You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office
Illinois lets you update your driver's license address without renewing the entire license. The fastest method is online through the Secretary of State website if you have a valid email address on file. If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a form to the Springfield office or visit a local Driver Services facility in person. The address change itself is free, though some methods take longer than others.
Your new address becomes official once the Secretary of State processes your request. You do not need to carry a new physical card while waiting — your old license remains valid during the update. However, if you move to a new address before updating your license, you should complete the change as soon as possible, since your current address is a legal record tied to your driving privileges and vehicle registration.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through cyberdriveillinois.com takes one to two business days and requires you to log in with your driver's license number and date of birth.
- Mailing the Address Change form (DL 71) to the Secretary of State takes two to three weeks and requires your signature.
- Visiting a Driver Services facility in person takes about 30 minutes and you leave with proof of the change when ready.
- You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to change your address, even if your license is expiring soon.
Changing your address online
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Online Services" from the main menu. Look for the option to update your driver's license information. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. Once you are in your account, select the address change option and enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
After you submit the change online, the Secretary of State sends a confirmation email to the address on file with your license. The update typically processes within one to two business days. You can continue to use your current license during this time — there is no gap in your driving privileges. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, check your spam folder or contact the Secretary of State directly to confirm the submission went through.
Mailing the address change form
read or request the Address Change form (DL 71) from the Secretary of State website or pick one up at any Driver Services facility. Fill in your current driver's license number, your new address, and sign the form. Do not print or write over any barcodes or existing text on the form — use only the blank spaces provided for your information.
Mail the completed form to the Secretary of State, Driver Services Division, 501 South Second Street, Springfield, Illinois 62756. Include your current driver's license number on the envelope so the office can match it to your record. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your form. You will not receive a new card in the mail — your existing license remains valid with the updated address in the state's system.
Updating your address in person at a Driver Services facility
Locate your nearest Driver Services facility using the office finder on cyberdriveillinois.com. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address.
Walk in during regular business hours — most facilities do not require an appointment for address changes. Tell the staff member you need to update your address. They will verify your information, process the change, and give you a receipt showing your new address has been recorded. The entire visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Your physical license card will not change, but your address is updated in the state system when ready.
What counts as proof of your new address
The Secretary of State accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill also works. Some government letters may have access to — for example, a letter from the Illinois Department of Revenue, a court document, or a voter registration confirmation.
If you do not have a document in your name yet, ask your utility company or landlord for a letter on their letterhead stating your name, the new address, and the move-in date. A bank or credit card statement with your new address printed on it may also be accepted, though policies vary by facility. Call ahead to the Driver Services office you plan to visit if you are unsure whether your document will work.
Timing and what to expect while your change processes
Online changes take one to two business days. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person changes are when ready. During the processing period, your old address remains in the state system, but once the change is complete, all future correspondence from the Secretary of State and the Illinois Department of Transportation will go to your new address.
If you need to register a vehicle or renew your license before your address change processes, use your new address on those forms. The Secretary of State's system will match the records once the address change is complete. If you are moving out of state, you do not need to update your Illinois address — you can straightforward let your license expire and obtain a license in your new state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address on my vehicle registration too?
Yes, but it is a separate process. Contact the Illinois Secretary of State's Vehicle Services Division or visit a Driver Services facility to update your vehicle registration address. Some facilities handle both at the same time, so ask when you arrive.
What if I moved but do not have a document with my new address yet?
Ask your landlord, utility company, or mortgage lender for a letter on their official letterhead stating your name, new address, and move-in date. The letter must be dated within the last 60 days. If you cannot get a letter, wait until you receive a utility bill or other official document in your name at the new address.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No. You must renew your license first if it has expired. Once renewed, you can then update your address through any of the three methods. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew and change your address at the same time by visiting a Driver Services facility in person.
Will I get a new physical card with my new address on it?
No. Your current card remains valid. The address change updates the state's record, but you keep the same physical license. If you want a card with your new address printed on it, you would need to renew your license, which costs a fee and is a separate process.
How do I know if my address change went through?
If you submitted online, check your email for a confirmation message. If you mailed the form, call the Secretary of State Driver Services line after two to three weeks to confirm. If you changed it in person, you received a receipt when ready. You can also log back into your online account to verify the address listed there.