Which documents prove your new address
The Illinois Secretary of State accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of your new address. You must bring one document from this list — the DMV will not accept a combination of weaker documents to add up to proof. The document must show your name, your new street address, and a recent date (usually within the last 60 days, though this varies by document type).
A utility bill in your name — electric, gas, water, or phone — is the most common choice because most people have one and it arrives regularly. A lease or mortgage statement works if it shows your current address. A government document like a property tax bill or vehicle registration from another state also counts. Some people use a bank or credit card statement, though these are accepted less reliably; call your local DMV office first if that is your only option.
Key Takeaways
- You need one document that shows your name, your new street address, and a date within the last 60 days — utility bills and leases are the most straightforward choices.
- The document must be an original or certified copy; photocopies and screenshots are not accepted at the counter.
- If you do not have a document in your name yet, ask your utility company or landlord for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date.
- Bring your current Illinois driver's license or ID card along with your address proof — the DMV needs both to process the change.
- Some documents have stricter age limits than others; a utility bill can be up to 60 days old, but a lease may need to be dated within 30 days of your visit.
Utility bills and why they work best
A utility bill is the fastest document to gather because most households receive one monthly. Bring the original bill or a certified copy — a photocopy or printed email will be rejected. The bill must show your name as the account holder, your new address, and a date within the last 60 days. If you just moved and have not received a bill yet at the new address, ask your utility company to print a recent statement showing the new address, or request a letter on company letterhead confirming your account and address.
If you share an account with a spouse or family member and only their name appears on the bill, that document will not work for you. You will need a document in your own name instead. Some people in this situation ask the utility company for a second statement or letter listing both account holders, though policies vary by company.
Lease agreements and mortgage statements
A signed lease is acceptable if it shows your name, the new address, and the move-in date or a signature date within the last 30 days. Bring the original or a certified copy. If your lease is older than 30 days, the DMV may still accept it if you also bring a recent utility bill or other document showing you are actually living there now — call ahead to confirm your local office's policy.
A mortgage statement works the same way: it must show your name, the property address, and a recent date. If you are buying a home and have a signed purchase agreement but no mortgage statement yet, some DMV offices will accept the purchase agreement if it is dated within 30 days. A property tax bill from your county also counts and is often easier to obtain than a mortgage statement if you own the home outright.
Government documents and bank statements
A property tax bill from your county assessor's office is a strong choice because it is official and usually recent. Request it online through your county assessor's website or by phone; most counties mail it within a few business days. It must show your name and the new address.
Bank statements and credit card statements are accepted by some DMV offices but rejected by others, so call your local office before you bring one. If you do use a bank statement, it must be an original or certified copy, show your name and new address, and be dated within the last 60 days. Statements printed from online banking are sometimes rejected; ask whether the bank can mail you an official statement instead.
What to do if you do not have a document yet
If you moved recently and have not received a bill or statement in your name at the new address, contact your utility company, landlord, or bank and ask for a letter on official letterhead. The letter should state your name, the new address, and the date you moved in or opened the account. Some companies charge a small fee for this service; others provide it free. Request the original letter, not a photocopy or email printout.
If you are living with family or friends and the address is not yet in your name on any official document, ask the homeowner or primary leaseholder for a notarized letter confirming you live there. The letter should include your name, the address, and the date you moved in. Bring this letter along with your current driver's license. Some DMV offices will process the address change with a notarized letter; others will not, so call ahead.
Original documents versus copies
The DMV requires an original document or a certified copy — a photocopy, screenshot, or email printout will not be accepted. If you bring an original utility bill or lease, the DMV will examine it and return it to you. If you bring a certified copy, the DMV will keep it in your file.
A certified copy is a photocopy that has been stamped and signed by the issuing organization — your utility company, bank, or county office — confirming it is a true copy of the original. You can request a certified copy by mail or in person at most utility companies and government offices. If you are unsure whether your document is acceptable, call your local DMV office and describe what you have; they can tell you whether to bring the original or request a certified copy first.
Bringing your current ID and address proof together
Bring both your current Illinois driver's license or ID card and your address proof document to the DMV. The address change itself is free and takes about 10 minutes at the counter. You do not need to fill out a form in advance; the DMV clerk will process the change and issue you a new card with the updated address.
If you are changing your address at the same time you renew your license or ID, bring both your current card and your address proof. The renewal and address change will be processed together, and you will receive a new card with the new address and the new expiration date. If your current license or ID is expired, you will need to renew it rather than just change the address; bring your address proof plus any documents required for renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a printed email or screenshot of a utility bill?
No. The DMV requires an original document or a certified copy. A printed email or screenshot will be rejected. Bring the original bill in the mail, or contact your utility company and ask them to print an official statement or provide a certified copy.
What if my lease is signed but I have not moved in yet?
A lease dated in the future will not work as proof of your current address. You can change your address once you have actually moved in and have a document showing the new address and a recent date. If you have already moved in, bring the lease along with a utility bill or other document showing you are living there now.
Do I need to bring my Social Security number or birth certificate?
No. An address change requires only your current Illinois driver's license or ID card and one document proving your new address. You do not need your Social Security number, birth certificate, or any other identification.
Can my spouse's utility bill count as my address proof?
Only if your name is also on the account and appears on the bill. If only your spouse's name is on the bill, you need a document in your own name. Ask your utility company for a second statement listing both account holders, or bring a different document that shows your name and the new address.
What if I moved to an address that does not have a street number yet?
Contact your local DMV office and describe your situation. Rural addresses, new developments, and some rural mail routes use different formats. The DMV can tell you what document format they need and whether your address can be entered into their system as written.