Where to report your address change in Illinois
In Illinois, you report an address change to the Secretary of State's office, which issues and maintains driver's licenses. You have three main routes: online through the Illinois Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. The online method is fastest and costs nothing; mail takes one to two weeks; in-person visits typically complete the same day but require a trip to a facility during business hours.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the Secretary of State treats address updates as a separate transaction. Your license itself stays valid; only the address printed on it changes. If your license is expiring within the next few months, you may want to combine the address change with a renewal to avoid two separate visits or submissions.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois Secretary of State handles address changes online, by mail, or in person at any Driver Services facility.
- Online changes cost nothing and take a few minutes, but you need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- By mail, you send a completed form and a copy of your license to the address on the Secretary of State website; processing takes one to two weeks.
- In-person visits at a Driver Services facility complete the same day and require only your current license and proof of your new address.
- You must report an address change within 10 days of moving under Illinois law, though the Secretary of State does not enforce this with penalties for most drivers.
Changing your address online
The online method requires you to visit the Illinois Secretary of State website and locate the address change option under driver's license services. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system verifies your identity using these details and processes the change when ready.
After you submit the form online, the Secretary of State mails you an updated license with your new address printed on it. This typically arrives within one to two weeks. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives; you do not need to destroy it or turn it in. If you move again before the new license arrives, you can submit another online change, though the system may flag repeated changes within a short period.
Changing your address by mail
To change your address by mail, you read or request the address change form from the Illinois Secretary of State website. The form requires your name, current license number, new address, and signature. You also need to include a photocopy of your current driver's license (front and back) and mail the packet to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. There is no fee. You do not need to include proof of your new address when you mail the form, unlike in-person visits. Once processed, your updated license is mailed to your new address. During this time, your old license remains valid for driving.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services facility
Visiting a Driver Services facility in person is the fastest way to update your address if you need the change completed the same day. You bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement typically works. The facility staff will verify the document, update your record, and issue a new license on the spot.
There is no fee for an address-only change. Facilities are located throughout Illinois; you can find the one nearest you on the Secretary of State website. Hours vary by location, but most are open weekdays during standard business hours and some offer limited Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment for an address change, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
What counts as proof of your new address
The Secretary of State accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of address for in-person visits. A current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank or credit card statement also work, provided they show your name and new address and are dated within the last 60 days.
Government-issued mail — such as a tax return, voter registration card, or court document — is also accepted. A letter from your employer or school on letterhead is not accepted. If you do not have any of these documents yet (for example, if you just moved and utilities have not been transferred to your name), ask the facility staff what temporary documents they will accept; some facilities work with recent lease agreements or move-in confirmations from landlords.
Timeline and when your new license arrives
If you change your address online or by mail, expect your new license to arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The exact timing depends on mail delivery speed and the volume of requests the Secretary of State is processing. During this waiting period, your old license with the old address is still valid for driving and identification purposes.
If you change your address in person at a Driver Services facility, you receive your new license the same day. The facility prints it on site before you leave. This is the only method that gives you an updated license when ready. If you need the address change reflected on your license right away — for example, because you are moving and need updated ID for a new job or housing — an in-person visit is your only option.
Illinois law on address change timing
Illinois law requires you to report an address change to the Secretary of State within 10 days of moving. This is a legal requirement, not just a recommendation. However, the Secretary of State does not actively enforce this important date for most drivers; there is no fine or penalty if you report the change later. The requirement exists mainly to keep government records current and to may support that traffic tickets, vehicle registration notices, and other official mail reach you.
If you receive a traffic ticket or are involved in a crash, having an outdated address on file can complicate the process. Law enforcement and courts may have difficulty reaching you, and you could miss court dates or payment important date. For this reason, it is practical to report your move promptly, even though enforcement is rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No. You must have a valid, unexpired license to change the address on it. If your license has expired, you need to renew it first. You can renew and change your address at the same time through any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person — but the renewal process is separate from the address change and may have different requirements.
Do I need to change my vehicle registration address at the same time?
No. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate documents maintained by different divisions of the Secretary of State. You must report your new address for both, but you can do them at different times. However, it is practical to update both together to avoid confusion and to may support all your official records match.
What if I move again before my new license arrives?
You can submit another address change. If you changed your address online or by mail and move again before the new license arrives, submit a second change with your current address. The system will process the second change, and the license that eventually arrives will have your most recent address. If you move multiple times in a short period, contact a Driver Services facility to confirm the system has your correct current address.
Is there a fee to change my address on my driver's license?
No. Changing your address on your Illinois driver's license is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your license at the same time or if you need a replacement license due to damage or loss.
Can someone else change my address for me?
No. The Secretary of State requires the license holder to request the address change themselves. You cannot authorize someone else to change your address online or by mail. If you are unable to visit a facility in person, your only option is to submit the change online or by mail yourself using your own license number and Social Security number.