You can change your Illinois driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility
The Illinois Secretary of State lets you update your address without renewing your license. The fastest route is the online system at cyberdriveillinois.com, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the website, you can mail a form or visit a Driver Services facility in person. Your new address will appear on your license when ready if you use the online method, or within one to two weeks if you mail the form.
You do not need a new photo or a new license number. The address change updates your existing license record. However, if your license is expiring within the next 30 days, the Secretary of State will require you to renew it instead of just changing the address — renewal and address change happen together in that case.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change at cyberdriveillinois.com is free and takes about 10 minutes, with no appointment needed.
- You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to use the online system.
- If your license expires within 30 days, you must renew it instead of changing the address alone; renewal costs $5 for a two-year license or $10 for a four-year license.
- Mailing a form takes one to two weeks but requires no internet access; the form is DL 127 and is free to request from the Secretary of State.
- In-person visits at a Driver Services facility do not require an appointment and are processed the same day, but wait times vary by location.
Changing your address online through the Secretary of State website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Online Services" from the main menu. Choose "Change of Address" under the driver's license section. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current record and let you enter your new address.
After you submit, the system will show you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions later. Your address change takes effect when ready in the Secretary of State's system. You do not receive a new physical license in the mail; your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the official record is updated.
The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is no fee. If the system tells you that you cannot change your address online — for example, because your license is expiring soon — it will explain why and tell you what to do instead.
Mailing a change-of-address form to the Secretary of State
Request form DL 127 (Change of Address) from the Secretary of State by calling 217-782-6900 or by visiting any Driver Services facility. You can also read it from cyberdriveillinois.com. Fill in your current driver's license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address printed on the form — currently the Secretary of State's office in Springfield, though you should verify the current mailing address on the form itself.
Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your form. There is no fee. Like the online method, you will not receive a new license; your official record is updated but the physical license you carry still shows the old address. Keep your confirmation number or a copy of the mailed form in case you need to follow up.
This method works if you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online system. It is also the only option if you are changing your address from outside the United States.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services facility
Visit any Secretary of State Driver Services facility with your current driver's 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. No appointment is needed. Tell the clerk you want to change your address, and they will update your record on the spot.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Busier facilities may have a 30-minute to one-hour wait, while smaller offices may process you in 10 minutes. The address change is free. Like the other methods, you keep your current license and do not receive a new one.
In-person visits are useful if you want the change completed the same day, if you are unsure whether you are may be able to access for an online change, or if you need to handle other license matters at the same time. The Secretary of State's website lists all Driver Services facility locations, hours, and current wait times.
What happens if your license is expiring soon
If your license expires within 30 days, you cannot change the address alone. Instead, you must renew your license, which includes the address change. Renewal costs $5 for a two-year license or $10 for a four-year license. You can renew online at cyberdriveillinois.com, by mail, or in person.
When you renew, you will be asked for your new address as part of the renewal process. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks and will show both your updated address and a new expiration date. If you renew online, you can choose to keep your current photo or submit a new one.
Proof of address requirements for in-person changes
If you change your address in person, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, insurance policy, or government mail. The document must have your name and the new address printed on it.
If you do not have a document in your name, some facilities will accept a document in a spouse's or household member's name plus a signed statement from you confirming you live at that address. Call ahead to the facility you plan to visit to confirm what they will accept, since policies can vary slightly by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new license card when I change my address?
No. Your current license remains valid. The address on the physical card will not change, but your official record with the Secretary of State is updated. If you want a new card with the updated address printed on it, you must renew your license, which costs $5 to $10 depending on the term you choose.
How long does it take to see the address change in the system?
Online changes take effect when ready. Mailed forms take one to two weeks. In-person changes are processed the same day. If you need proof of the change before your new license arrives, you can print a copy of your online confirmation or ask for a receipt at the Driver Services facility.
Can I change my address if I moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Illinois, you should get a driver's license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still an Illinois resident, you can mail form DL 127 from anywhere. Call 217-782-6900 to confirm the current mailing address.
What if I lost my driver's license number?
You cannot use the online system without your license number. Instead, mail form DL 127 or visit a Driver Services facility in person with your current license or another form of ID. The facility can look up your number and process the change.
Is there a fee to change my address?
No. Address changes are free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if your license is expiring and you choose to renew at the same time.