You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office
The Illinois Secretary of State lets you update your address without getting a new license photo or paying a replacement fee. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change and whether you want to do it from home or in person. Most people can complete an address change in minutes online, though mail and in-person options are also available if you prefer them.
Your address change takes effect when ready in the Secretary of State's system, even if your physical card still shows the old address. Police and other officials can see your current address in their database, so you do not have to wait for a new card to arrive before the change is official.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Secretary of State website is the fastest option and requires only your driver's license number, last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address.
- If you mail your request, include your current license, a completed form, and proof of your new address, and expect the process to take two to three weeks.
- You can also visit any Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person with your license and proof of address to change it when ready.
- Your address change is active in the state system right away, even though your physical card will still show your old address until you receive a replacement.
Changing your address online through the Secretary of State website
Go to the Illinois Secretary of State website and look for the "Online Services" section. You will find a link for address changes in the driver's license area. Click through and enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will verify your information and process the change when ready.
You do not need to upload documents or provide proof of address for an online change. The Secretary of State assumes that if you know your license number and Social Security number, you are the license holder. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen — save or print this for your records.
The online method works best if you have a current, valid Illinois license and you remember your license number. If your license is expired or suspended, you may not be able to use the online system and should use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mailing in your address change request
read the address change form from the Secretary of State website (form DL 506 or the current equivalent). Fill in your new address, sign the form, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work.
Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. Your license will not be replaced; the Secretary of State will straightforward update your address in their records and send you a confirmation letter. If you need your physical license card to show your new address, you can request a replacement card for a fee, though this is not required for the address change itself to be official.
Keep a copy of everything you mail, including the form and your proof of address. If your mail gets lost, you will have documentation of what you sent. The Secretary of State does not always send confirmation that they received your request, so a copy protects you if there is a delay.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services facility
Find your nearest Secretary of State Driver Services office on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address — the same documents accepted by mail work here (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement). Walk up to the counter, tell them you need an address change, and hand over your license and proof of address.
The staff member will update your address in the system while you wait. Your address change is active when ready. You will not receive a new physical card unless you request one and pay the replacement fee. Most people leave with just a receipt showing the change was made.
In-person visits are fastest if you need the change done the same day and you have proof of address with you. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday usually means shorter lines than afternoons or weekends.
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), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank or credit card statement all work. Some facilities also accept mail from government agencies, insurance companies, or employers if it shows your name and address.
Do not bring a piece of mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant" — it must have your name on it. If you just moved and do not have a document yet, ask the facility staff what they can accept. Some will take a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on letterhead, though policies vary slightly by location.
When your physical card will show the new address
Your address change is official in the state system when ready, regardless of which method you use. Your physical driver's license card will continue to show your old address until you receive a replacement. If you want a new card with your current address printed on it, you can request a replacement for a fee at any Driver Services office or through the mail.
You do not have to get a replacement card for the address change to be valid. Police officers and other officials can see your current address when they scan your license or look it up in the state database. The old address on your card does not matter legally — the system shows what is current.
What to do if you cannot find your license or proof of address
If your license is lost or stolen, you will need to report it and get a replacement before you can change the address on it. Visit a Driver Services office with proof of identity and proof of your new address, and they can issue a replacement license with your new address at the same time. This costs more than an address change alone, but it solves both problems in one visit.
If you do not have proof of your new address yet because you just moved, ask the facility what temporary documents they will accept. A signed lease, a utility company letter confirming your service start date, or a letter from your landlord sometimes works. Call your local Driver Services office before you visit to ask what they can take in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a new license photo when I change my address?
No. An address change does not require a new photo or a new license card. Your current license remains valid. If you want a new card with your updated address printed on it, you can request a replacement, but this is optional and costs a fee.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online change is when ready. You submit your information, the system verifies it, and your address is updated in the state database when ready. You will see a confirmation number on screen right away.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
It depends on how long it has been expired. If your license expired recently, you may still be able to use the online system. If it has been expired for more than a year or two, you will likely need to renew it instead of just changing the address. Call the Secretary of State or visit a Driver Services office to find out what applies to your license.
What if I move again before my replacement card arrives?
Your address in the state system is what matters, not the address printed on your physical card. If you ordered a replacement card and then moved again, you can change your address again online or in person. The new card will arrive with your most recent address.
Do I need to change my address on my vehicle registration too?
Yes, but it is a separate process. Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You will need to update your registration address with the Illinois Secretary of State as well, either online or by mail.