What you need to do to change your name on your Illinois license
To change the name on your Illinois driver's license, you must first have a legal name change document, then visit a Secretary of State facility in person with that document and your current license. Illinois does not process name changes by mail or online. The Secretary of State will issue you a new license with your updated name, and you can request the new license be printed when ready or mailed to you.
The process itself is straightforward once you have the legal paperwork, but the legal name change — which happens through a court — is the part that takes time. You cannot change your name at the Secretary of State office; you can only update your license once the change is already official in the eyes of the law.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain a legal name change through an Illinois court before the Secretary of State will update your license.
- Bring your court order, current driver's license, and proof of residency to any Secretary of State facility to request the name change on your license.
- You can receive your new license when ready at the facility or have it mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
- The court process for a legal name change typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the county and whether anyone objects.
Getting a legal name change through Illinois courts
Before you can update your driver's license, you need a court order for a legal name change. This is filed in the circuit court of the county where you live. You will need to complete a petition form, pay a filing fee (which varies by county but is typically $200 to $500), and appear before a judge or have the petition approved without a hearing if no one objects.
The court will issue you a certified copy of the name change order. This is the document you bring to the Secretary of State. Keep multiple certified copies — you will likely need them for other records like Social Security, bank accounts, and employment documents.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can ask the court to waive it by filing a motion for indigency. Courts will consider your income and may reduce or eliminate the fee.
Documents to bring to the Secretary of State
When you visit a Secretary of State facility, bring these items:
- Your current Illinois driver's license or ID card
- A certified copy of your court order for the legal name change
- Proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 30 days)
- Your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number
If you have changed your address since your current license was issued, the proof of residency is required. If your address on your license is current, you may still be asked for it, so bring it to be safe.
Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace easily. The Secretary of State will not keep your certified court order, but bring it so staff can verify it and record the information.
Where to go and what to expect
You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person. You cannot handle a name change at a currency exchange or third-party vendor location. Find the facility nearest you on the Secretary of State website by entering your zip code.
Bring your documents and be prepared to wait. Most facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some allow you to schedule an appointment online. Check your local facility's website to see if appointments are available in your area.
The staff member will review your court order, verify your identity, and update your record. You will be asked to sign a new process form. At that point, you can choose to receive your new license printed on-site (usually ready within 15 minutes) or have it mailed to your address (7 to 10 business days).
Cost and timeline
The Secretary of State charges a fee to reissue your license with a new name. As of 2024, a standard driver's license renewal or reissuance costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. The fee depends on which type of license you hold and when it expires.
The total timeline depends on when you can complete the court process. Once you have your certified court order, the Secretary of State portion takes one day if you choose on-site printing, or up to 10 days if you request mailing. The court process itself typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, though some counties move faster.
What happens to your old license
When you receive your new license with your updated name, your old license becomes invalid. If you receive your new license at the facility, staff will take your old license and destroy it. If you request mailing, bring your old license with you to the appointment and staff will take it then.
You do not need to do anything else with your old license — do not try to use it after your name change is official, as it will not match your legal identity.
Updating other documents after your name change
Your driver's license is one of many documents you will need to update. Once you have your new license, use it to update your Social Security record with the Social Security Administration, then use both your license and Social Security card to update your bank accounts, employer records, insurance policies, and voter registration.
Keep several certified copies of your court order. You will need them to update your Social Security record, and some institutions may request a copy for their records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You must still obtain a legal name change through an Illinois court using the same process as any other resident. Bring your current driver's license or ID card, your court order, proof of residency, and your identification document (passport, visa, or other immigration document) to the Secretary of State facility.
What if I lost my certified copy of the court order?
Contact the circuit court clerk's office in the county where your name change was filed and request a certified copy. There is usually a small fee (typically $5 to $15 per copy). The court can mail it to you or you can pick it up in person.
Do I need to change my name on my license if I got married or divorced?
If you married and want to change your name, you can use your marriage certificate instead of a court order. Bring your current license, marriage certificate, and proof of residency to the Secretary of State. For divorce, you will need a court order showing your name change as part of the divorce decree, or you can file a separate petition for a legal name change.
Can someone else go to the Secretary of State for me?
No. You must appear in person to update your driver's license. The Secretary of State will not process a name change through a representative or by mail.
What if my court order has a typo or error?
Contact the court clerk when ready and ask them to issue a corrected certified copy. Do not attempt to correct the order yourself or cross out errors. The Secretary of State will reject a document that appears altered.