What you need to do to change your name on your Illinois driver's license
You can change the name on your Illinois driver's license by visiting a Secretary of State facility in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Illinois does not allow name changes by mail or online. The process takes about 15 minutes at the facility, though you may wait depending on how busy the location is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
The key requirement is proof that your name has legally changed. This means a court order from a divorce, marriage, or legal name change proceeding — not just a marriage certificate or divorce decree alone. If you are married and want to use your spouse's last name, you need the marriage certificate plus a court order or a certified copy of the marriage license that shows your new name. If you are divorced, you need the divorce decree that shows your new name.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change.
- Acceptable proof includes a court order for name change, divorce decree showing your new name, or marriage certificate with a certified court order.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic license by mail in two to three weeks.
- There is a fee for the new license, which varies depending on how many years remain on your current license.
- You cannot change your name by mail, phone, or online — you must appear in person.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your current Illinois driver's license and the legal document proving your name change. If you are changing your name due to marriage, bring your marriage certificate and any court order that shows your new name. If you are changing your name due to divorce, bring the divorce decree that lists your new name. If you obtained a legal name change through the courts, bring the court order.
You will also need to bring a document that proves your identity and residence. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you do not have one of these, bring two documents that prove your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. The Secretary of State website lists all acceptable documents, so check before you go if you are unsure whether what you have will work.
Finding a Secretary of State facility near you
Illinois has Secretary of State driver services facilities throughout the state. You can find the location nearest you on the Secretary of State website by entering your city or ZIP code. Some facilities are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours. Hours vary by location, so check before you go.
Busier locations, particularly those in Chicago and other large cities, often have longer wait times during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you can visit early in the morning or mid-week, you may wait less time. Some facilities allow you to check wait times online before you arrive.
The fee for your new license
The cost depends on how long your current license is valid. If your license expires within one year, the fee is lower than if it expires in five or ten years. Check your current license to see the expiration date, then visit the Secretary of State website to see the exact fee. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the facility.
If you are renewing your license at the same time you change your name, you may pay a combined fee. Ask the staff member at the facility whether bundling the transactions saves you money.
What happens after you leave the facility
You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Use this as your driver's license while you wait for your new plastic card. Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State to check the status.
Your new license will have your updated name and your current address. If your address has changed since you got your current license, tell the staff member at the facility so they can update it at the same time.
If your legal name change document is from another state
If you were married, divorced, or obtained a legal name change in another state, you can still change your name on your Illinois license. Bring the court order or decree from that state along with your current Illinois license. The Secretary of State will accept it as long as it is an official document from a court.
If the document is not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. You can obtain a certified translation from a court in the state where the document was issued, or from a professional translator who is certified by that state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a court order?
No. Illinois requires a court order, divorce decree, or marriage certificate with a court order showing your new name. A marriage certificate alone is not enough. You must have a document from a court that proves your name legally changed.
What if I lost my divorce decree or court order?
Contact the court that issued the document and request a certified copy. Most courts can mail or email you a certified copy within one to two weeks for a small fee. Bring this certified copy to the Secretary of State facility.
Do I need an appointment to change my name on my license?
Some Secretary of State facilities accept walk-ins, while others require you to schedule an appointment online. Check the website for your nearest facility to see whether appointments are required or recommended. If appointments are available, booking one can reduce your wait time.
Can I change my name on my license by mail?
No. Illinois requires you to appear in person at a Secretary of State facility. You cannot change your name by mail, phone, or online.
What if my name change was very recent and I do not have the final court order yet?
Wait until you have the official court order in hand. The Secretary of State will not change your license without it. If you are in the middle of a divorce or name change proceeding, contact the court handling your case to find out when the final order will be issued.