You can change your address on your Illinois driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility
Illinois offers three routes to update the address on your driver's license or ID card. The online method through the Secretary of State's website is the fastest for most people — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a form to the Secretary of State's office or visit a Driver Services facility in person. Each method has different timing and document requirements.
Your address change becomes official once the Secretary of State processes it. You do not need to surrender your current license or card unless you are also renewing it. If you move and do not update your address, your license remains valid, but law enforcement and the Secretary of State's records will show your old address.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through cyberdriveillinois.com takes about 10 minutes and is free, but you need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- By mail, you send a completed form DL 505 with proof of your new address to the Secretary of State; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person visits at any Driver Services facility process when ready, but you must bring your current license and proof of your new address.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days.
Changing your address online through the Secretary of State website
Visit cyberdriveillinois.com and select the option to change your address. You will need your current Illinois driver's license or ID card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm your identity through a few security questions based on your driving record.
Once you submit the change online, the Secretary of State processes it within one to two business days. You do not pay a fee. Your license itself does not change — the address update is recorded in the state's system. If you need a physical card with your new address printed on it, you would need to renew your license separately, which does involve a fee.
Mailing a form to update your address
read or request form DL 505 (Address Change) from the Secretary of State's website or by calling the Driver Services customer line at 217-782-6900. Fill out the form with your name, current license number, and new address. You must also include proof that you live at the new address.
Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail (such as a tax form or voter registration card) dated within the last 30 days. Mail the completed form and proof to the address listed on the form — currently the Secretary of State's office in Springfield. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives it. There is no fee for an address change by mail.
Updating your address in person at a Driver Services facility
Visit any Driver Services facility in Illinois with your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Bring the same types of proof accepted by mail: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days. You do not need to fill out a form in advance — staff will process the change on the spot.
The address change is recorded when ready, and you walk out with your record updated. There is no fee. You can find the nearest facility and its hours on the Secretary of State's website. Some facilities are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday typically means shorter wait times.
What counts as proof of your new address
The Secretary of State accepts documents dated within the last 30 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, and property tax bills also work. Government mail counts too — examples include tax forms, voter registration cards, or correspondence from a state or federal agency.
Documents that do not count include bank statements, credit card statements, insurance policies, or mail from private companies. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. Some facilities will accept this if it is dated within 30 days.
Timing and what to expect after you submit your change
Online changes process within one to two business days. Mail takes two to three weeks from receipt. In-person changes are when ready. Once your address is updated in the Secretary of State's system, it appears in law enforcement records and on any documents the state issues to you going forward.
If you renew your license after changing your address, your new address will print on the renewed card automatically. If you do not renew, your physical card still shows the old address, but the state's records show the new one. This can cause confusion if you are pulled over or need to prove your address, so many people choose to renew at the same time they move, even if their license is not yet expiring.
Changing your address if you also need to renew your license
If your license is expiring soon or has already expired, you can renew and change your address at the same time. The renewal process includes an address update step. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, depending on how long your license has been expired and whether you need a new photo.
Renewing online through cyberdriveillinois.com is available if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need a new photo. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $5 for a standard license. If your license expired more than two years ago or you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services facility. Address changes are included in the renewal fee — there is no separate charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get a new physical card if I change my address?
No. Your address change is recorded in the state system when ready, and that is what law enforcement and government agencies see. Your physical card does not need to be replaced unless you renew your license. If you want a card with your new address printed on it before your renewal date, you would need to renew early, which involves paying the renewal fee.
What if I move before my new license arrives in the mail?
Update your address with the Secretary of State as soon as you know your new address. If you applied for a renewal by mail and then moved, contact the Driver Services customer line at 217-782-6900 to let them know your new address so your card is mailed to the right place.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes. Address changes are separate from license status. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person regardless of whether your license is suspended or revoked. However, you cannot renew a suspended or revoked license until the suspension or revocation is lifted.
How long does an address change stay in the system?
Your address change is permanent until you change it again. If you move multiple times, you update your address each time. There is no limit to how many times you can change your address, and each change is free.
What if the Secretary of State's website is down or I cannot access it online?
Use the mail or in-person method instead. Both are reliable alternatives and do not require internet access. The mail method takes longer but works if you prefer not to visit a facility or if the website is unavailable.