Where to change your address and what you need
You can change your address on your Illinois driver 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 you have a valid email address and your current license number. You will need to provide your new address, your driver license number, and proof of residency at the new location.
Proof of residency means a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A cell phone bill does not count. If you are changing your address within Illinois, you do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the Illinois Secretary of State website take a few minutes and cost nothing, but you must have your current license number and a valid email address.
- In-person changes at a Driver Services facility require proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
- Mail-in changes require the same proof of residency plus a completed form, and take two to three weeks to process.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you change your address online or in person.
Changing your address online
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Change Address" under the Driver License section. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask you to enter your new address.
After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not pay a fee for an online address change. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services facility
Find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services facility on the cyberdriveillinois.com website. Bring your current driver license, proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form works). You do not need to bring proof of citizenship or residency history.
Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait. The fee for an in-person address change is $5. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Changing your address by mail
read the "Change of Address" form from cyberdriveillinois.com or request one by calling the Secretary of State Driver Services line at 217-782-6900. Fill out the form with your current license number, new address, and signature. Attach a copy of your proof of residency (dated within the last 60 days) and mail the packet to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your form. Include a check or money order for $5 made payable to the Secretary of State. Your new license will be mailed to your new address once the change is processed. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
What happens if you move out of state
If you are moving out of Illinois, you do not need to update your Illinois license before you leave. However, you will need to obtain a driver license from your new state within the timeframe that state requires—usually 30 to 60 days after you establish residency. Your Illinois license remains valid for identification purposes even after you move, but you cannot legally drive with it in another state.
When you explore for your new state's license, bring your Illinois license, proof of residency in the new state, and proof of your Social Security number. Some states will waive the written test if you hold a valid out-of-state license.
Updating your address if your license is expired or suspended
You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is expired, as long as it expired fewer than five years ago. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot change the address until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take.
If you are changing your address and your license has expired more than five years ago, you will need to renew your license instead of straightforward updating your address. Renewal requires a new photo and a vision test, and you can do it online, in person, or by mail through the same Secretary of State channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license after I change my address?
If you change your address online or in person, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you change your address by mail, the entire process takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your form.
Do I need to bring my old license when I change my address in person?
Yes, bring your current driver license along with proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number. The facility staff will verify your information against the license you already have on file.
What counts as proof of residency?
Any document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address works: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A cell phone bill, credit card statement, or insurance bill does not count.
Can I change my address if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Yes, an outstanding ticket or fine does not prevent you from changing your address. However, if your license is suspended due to unpaid fines, you cannot change your address until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Secretary of State to check your license status.
What if I move and forget to change my address on my license?
Your license remains valid even if the address is outdated. However, you should update it so that official mail and court notices reach you. If you are pulled over, the officer will see your old address, which may cause confusion. Update your address as soon as you can after moving.