You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility
Illinois lets you update your driver's license address through three routes: the online system (fastest, if your license is current), mail (takes 7 to 10 business days after receipt), or in person at any Secretary of State office (same-day processing). You do not need to renew your license to change the address — it stays valid at your old address until it expires, but the Secretary of State records your new one when ready.
The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you have moved out of state, and how quickly you need the change recorded. Most people use the online option because it takes minutes and costs nothing.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes work only if your Illinois driver's license has not expired and you have not moved out of state.
- Mail-in changes require a completed form, proof of residency, and your current license, and take about two weeks total.
- In-person changes at a Secretary of State office are processed the same day and require proof of residency and your current license.
- Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
- You do not pay a fee to change your address on a valid license, but you will pay a renewal fee if your license has expired.
Changing your address online through the Secretary of State website
The online method is the fastest route if your license is current. Go to sos.illinois.gov, find the "Driver Services" section, and look for the address change option. You will enter your driver's license number, last name, and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will then ask for your new address and confirm your email.
The change is recorded when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email. Your physical license card keeps your old address printed on it, but the Secretary of State's records show the new one. You do not receive a new card unless you pay for a duplicate or your license is due for renewal.
This method does not work if your license has expired, if you have moved out of state, or if your name has changed since you got your license. In those cases, use the mail or in-person route instead.
Changing your address by mail
To change your address by mail, read or request the process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card (form DL 953) from the Secretary of State website. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Do not send your physical license — the Secretary of State will not return it.
Include one document proving your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail (such as a tax document or court notice) dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the proof document must match your license.
Mail the completed form and proof to the address listed on the form — this varies by region. Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State receives your envelope. You will not receive a new card; your records will straightforward be updated.
Changing your address in person at a Secretary of State office
Walk into any Secretary of State Driver Services facility with your current license and one document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days). Tell the clerk you want to change your address. There is no form to fill out beforehand — the clerk will handle the paperwork at the counter.
The change is recorded on the spot. You will not receive a new physical card unless you pay a duplicate fee (currently $5). Your old card remains valid; only the address in the state's system changes.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Busier offices (such as those in Chicago) may have longer lines during lunch hours and late afternoon. Going early in the morning or on a weekday morning typically means shorter waits.
What counts as proof of residency
The Secretary of State accepts documents dated within the last 60 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 bank statements also work. Some government mail — such as a property tax bill, court notice, or voter registration card — is accepted if it shows your address.
Documents that do not work include credit card statements, insurance policies, or mail from employers. Your name must match exactly as it appears on your license. If you recently married or legally changed your name, you will need to update your license name first before changing the address.
If you do not have a document in your name at your new address (for example, you just moved in with family and utilities are in someone else's name), ask the Secretary of State office what alternatives they accept. Some offices will take a notarized letter from the property owner or a lease with a co-signer.
When your license has expired or you have moved out of state
If your Illinois license has expired, you cannot use the online method. You must renew your license and change the address at the same time. This requires an in-person visit to a Secretary of State office and costs the renewal fee (currently $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, depending on your age). You will receive a new physical card with your new address printed on it.
If you have moved out of state, the online system will reject your request. You can still change the address on file by mail or in person, but you cannot renew an Illinois license if you are now a resident of another state. If you need a valid Illinois license, you will have to move back to Illinois or surrender it.
Timeline and what to expect after you change your address
Online changes take effect when ready. Mail-in changes take 7 to 10 business days after receipt, plus mail delivery time (typically 3 to 5 days each way). In-person changes are recorded the same day you visit.
After your address is changed, the Secretary of State will use the new address for any future correspondence, such as renewal notices. Your old physical license card remains valid and legal to use; you do not need to carry proof of your address change. However, if you are pulled over by police, your license will show your old address, which may prompt questions. Carrying the proof-of-residency document you used to make the change can help clarify the situation.
If you are changing your address because you moved for work or school, update your address as soon as possible. Some employers and schools require a current address on file, and voter registration, vehicle registration, and insurance policies may also need updating separately — the driver's license address change does not automatically update those records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my driver's license when I move?
Illinois law requires you to notify the Secretary of State of a new address within a reasonable time after moving. There is no specific important date, but doing it within 30 days is standard practice. Driving with an outdated address is not illegal, but it can cause problems with traffic stops, vehicle registration, and insurance claims.
Can I change my address online if my license expires in less than a month?
Yes, the online system does not check your expiration date — only whether your license is currently valid. If your license has not yet expired, you can change the address online. When your license does expire, you will renew it at your new address.
What if my name on the proof document does not match my license exactly?
The Secretary of State requires an exact match. If you recently married, divorced, or legally changed your name, update your license name first at a Secretary of State office, then change your address. Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
How long does it take to receive a new card if I pay for a duplicate?
If you pay the $5 duplicate fee at a Secretary of State office, you receive the new card on the spot with your current address printed on it. If you order a duplicate by mail, it takes 7 to 10 business days after processing.
Will changing my address on my driver's license update my voter registration?
No. Your driver's license address and voter registration are separate records. You must update your voter registration separately through your county clerk's office or through the Illinois State Board of Elections website. The same applies to vehicle registration and insurance — those require separate updates.