What you need to do to update your address in Illinois
You can change your address on your Illinois driver's license in person at a Secretary of State facility, by mail, or online through the Illinois Secretary of State website. The online method is the fastest — you can update your address without leaving home, and the change takes effect when ready for most purposes. If you choose to go in person or by mail, bring or send your current driver's license along with proof of your new address.
Illinois does not require you to get a new physical license card when you change your address. The address change is recorded in the state's system, and your current card remains valid. However, if you want the new address printed on the card itself, you can request a replacement card for a fee.
The state gives you 10 days after you move to report your new address. While there is no automatic penalty for reporting late, updating promptly keeps your license and vehicle registration in sync and prevents mail from going to an old address.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the Illinois Secretary of State website are processed when ready and require no fee.
- In-person updates at a Secretary of State facility take a few minutes and require your current license and proof of your new address.
- Mail-in updates require the same documents and typically take one to two weeks to process.
- Your current license card remains valid after an address change; you do not need to get a new card unless you want the new address printed on it.
- Illinois law gives you 10 days after moving to report your new address to the Secretary of State.
Updating your address online
The online method is available through the Illinois Secretary of State's website and works if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not changed your name. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it.
Once you submit the change online, it is recorded in the state system right away. You do not receive a confirmation letter or a new card — the change is straightforward added to your record. If you need written proof that your address has been updated, you can print a confirmation page when ready after submission or contact the Secretary of State later to request one.
There is no fee for an online address change. This method works for most people and is the fastest option available.
Changing your address in person at a Secretary of State facility
You can visit any Secretary of State Driver Services facility to update your address. Bring your current Illinois driver's license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a government letter with your name and new address on it. The document should be dated within the last 60 days.
The process takes a few minutes. A clerk will verify your identity, record your new address, and update your record on the spot. You will receive a receipt showing the change has been made. Your current license card remains valid — you do not get a new one unless you request one and pay the replacement fee.
Wait times at Secretary of State facilities vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the week or early in the morning often means shorter lines. You can check current wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go.
Sending your address change by mail
You can mail your address change to the Illinois Secretary of State. Send your current driver's license and a copy of proof of your new address to the address listed on the Secretary of State website. Include a note with your new address written clearly, or use the official change of address form if you read it from the website.
Mail processing typically takes one to two weeks. During that time, your address in the state system has not yet changed, so any mail from the state will still go to your old address. Once the Secretary of State receives and processes your mailed request, your record is updated and you will receive your license back in the mail.
This method is free, but it is slower than in-person or online options. Use it only if you cannot visit a facility or access the online system.
Getting a new card with your updated address printed on it
If you want your new address printed on your physical driver's license card, you must request a replacement card. This costs a fee — the amount varies depending on how long your current license is valid for. You can request a replacement card when you update your address in person, or you can do it separately at any time after your address has been changed.
A replacement card with your new address takes about one to two weeks to arrive by mail. Your current card remains valid during this time. If you need a card with the new address sooner, you must go in person to a Secretary of State facility and request expedited processing, which may have an additional fee.
Many people do not request a replacement card. Since the address change is recorded in the state system regardless, your license works for identification and driving purposes even if the card still shows your old address. The choice depends on whether you need the card to reflect your current address for personal or professional reasons.
What counts as proof of your new address
Illinois accepts several types of documents as proof of address. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, or a government letter (such as one from the Department of Revenue or a court).
A post office change of address form does not count as proof. Neither does a letter you write yourself or a document that shows only a P.O. box. If your name on the document does not match your name on your license exactly, bring additional documents that show the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
If you do not have any of these documents, contact the Secretary of State to ask what other proof they will accept. Some facilities may work with you on a case-by-case basis.
Updating your address at the same time as other changes
If you are also changing your name, correcting information on your license, or renewing your license, you cannot do all of these online. Name changes and corrections require an in-person visit. If your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address to avoid two separate trips.
When you go in person for a name change or correction, tell the clerk that you also want to update your address. They can process both changes in one visit. If you are renewing your license, the renewal form includes a field for your current address, so the new address will be on your renewed card automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address within 10 days of moving?
Illinois law requires you to report your address change within 10 days of moving, but there is no automatic fine or penalty for reporting late. However, updating promptly keeps your license and vehicle registration aligned and ensures state mail reaches you. If you are stopped by police, having an outdated address on your license can raise questions.
What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?
If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, contact the Secretary of State to ask what temporary proof they will accept. Some facilities may accept a signed lease, a letter from your landlord, or a moving company receipt. Call ahead before you visit to confirm what documents will work in your situation.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
You cannot change your address online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must go in person to a Secretary of State facility. Bring your license and proof of your new address. The clerk can update your address even if your driving privileges are suspended.
Will my old license card still work after I change my address?
Yes. Your license card remains valid for identification and driving purposes even if the address printed on it is outdated. The Secretary of State's system shows your current address, so police and other officials can see the correct information. You only need a new card if you want the new address printed on it.
How long does it take to get a replacement card with my new address?
A replacement card typically arrives within one to two weeks of your request. Your current card stays valid during this time. If you need the new card faster, ask about expedited processing at a Secretary of State facility, though this may cost extra.