visit an office or mail anything.
- If you're moving out of state or the online system doesn't work for you, mail form DL 505 to the Secretary of State or visit an office in person.
- Your physical license card stays the same — only the address in the state system updates.
- Updating your address doesn't renew your license or change its expiration date.
Updating your address online through the Secretary of State
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Change of Address" and you'll be directed to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new Illinois address. The system will verify your identity against state records.
If the verification succeeds, your new address is recorded when ready. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen — save or print it. No fee is charged for an online address change. You can do this at any time, day or night.
The online system works only for address changes within Illinois. If you're moving to another state, you'll need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mailing a change of address form
read or request form DL 505 (Change of Address) from the Secretary of State website or by calling 217-782-6900. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form — typically the Secretary of State's office in Springfield.
Include a copy of proof of your new address if you have it, though it's not always required for an address-only change. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the office receives your form.
Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If you don't hear back within three weeks, call 217-782-6900 to confirm receipt.
Updating your address in person at a Secretary of State office
Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address to any Secretary of State Driver Services facility. Proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You don't need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Tell the clerk you need an address change only. They'll update your record on the spot, and you'll receive a receipt. Your physical license won't change, but the new address will appear in the state system when ready. There is no fee for this service.
Find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Secretary of State website before you go. Some offices have shorter hours or close for lunch.
What happens if you move out of state
If you're relocating to another state, you have two choices: update your Illinois address one last time before you leave, or let it expire and get a license in your new state. Most people get a new license in their new state within 30 days of moving.
If you want to keep your Illinois license active while living elsewhere temporarily, you can mail form DL 505 with your out-of-state address. Illinois will accept it. However, if you plan to stay in the new state permanently, you'll eventually need to get a license there — most states require you to do so within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency.
Address changes and vehicle registration
Updating your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must handle those separately. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State or use their online system to update your registration address as well.
If your registration and license address don't match, it's not illegal, but it can cause confusion if you're pulled over or involved in an accident. The officer will see both documents and may ask why they differ. Keeping them in sync is simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to renew my license to change my address?
No. An address change is separate from renewal. Your license expiration date stays the same. If your license is expiring soon anyway, you can renew it at the same time you change your address, but you don't have to.
What if I don't have proof of my new address?
For online changes, you don't need proof — the system verifies you against state records. For mail or in-person changes, the Secretary of State prefers proof dated within 60 days, but call 217-782-6900 to ask what they'll accept if you don't have a utility bill or lease yet.
How long does it take to change my address by mail?
About two weeks from the date the Secretary of State office receives your form. Mail delivery adds a few days on each end, so allow three weeks total. Keep your receipt or confirmation number in case you need to follow up.
Will my license card show my new address?
No. Your physical card won't change. Only the address in the state's system updates. If you need a card with your new address printed on it, you would have to renew your license, which costs a fee and requires a new photo.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?
You can update the address in the system, but if your license is suspended, you should resolve that first. If it's expired, you can still change the address, but you'll need to renew it separately to drive legally. Call 217-782-6900 if you're unsure about your license status.