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 the fastest if you have a valid email address and your current license number. You'll need to provide your new address, your driver's license number, and proof of residency at the new address.
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, property tax bill, or bank statement. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You do not need to bring your physical license to change your address online or by mail — the Secretary of State can update their records with just the information you provide.
If you go in person to a Driver Services facility, bring your current license and one proof of residency document. You can find the nearest facility and check hours on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the Illinois Secretary of State website are the fastest option and require only your license number, new address, and an email address.
- Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show both your name and new address — utility bills, leases, and bank statements all work.
- An in-person visit to any Driver Services facility takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires your current license and one proof of residency document.
- Mailing in a change-of-address request takes longer but works if you cannot visit a facility or use the online system.
Changing Your Address Online
The online method is available through the Illinois Secretary of State's official website. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. Then you provide your new address and confirm your email address. The system will send you a confirmation email, and your address change takes effect when ready in the Secretary of State's records.
You do not receive a new physical license card when you change your address online. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it until it expires or you renew it. When you renew your license — either online or in person — the new card will show your current address. If you need the new address to appear on your card before renewal, you must visit a Driver Services facility in person and request a replacement card, which costs a small fee.
Changing Your Address In Person at a Driver Services Facility
Walk into any Secretary of State Driver Services facility with your current license and proof of residency. Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will verify your identity using your license, check your proof of residency, and update your record on the spot. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
If you want a new physical license card printed with your updated address, you can request one at the same visit. This costs between $5 and $10 depending on the type of license you hold. The new card is printed while you wait and you leave with it the same day. If you do not request a replacement card, your address is updated in the system but your old card remains valid and will still show the previous address.
Changing Your Address by Mail
You can mail a change-of-address request to the Illinois Secretary of State. Write a letter that includes your full name, current driver's license number, date of birth, old address, new address, and your phone number. Attach a copy of your proof of residency — do not send the original document. Mail the letter and copy to the address listed on the Illinois Secretary of State website under Driver Services.
Processing by mail takes two to four weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter unless there is a problem with your request. To check whether your address has been updated, you can call the Secretary of State Driver Services line or visit a facility in person. Like the online method, a mailed address change updates your record but does not print a new card — your old license remains valid with the old address until you renew or request a replacement.
When You Need a Replacement Card With Your New Address
If your job, banking, or other situation requires your physical license to show your current address before your renewal date, you have two options. You can visit a Driver Services facility and pay the replacement fee — usually $5 to $10 — to get a new card printed on the spot. Or you can wait until your license renewal date and renew in person or online, at which point the new card will automatically show your updated address.
A replacement card has the same expiration date as your current license. It does not extend your license validity or cost you a renewal fee — you are only paying for the card itself. The new card is issued when ready at a facility, so you can leave with it the same day.
What Happens If You Move and Do Not Update Your Address
Your license remains valid even if the address on it is outdated. However, law enforcement and other officials will see the old address when they scan or look up your license. This can cause confusion during traffic stops or when you use your license as identification. More importantly, if you are involved in a legal matter or need to receive official mail related to your license, the Secretary of State may try to contact you at the old address on file.
Some insurance companies and employers also check your license address against their records. If there is a mismatch, they may flag it as a discrepancy. Updating your address keeps your official record accurate and prevents these kinds of problems down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a new card if I change my address?
No. Your address change is recorded in the Secretary of State's system whether you get a new card or not. Your old card remains valid. You only need a new card if your job, bank, or another organization requires your physical license to show your current address.
What counts as proof of residency?
Any document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address works. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank statements, and mail from government agencies are all acceptable. The document must be an original or copy — a photo of it usually is not accepted at a facility, though the online system may have different rules.
How long does an online address change take?
Your address is updated when ready when you submit it online and receive the confirmation email. You do not need to wait for processing. The change appears in the Secretary of State's records right away, even though your physical card still shows the old address.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. An expired license can still be used to change your address. However, if your license has been expired for more than a few years, the Secretary of State may require you to renew it instead of just updating the address. Call the Driver Services line or visit a facility to confirm what you need to do.
What if I do not have proof of residency yet?
Wait until you have a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, a bank statement or credit card statement with your new address works. If you cannot get any document within 60 days, contact the Secretary of State Driver Services to ask about other options.