Where to change your address and what you'll need
You can change your address on your Illinois driver's license at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility, online through the Illinois Secretary of State website, or by mail. The online option is fastest if your license is current and you're only updating your address — you won't need to visit an office or wait in line.
Before you start, gather your new address and your driver's license number. If you're changing your address online, you'll also need a valid payment method, since the Secretary of State charges a fee for the address change. If you're going in person or by mail, bring your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
The address change itself does not require you to renew your license early or get a new photo taken, so you won't need to provide new documents like proof of residency or citizenship unless your license is expiring soon anyway.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online, in person at a Driver Services facility, or by mail — online is the fastest option if your license is current.
- You'll need your driver's license number and proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) for in-person or mail requests.
- The Secretary of State charges a fee for an address change; the amount depends on whether you're renewing at the same time.
- Your license photo and expiration date do not change when you update your address, so you won't need to visit an office unless you prefer to.
Changing your address online
Visit the Illinois Secretary of State website and look for the "Online Services" section. Select the option to change your address on your driver's license. You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to verify your identity.
After verification, enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license. Review the information carefully — the address you submit is what will be printed if you request a replacement license later. Pay the fee using a credit or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready, and your address change takes effect right away in the Secretary of State's system.
The online process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it or request a replacement, but law enforcement and government agencies can see your updated address in their systems.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services facility
Locate your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services facility using the office locator on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work as long as they're dated within the last 60 days.
Walk in during regular business hours or check whether your location accepts appointments. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines. Tell the clerk you need to change your address. They'll verify your identity, confirm your new address, process the fee, and update your record on the spot.
Your address change is effective when ready. Like the online method, your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew or request a replacement card.
Changing your address by mail
read the "Change of Address" form from the Illinois Secretary of State website, or call the Driver Services phone line to request one be mailed to you. Fill out the form with your current license number, new address, and signature. Attach a copy of one document proving your new address — again, a utility bill, lease, or similar document dated within 60 days.
Mail the completed form and proof of address to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the fee payable to the "Secretary of State." Do not send cash. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope, so mail early if you need the change reflected quickly.
You'll receive a confirmation in the mail once your address has been updated. Your physical license will still show your old address, but your record in the system will be current.
What happens if your license is expiring soon
If your license expires within the next few months, you have two choices: change your address now using any of the three methods above, or wait and renew your license at the same time you change your address. Renewing and changing your address together means you'll get a new license card with your updated address printed on it, but you'll also pay the renewal fee plus the address change fee.
If you change your address now and then renew later, you'll pay two separate fees but your address will be current in the system when ready. Most people find it simpler to handle the address change right away and renew when the license actually expires, rather than paying both fees at once.
Fees and processing times
The fee for an address change alone is typically $5 to $10, depending on your license type and whether you're also requesting a replacement card. If you're renewing your license at the same time, you'll pay the renewal fee plus the address change fee. The Secretary of State website lists current fees by license type.
Processing times depend on your method: online changes are when ready, in-person changes take a few minutes, and mail takes two to four weeks. If you need your address updated urgently — for example, because you're moving and need to update it before a traffic stop — the online or in-person method is your best option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address on my license if I just moved?
Illinois law requires you to notify the Secretary of State of an address change within 10 days of moving. Changing your address on your license is the standard way to do this. If you don't update it, you may receive tickets or other official mail at your old address, and law enforcement will see outdated information if they run your license.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
You can still change your address in the system, but you cannot renew or request a replacement license card while your license is suspended or revoked. Contact the Secretary of State to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it before requesting a new card.
What if I don't have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?
The Secretary of State accepts several documents as proof of address: utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance policies, or government mail addressed to you. If you have none of these, contact your local Driver Services facility to ask what alternative documents they can accept.
Will my license photo change when I update my address?
No. Your photo, expiration date, and all other information on your license card stay the same. Only your address record is updated. If you want a new photo or a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you'll need to request a replacement license and pay that fee separately.
How long does it take to see my new address in the system?
Online and in-person changes are when ready — your address is updated in the Secretary of State's system right away. Mail changes take two to four weeks from the date your envelope arrives. Law enforcement and government agencies can see your updated address once it's in the system, even if your physical license card still shows the old address.