Update your address at the Secretary of State facility or online

You can change your address on an Illinois driver's license in two ways: online through the Secretary of State website, or in person at a Driver Services facility. The online method is faster and costs nothing. The in-person method takes longer but may be necessary if you have a REAL ID-compliant license or certain other license types.

Illinois does not mail you a new license when you change your address online. Your current license remains valid with your old address printed on it, but the Secretary of State's records show your new address. Law enforcement and government agencies can see the updated address in the system. If you want a physical license with your new address printed on it, you must renew your license in person, which costs the standard renewal fee.

You have 30 days from moving to update your address. Failing to do so does not invalidate your license, but it can create problems if you are stopped by police or need to use your license as proof of residency for banking, voting, or other purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes are free and take a few minutes, but your physical license will still show your old address until you renew it in person.
  • You can change your address online only if your current license is not REAL ID-compliant or if you do not need a new card printed with the updated address.
  • In-person address changes at a Driver Services facility require a proof of residency document and cost the standard renewal fee if you want a new card.
  • Illinois law gives you 30 days to report a move, though there is no penalty for missing this important date.
  • Your old license remains legal to use; the address change only updates the Secretary of State's records.

Online address change through the Secretary of State website

Go to the Illinois Secretary of State website and log into your account through the online services portal. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and then let you enter your new address.

After you submit the change, the Secretary of State updates their records within one business day. You will receive a confirmation email. This method works only if your license is not expired and you do not have any holds or suspensions on your driving record. If your license is expired or suspended, you must handle the address change in person at a Driver Services facility.

The online change does not print a new license card. If you need your new address on the physical card itself, you must renew your license in person and pay the renewal fee (currently $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, though fees may vary). You can renew at the same time you change your address.

In-person address change at a Driver Services facility

Visit any Illinois Driver Services facility with proof of your new address and your current driver's license. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You do not need an appointment for an address change, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you want a new license card printed with your updated address, tell the clerk at the time of your visit. This triggers a renewal, which costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license.

If you only update your address without renewing, the transaction is free and takes about 10 minutes. The new address goes into the system when ready, but your old license card remains valid. If you renew at the same time, you will receive a new card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

REAL ID-compliant licenses and address changes

If your Illinois license has a gold star in the upper right corner, it is REAL ID-compliant and cannot be changed online. You must visit a Driver Services facility in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency (dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or document showing your Social Security number.

REAL ID licenses require additional verification steps that the online system cannot handle. The in-person process takes longer than a standard address change, typically 15 to 20 minutes. If you want a new card with your updated address, you will pay the renewal fee. If you only update the address without renewing, there is no fee.

What happens if you do not update your address

Your driver's license remains legal and valid even if your address is outdated. You can continue to drive and use it as identification. However, problems can arise in specific situations. If you are stopped by police, your license will show an old address, which may prompt questions. Some officers may ask for proof that you have moved.

Banks, voting registrars, and other institutions may refuse to accept an outdated license as proof of residency. If you need to register to vote or open a bank account, you may need to bring additional documents showing your current address. Keeping your address current in the Secretary of State's system protects you in these situations, even if your physical card has not been renewed yet.

Renewing your license at the same time as changing your address

You can combine an address change with a license renewal in one visit to a Driver Services facility. Bring your current license, proof of residency, your Social Security card, and any other documents required for renewal (such as proof of citizenship or legal residency if you are renewing for the first time or after a long gap). The clerk will process both the address change and the renewal together.

The cost is the standard renewal fee: $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. You will receive your new card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. This is the only way to get a physical license card with your new address printed on it. If you change your address online and do not renew, your card will always show your old address, even though the Secretary of State's records are current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

No. The online system only works for valid, non-expired licenses. If your license is expired, you must renew it in person at a Driver Services facility. You can change your address and renew at the same time during that visit.

Do I need to change my address if I moved out of state?

If you moved out of Illinois, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. Illinois will not let you keep an Illinois license if you are no longer a resident. Contact your new state's DMV to learn about their requirements.

How long does it take for an online address change to show up in the system?

The Secretary of State updates the system within one business day of your online submission. You will receive a confirmation email. Law enforcement and government agencies can see the new address when ready after it is processed, even though your physical card still shows the old address.

What if my proof of residency is older than 60 days?

Illinois requires proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. If your document is older, bring a second document that is more recent, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement. You can also bring a lease agreement or mortgage statement along with a recent piece of mail showing your name and address.

Will I get a new license card if I only change my address online?

No. An online address change updates the Secretary of State's records but does not print a new card. Your current license remains valid with your old address on it. To get a new card with your new address, you must renew your license in person and pay the renewal fee.