You can change your 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 early. The fastest way is online through the Secretary of State website if your license is valid and you have not changed your name. If you cannot use the online system — because your license is expired, suspended, or you changed your name — you can mail in a form or visit a driver services facility in person.
You do not need to pay a fee to change your address. The new address will appear on your license the next time you renew it, or you can request a replacement card with the updated address for a small fee if you need it sooner.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change tool on the Secretary of State website works only if your license is currently valid and your name has not changed.
- If you mail in your change, you will need to complete the process for Duplicate License form (DL 953) and send it with a proof of residency document to the address listed on the form.
- Visiting a driver services facility in person works for any situation and usually takes less than an hour, though wait times vary by location.
- Your address change is free, but ordering a replacement card with your new address costs money and is optional.
- The Secretary of State processes address changes within two to four weeks when you mail the form, or when ready if you use the online system.
Changing your address online through the Secretary of State website
Go to the Illinois Secretary of State website and look for the "Online Services" section. You will find a tool labeled "Change of Address" or "Update Address." You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.
The online system only works if your current license is valid (not expired or suspended) and you have not changed your name since you got it. If either of those things is not true, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead. Once you enter your new address and submit it, the change takes effect when ready in the Secretary of State's system.
Mailing in an address change form
read or request the process for Duplicate License form, also called the DL 953. You can get this form from the Secretary of State website or by calling the driver services phone line. Fill in your new address on the form, sign it, and include one document that proves you live at that address.
Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and new address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Mail the completed form and your proof of residency to the address listed on the form — this address changes depending on which region of Illinois you live in, so check the form before you mail it.
Processing takes two to four weeks. You do not need to include your physical license or any payment. Your address will update in the system, and the change will show on your license when you renew it.
Visiting a driver services facility in person
Find your nearest Secretary of State driver services facility on the Illinois Secretary of State website. You can search by city or ZIP code. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address — the same documents that work for mail (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
Walk-ins are accepted at most facilities, though you can also schedule an appointment online if your location offers it. Processing at the facility is when ready — your address updates right away. If you want a replacement card printed with your new address, you can order it there for a fee, though this is optional.
What counts as proof of your new address
The Secretary of State accepts documents that show your name and your new address and were issued within the last 60 days. These include:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
- Lease agreement or rental agreement
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Bank or credit card statement
- Insurance policy or insurance bill
- Government mail (tax return, voter registration, court document)
The document must have your full name on it and must match the address you are entering into the system. If you recently moved and do not have a document yet, a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord with your name and new address can work — ask the facility or call the driver services line to confirm before you visit.
When you cannot use the online system
The online address change tool will not work if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. It also will not work if you changed your name since you got your license. In these situations, you must either mail the DL 953 form or visit a driver services facility in person.
If your license is expired, you will need to renew it at the same time you change your address. If your license is suspended or revoked, contact the Secretary of State to understand what you need to do before you can update your address — some suspensions require you to complete a step (like paying a fine or completing a course) before the address can be changed.
Ordering a replacement card with your new address
Changing your address does not automatically send you a new card — your current card remains valid, and the address change will appear on your license when you renew it at your next renewal date. If you need a card with your new address sooner, you can order a replacement card for a fee (the amount varies but is typically under $20).
You can order a replacement card online through the Secretary of State website, by mail using the DL 953 form, or in person at a driver services facility. The replacement card takes about two weeks to arrive by mail if you order it online or by mail, or you can sometimes get a temporary paper license at a facility if you visit in person.
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 your new address within a reasonable time after you move. There is no specific important date, but updating it promptly is important because your license is a form of identification and your address should be current. If you are stopped by police, an outdated address can cause confusion.
What if I do not have a document that proves my new address?
If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or other official document yet, a signed letter from your landlord or property manager stating your name and new address may work. Call the driver services line or visit a facility to ask what they will accept in your situation before you make the trip.
How long does it take to change my address?
Online changes take effect when ready. Mailed forms take two to four weeks. In-person visits at a driver services facility are processed right away, though you may wait in line depending on how busy the facility is.
Will I get a new card with my new address automatically?
No. Your current card stays valid, and your address will update when you renew your license at your next renewal date. If you need a card with your new address before then, you can order a replacement card for a fee.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
You cannot use the online system if your license is expired. You can mail the DL 953 form or visit a driver services facility in person. If your license is expired, you may need to renew it at the same time, depending on how long it has been expired — ask the facility or call the driver services line.