Documents required to change your address at the Illinois DMV

To change your address with the Illinois DMV, you need two things: proof of your identity and proof of your new address. You do not need to visit an office in person — the Illinois DMV lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person, and the documents you bring depend on which method you choose.

The fastest route is online through the Illinois Secretary of State website. If you go online, you will not need to submit physical documents at all — you will log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, then enter your new address. The system verifies your identity electronically. If you prefer to mail or visit in person, you will need to bring originals or certified copies of documents that prove who you are and where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes require no documents — you log in with your driver's license number and update your address directly on the Illinois Secretary of State website.
  • By mail or in person, you need one form of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement).
  • Address documents must show your name and current address, and utility bills must be dated within the last 60 days.
  • Mail-in changes take two to three weeks; in-person changes are processed the same day at any DMV facility.
  • You can change your address for free using any method — there is no fee.

Identity documents the DMV will accept

The Illinois DMV accepts a limited list of documents to prove who you are. Your current Illinois driver's license is the easiest option — bring the physical card. If you do not have a driver's license, bring your Illinois state ID card, a U.S. passport, or a passport card. These are the only identity documents the DMV will take for an address change.

Your document must not be expired. If your driver's license or state ID expired more than a year ago, the DMV will not accept it as proof of identity for this transaction. A passport or passport card can be expired and still work, but bring it anyway — the DMV staff will tell you on the spot if there is a problem.

Address documents the DMV will accept

To prove your new address, bring one document that shows your name and your current street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone) is the most common choice. The bill must be dated within the last 60 days and show both your name and the address where you are moving. A cell phone bill counts as a utility bill for this purpose.

If you do not have a recent utility bill, the DMV will also accept a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document (such as a tax return or voter registration card) that shows your name and new address. Lease agreements do not have a date requirement — an old lease is fine as long as it shows your current address. Bank statements and credit card statements must be dated within the last 60 days.

Bring the original document or a certified copy. A photocopy is not acceptable. If your document is a printed email or online statement, print it directly from the source — do not take a screenshot.

What to do if you are changing your address online

Go to the Illinois Secretary of State website and find the "Online Services" section. Look for the option to change your address on your driver's license or state ID. You will need your driver's license number, your date of birth, and your new address. The system will ask you to create or log into an account.

Once you submit your new address online, it takes effect when ready in the DMV system. You will receive a confirmation email. Your physical driver's license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but your official DMV record will be updated right away. If you need proof of your new address before your next renewal, you can print the confirmation email.

What to do if you are changing your address by mail

read the "Change of Address" form from the Illinois Secretary of State website, or call the DMV at 217-782-6900 and ask them to mail it to you. Fill out the form with your current driver's license number, your new address, and your signature. Attach a copy of your identity document and a copy of your address document (both originals or certified copies).

Mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the form — this is usually the Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Department, in Springfield. Include a note with your phone number or email so the DMV can contact you if there is a problem. The DMV will process your change within two to three weeks and mail you a confirmation. Do not expect a new driver's license card — your physical card will still show your old address until you renew it.

What to do if you are changing your address in person

Visit any Illinois DMV facility with your identity document and your address document. Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. Tell the staff member at the counter that you want to change your address. They will update your record on the spot and give you a receipt showing your new address.

Your physical driver's license will still show your old address, but your official record is updated when ready. If you need proof of your new address before your next renewal, the receipt from the DMV is acceptable proof in most situations. To find the DMV facility nearest you, use the location finder on the Illinois Secretary of State website.

Timeline and what happens next

Online changes are when ready. By mail, expect two to three weeks. In person, you walk out with your record updated the same day. None of these methods will change the address printed on your physical driver's license card — that only changes when you renew your license.

Your new address will show up in the DMV system right away, so if you get pulled over or need to show your DMV record, the officer or official will see your current address. Vehicle registration, voter registration, and other government records are separate — you will need to update those with their own agencies if you want your address changed there too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if my driver's license is expired?

Yes. An expired driver's license still works as proof of identity for an address change. You can update your address without renewing your license first. However, if your license expired more than a year ago, bring a passport or state ID instead — the DMV may not accept a very old expired license.

What if I do not have any of the address documents the DMV listed?

Call the DMV at 217-782-6900 and describe what documents you do have. They may accept something not on the standard list if it clearly shows your name and new address. Bring what you have to an in-person appointment and ask — the staff can tell you on the spot whether it will work.

Do I need to change my address with the DMV if I already changed it with the post office?

No, these are separate systems. The post office forwards your mail; the DMV updates your official driver's license record. You need to do both if you want your mail forwarded and your DMV record current. Changing one does not change the other.

How long does my address document have to be recent?

Utility bills, bank statements, and credit card statements must be dated within the last 60 days. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, and property tax bills do not have a date requirement — older documents are fine as long as they show your current address.

Will I get a new driver's license card with my new address on it?

Not when ready. Your physical card will still show your old address until you renew your license. Your official DMV record will show your new address right away, which is what matters for legal purposes. When you renew your license, the new card will have your current address printed on it.