What you need to do to change your address on your Illinois vehicle registration
To change the address on your Illinois vehicle registration, you submit a form to the Secretary of State's office — either by mail, in person at a Driver Services facility, or online through the Illinois Secretary of State website. The form is called the process for Vehicle Registration (Form VSD 190), and you'll need your current registration card, proof of your new address, and a valid ID. Illinois processes address changes within two to four weeks by mail, though online submission is faster.
You don't need to re-register your vehicle or pay a new registration fee just to change your address. The Secretary of State updates your registration record and mails a new registration card to your new address. If you're moving out of state, the process is different — you'll need to register your vehicle in your new state instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your registration address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility without paying an additional fee.
- Form VSD 190 (process for Vehicle Registration) is the document you need, along with proof of your new address and your current registration card.
- Mail processing takes two to four weeks, while online changes are processed faster and you receive confirmation when ready.
- If you move out of state, you must register your vehicle in your new state rather than straightforward changing your Illinois address.
Changing your address online through the Secretary of State website
The fastest way to change your address is through the Illinois Secretary of State's online portal. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com, find the vehicle services section, and look for the address change option. You'll enter your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and new address. You'll need a valid credit or debit card to pay any applicable fees (though address changes themselves are free).
After you submit online, you receive when ready confirmation. Your new registration card is mailed to your new address within one to two weeks. This method works only if your registration is current and your vehicle is registered in Illinois — if your registration has expired or been suspended, you'll need to handle that separately before changing your address online.
Submitting by mail or in person
If you prefer to mail your request, read Form VSD 190 from the Secretary of State website or call 217-782-6866 to request it. Fill out the form with your current registration information and new address. Include a copy of your current registration card and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days all work). Mail the packet to the address listed on the form.
To change your address in person, visit any Driver Services facility in Illinois with your registration card, proof of your new address, and a valid ID. Bring the original documents — staff will make copies. Processing takes a few minutes, and you'll receive a receipt. Your new registration card arrives by mail within two to four weeks. Driver Services facilities are located throughout Illinois; you can find the one nearest you on the Secretary of State website.
What counts as proof of your new address
Illinois accepts several documents as proof of your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common choice. You can also use a lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax form or voter registration card) addressed to you at your new address.
The document must show your full name and the complete new address. If you've just moved and don't yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, a signed lease agreement or a letter from your landlord on official letterhead stating your move-in date works. The Secretary of State website lists all accepted documents — check there if you're unsure whether what you have will work.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
Online submissions are processed within one to two weeks, and you get a confirmation number when ready. Mail submissions take two to four weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives them — add time for postal delivery both ways. In-person submissions at a Driver Services facility are processed on the spot, though your new registration card still arrives by mail.
Your new registration card will be mailed to the address you provided. If you don't receive it within four weeks of submitting, contact the Secretary of State to confirm they received your request. Keep your old registration card until the new one arrives; if you're stopped by police before the new card comes, your old card and proof of your address change request (the confirmation number from online, or the receipt from in-person submission) should satisfy an officer.
Moving out of state or keeping an Illinois address while living elsewhere
If you're moving permanently to another state, you cannot straightforward change your address on your Illinois registration. Instead, you must register your vehicle in your new state. Most states require you to do this within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency, though the exact timeline varies. Check your new state's motor vehicle department website for their specific requirements.
If you're keeping an Illinois address (such as a parent's home or a business address) while living elsewhere temporarily, you can use that address for your registration. The Secretary of State doesn't verify that you actually live at the address you provide — they only require that it be a valid Illinois address. However, if you establish permanent residency in another state (by getting a driver's license there, registering to vote, or signing a lease), you're legally required to register your vehicle in that state instead.
What to do if your registration is expired or suspended
If your registration has expired, you cannot change your address online. You'll need to renew your registration first, which involves additional fees and may require an emissions test depending on your vehicle's age and your county. You can renew and change your address at the same time by mail or in person, but online renewal and address change must be done separately or in sequence.
If your registration has been suspended (usually due to unpaid tickets, unpaid tolls, or insurance lapses), you must resolve the suspension before you can change your address. Contact the Secretary of State to find out why your registration is suspended and what steps you need to take. Once the suspension is lifted, you can proceed with the address change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?
No. Changing your address on your Illinois vehicle registration is free. You only pay if you're also renewing your registration or handling other vehicle services at the same time.
Can I change my address if my registration is expired?
Not online. If your registration is expired, you'll need to renew it first. You can renew and change your address together by mail or in person, but the online system won't let you proceed until your registration is current.
What if I move and don't change my address right away?
There's no legal important date to change your address on your vehicle registration in Illinois. However, it's important to update it so you receive renewal notices and any official correspondence at your correct address. If you're stopped by police, having an outdated address on your registration shouldn't result in a ticket, but it's best to update it promptly.
Can I use a PO box as my registration address?
No. Illinois requires a physical street address on your vehicle registration. A PO box, mailbox service, or virtual address is not accepted. You must use a residential or business address where you can actually receive mail.
How long does it take to receive my new registration card?
By mail or in person, your new card arrives within two to four weeks. Online submissions are faster — typically one to two weeks. If you don't receive it within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State to verify they processed your request.