Change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility
You can update your address on your Illinois driver's license without renewing the license itself. The fastest method is online through the Secretary of State website if you have a valid email address and your current license number. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail in a form or visit a Driver Services facility in person. All three routes take different amounts of time, and which one works best depends on when you need the change to take effect.
Illinois does not charge a fee to change your address. You will not receive a new physical card in the mail unless you choose to renew your license at the same time, so your current card remains valid even after the address updates in the system.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through cyberdriveillinois.com takes minutes and updates your record when ready, but requires you to have your current license number and a valid email address.
- Mailing in the Address Change form (DL 127) takes one to two weeks and requires a copy of your current license and proof of your new address.
- Visiting a Driver Services facility in person takes about 30 minutes and updates your address the same day, but you will need to bring your current license and an address verification document.
- Your physical license card does not change when you update your address unless you renew your license, so the old address will still appear on the card itself.
- The Secretary of State's system updates within one business day for online changes and within one to two weeks for mail submissions.
Changing your address online through the Secretary of State website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Online Services" from the main menu. Look for the option labeled "Change of Address" under the driver's license section. You will need your current Illinois driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.
Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear in the system. Double-check the spelling and zip code before submitting, because the system will not ask you to confirm. Once you submit, you will receive an email confirmation. Your address updates in the Secretary of State's database within one business day, though you may not see the change reflected in your physical card until you renew your license.
This method works only if you have access to the email address you provided when you got your current license. If you no longer have access to that email or cannot remember your license number, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mailing in an address change form
read or request the Address Change form (DL 127) from the Secretary of State website or call 217-782-6900 to have one mailed to you. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Make a copy of the front and back of your current driver's license and include it with the form.
You must also include proof that you live at your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The name on the proof document must match the name on your license.
Mail the completed form, your license copies, and your address proof to the address listed on the form (typically the Secretary of State's office in Springfield). Processing takes one to two weeks from the date they receive your submission. You will not receive a confirmation letter, but your address will update in the system once processed.
Updating your address in person at a Driver Services facility
Find your nearest Driver Services facility on the Secretary of State website and check their hours before you go. Bring your current Illinois driver's license and one document that proves your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Tell the staff member at the counter that you need to change your address. They will verify your identity, update your record in the system, and print a confirmation. Your address updates when ready in the Secretary of State's database. Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but the official record reflects your new address right away.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter lines than afternoons or weekends. Some facilities allow you to check wait times online before you arrive.
What counts as proof of your new address
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, property tax bills, and bank or credit card statements also work.
The name on the document must match exactly the name on your driver's license. If you recently married or changed your name, update your license name first before changing your address, or bring both your old and new legal documents to explain the difference. Government-issued ID, a passport, or a court order showing the name change will help clarify the situation.
Documents from your employer, school, or a PO box do not count as address proof. If you are homeless or do not have a document in your name, contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to discuss other options.
When your address change takes effect in different systems
The Secretary of State updates your address in the state's driver's license database within one business day for online changes and one to two weeks for mail submissions. However, other agencies and organizations may not see your new address when ready. Your voter registration, vehicle registration, and insurance company records are separate systems that do not automatically update.
If you registered to vote at your old address, you will need to update that separately through your county clerk's office or at your polling place. If you own a vehicle, update your registration address with the Secretary of State's Vehicle Services division. Contact your insurance company directly to update your policy address.
Law enforcement and courts can see your updated address in the state system once it processes, so there is no delay for those purposes. If you are involved in a traffic stop or court case, the officer or court will see your current address on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new physical license card when I change my address?
No. Your current license card remains valid and continues to show your old address. You only receive a new card if you renew your license. If you want a card that shows your new address, you can renew your license at the same time you change your address, but that costs the standard renewal fee and requires a new photo.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. You can change your address on an expired license through any of the three methods. However, if your license has been expired for more than a year, you may need to renew it instead of just changing the address. Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to confirm whether your license can be updated or must be renewed.
What if I moved out of state but still have an Illinois license?
You can change your address to an out-of-state address through the online method or by mail. However, Illinois law requires you to get a driver's license from your new state within a certain timeframe after moving. Check your new state's requirements, as most states require you to obtain a license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online submission takes a few minutes to complete. Your address updates in the Secretary of State's system within one business day. You will receive an email confirmation when ready after you submit the form.
What if the Secretary of State's website is down or I cannot log in?
Use the mail or in-person method instead. If you are having trouble logging in online, call 217-782-6900 and ask whether the system is temporarily unavailable. The phone line can also help you reset your login information if you have forgotten your license number or cannot access your email.