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 your entire license. The fastest way is online through the Secretary of State website if you have a valid email address on file. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail in a form or visit a Driver Services facility in person. The method you choose depends on what works for your schedule and whether you want to update your address right away or can wait a few days.
You do not need a new photo, new documents, or a new license number — you are only changing the address that appears on your current license. This is different from a full renewal, which happens every four or eight years depending on your age.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through cyberdriveillinois.com is the fastest option and takes just a few minutes if you have an email address registered with the Secretary of State.
- You can mail a completed form to the Secretary of State's office, though this method takes one to two weeks for processing.
- Visiting a Driver Services facility in person lets you change your address the same day, but you may wait in line.
- You will need your current driver's license number and the new address you want on your license.
- There is no fee to change your address on an existing license.
Changing your address online through the Secretary of State website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the "Online Services" section. Select the option to change your address on your driver's license. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Next, enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license. Double-check the spelling and format before submitting. Once you confirm the information, the change is processed when ready. You should see the updated address reflected in the Secretary of State's records right away, though your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew it in the future.
This method works best if you have an email address already on file with the Secretary of State. If you have never registered an email with them, you may need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mailing in an address change form
Request the address change form from the Secretary of State by calling 217-782-6900 or visiting cyberdriveillinois.com to read it. The form is called the "Change of Address" form and is available as a PDF you can print at home.
Fill out the form with your current driver's license number, your full name, date of birth, and your new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed on the form — typically the Secretary of State's office in Springfield. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Processing by mail usually takes one to two weeks. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail; instead, you can check your updated address by logging into your online Secretary of State account or calling the driver services line to verify the change went through.
Visiting a Driver Services facility in person
Find the nearest Driver Services facility by searching the Secretary of State website or calling 217-782-6900. Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address — such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Walk in during business hours or check if your location takes appointments. Tell the staff member you want to change the address on your license. They will verify your identity, confirm your new address, and process the change on the spot. You will leave with your license still showing the old address, but the Secretary of State's records will reflect the new one when ready.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter lines than afternoons or Saturdays.
What document 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. Common examples include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement.
If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, you may be able to use a letter from your landlord or a signed lease agreement. Call 217-782-6900 to ask what documents they will accept in your specific situation before you visit or mail in your form.
When you need to change your address before it expires
Your driver's license is still valid even if the address on the card does not match where you actually live. Police and other officials understand that people move. However, it is a good idea to update your address so that any official mail from the Secretary of State, renewal notices, or court documents reach you at the right place.
If your license is expiring soon and you also need to change your address, you can do both at the same time during a renewal. Some people choose to wait and handle both changes together rather than updating the address now and renewing later. Either approach works — it depends on whether you want your records current right away or prefer to do everything at once when your license is due to renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my physical license card to change my address?
For the online method, you only need your license number, which you can find on your card or in your Secretary of State account. If you visit in person or mail a form, having your physical license makes the process smoother, but you can provide the number instead if you have lost your card.
How long does it take to see the address change in the system?
Online changes are when ready. In-person changes are when ready. Mailed forms take one to two weeks. You can verify the change by logging into your Secretary of State account online or calling 217-782-6900 to confirm.
Will I get a new license card with the updated address?
No. Changing your address does not issue a new card. Your physical license will still show the old address until you renew your license at its regular expiration date. The Secretary of State's records will show the new address, which is what matters for official purposes.
What if I moved out of state — do I still need to update my Illinois address?
If you have moved out of Illinois permanently, you should get a driver's license in your new state instead of updating your Illinois address. If you are moving temporarily but keeping your Illinois license, you can update to your new address wherever you are living.
Is there a fee to change my address?
No. Changing your address on an existing license is free. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your license or replacing a lost or damaged card.