You can change your Illinois driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility

The fastest way is online through the Illinois Secretary of State website if your license is current and you have not changed your name. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you cannot use the online method — because your license is expired, suspended, or you need to change your name at the same time — you will need to visit a facility in person or mail in a form.

Illinois does not have a strict important date to update your address, but driving with an outdated address on your license can create problems if you are stopped by police or need to use your license as proof of residency for banking, voting, or housing. Most people update within a few weeks of moving.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method works only if your license is valid and you are not changing your name; it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.
  • If your license is expired or suspended, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person or mail in Form DL 505 with supporting documents.
  • In-person visits at a facility usually take 30 minutes to an hour, and you will need your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Mailing in your request takes two to four weeks for processing, plus mail time in both directions.
  • You do not need to take a new photo or retake a test to change your address only.

Changing your address online through the Secretary of State website

Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Change of Address" under the driver's license options. You will need your current Illinois driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.

Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of residency document — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works best. The system will confirm your new address and show you a summary before you submit. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Your updated license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you do not need to do anything else.

This method is not available if your license expired more than one year ago, if your license is suspended or revoked, or if you are changing your name. In those cases, move to the in-person or mail method below.

Visiting a Secretary of State facility in person

Find your nearest facility at cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index/public_services/locations. Bring your current Illinois driver's license and one document proving your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a current license, bring your expired license plus a second form of ID such as a passport or state ID card.

Walk in during business hours; most facilities do not take appointments for address changes. Wait times vary by location and time of day — early mornings and weekday afternoons are usually shorter. Tell the clerk you need to change your address. They will verify your documents, take a new photo if required by your license type, and process the change on the spot. Your updated license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license is expired by more than one year or suspended, the clerk may require you to pass a vision test or written test before processing the address change. Ask when you arrive whether you need to bring anything else.

Mailing in your address change using Form DL 505

read Form DL 505 (Change of Address) from cyberdriveillinois.com or call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to request it by mail. Fill out the form with your name, current license number, and new address. Sign and date it.

Include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and one document proving your new address dated within the last 60 days. Mail everything to:

Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department 501 South Spring Street Springfield, IL 62794

Processing takes two to four weeks after the Secretary of State receives your envelope, plus mail time in both directions. You will receive your updated license by mail. If you need to know whether your request arrived, call 217-782-6900 and provide your license number.

What documents count as proof of your new address

Your proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and new street address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, insurance documents, or government mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card.

A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of address. If you are living with someone else and do not have a document in your name, ask the person whose name is on the bill to write a signed letter on the back stating that you live at that address. Some facilities accept this, though it is not may provide — call ahead to confirm.

What happens if your license is expired or suspended

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still change your address using any of the three methods above. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew your license at the same time you change your address. This requires an in-person visit to a Secretary of State facility, a vision test, and a new photo. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot change your address until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to find out the status of your license and what you need to do to restore it.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change

If you change your address online or in person, your updated license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you mail in Form DL 505, add two to four weeks for processing plus mail time. During this period, your old license is still valid; you do not need a temporary document.

Your new license will have the same number, expiration date, and restrictions as your old one — only the address changes. If you do not receive your updated license within the timeframe, call 217-782-6900 with your license number and the date you submitted your change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I moved out of state?

Yes, you should update your address even if you moved out of state, because your Illinois license remains valid for identification purposes. However, if you plan to live in your new state permanently, you will eventually need to get a driver's license from that state. Check your new state's requirements — most require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving.

Can I change my address if my license is lost or stolen?

No. If your license is lost or stolen, you must report it to the Secretary of State and request a replacement license before you can change the address. Call 217-782-6900 or visit a facility in person to report it and start the replacement process.

What if I moved but do not have a document proving my new address?

You can ask the person whose name is on a utility bill or lease to write a signed letter on the back confirming you live there. Some facilities accept this, but policies vary. Call your nearest Secretary of State facility ahead of time to ask whether they will accept a signed letter instead of a document in your name.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Changing your address does not affect your driving record. Your insurance company may update your policy automatically if they receive notice from the Secretary of State, but you should contact your insurer directly to confirm your new address is on file.

How much does it cost to change my address?

There is no fee to change your address on your Illinois driver's license, whether you do it online, in person, or by mail.