You can change your Illinois driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office
Illinois lets you update your address without getting a new license photo or retaking any tests. The fastest way is online through the Secretary of State website if you have a valid Illinois driver's license and a recent address change. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail in a form or visit a local office in person. The address change itself is free, though some methods may require you to pay a small fee if you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it.
You do not need to change your address when ready, but it is a good idea to do it before your license expires. If you move and do not update your address, traffic tickets, vehicle registration notices, and other official mail will go to your old address. Some states also use an outdated address as a reason to suspend your license during a traffic stop, so updating sooner rather than later protects you.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois allows you to change your address online through the Secretary of State website without visiting an office or paying a fee.
- You can also update your address by mail using the DL 43 form or in person at any Secretary of State driver services facility.
- An address change does not require a new photo, written test, or road test — only proof that you live at the new location.
- If you want a replacement card printed with your new address, you will pay a fee, but the address change itself is free.
- Updating your address before your license expires prevents mail from going to the wrong location and avoids potential issues during traffic stops.
Changing your address online through the Secretary of State website
The online method is the simplest and fastest. Go to the Illinois Secretary of State website and look for the "Online Services" section. You will need to log in or create an account, then select the option to change your address. 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.
Once you confirm your identity, enter your new address and review it for accuracy before submitting. The change takes effect when ready in the Secretary of State system. You do not have to pay anything, and you do not have to get a new card unless you want one. Your current license remains valid at your old address until it expires.
If you want a replacement card printed with your new address, you can request one during the online process. There is a fee for the replacement card, which varies but is typically under $20. The new card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
Mailing in an address change using the DL 43 form
If you prefer to use the mail, read or request the DL 43 form from the Secretary of State website. This form is titled "process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card" but it also works for address changes. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form.
Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form, along with a copy of a document that proves you live at your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address. Do not send your original license unless you are requesting a replacement card.
Processing by mail takes longer than online — typically two to four weeks. Like the online method, there is no fee for the address change itself, but you will pay a fee if you request a replacement card with your new address printed on it.
Updating your address in person at a Secretary of State office
You can walk into any Secretary of State driver services facility and update your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The staff will verify your information, update your record, and you will be done within minutes.
There is no fee for the address change. If you want a replacement card printed with your new address, you will pay a fee at that time and receive the new card by mail within one to two weeks. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday can mean shorter wait times.
What counts as proof of your new address
Illinois accepts several types of documents to prove you live at your new address. The document must show your name and the new address clearly. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's insurance policy, or government mail such as a tax return or voter registration card.
The document does not have to be recent, but it should be from within the last 60 days to be safe. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address. Some offices will accept this temporary proof while you wait for official documents to arrive.
Changing your address if your license is expired or suspended
If your license is expired, you can still change your address online or by mail using the same methods described above. However, if your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot change the address until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Secretary of State to find out the status of your license and what you need to do to restore it.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the Secretary of State's customer service line or check your status online through their website. Once your license is restored, you can update your address right away.
What happens after you change your address
Once your address is updated in the Secretary of State system, all future mail from the state — including license renewal notices and vehicle registration documents — will go to your new address. If you changed your address online or by mail, your current license card still shows your old address, but the Secretary of State's records reflect the new one. Law enforcement can see the updated address when they run your license during a traffic stop.
If you requested a replacement card, it will arrive by mail within one to two weeks with your new address printed on it. Until the new card arrives, your old card is still valid. Once the new card arrives, you can throw away the old one or keep it as a backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address before my license expires?
No, you can change your address at any time, even after your license expires. However, it is easier to do it before expiration so that your renewal notice goes to the correct address. If you move and do not update your address, you may miss your renewal notice and accidentally let your license lapse.
Can I change my address if I do not have a document proving my new address?
Most Secretary of State offices require some proof of your new address. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Some offices will accept this temporary proof while you wait for official documents.
Will changing my address affect my vehicle registration?
No. Your driver's license address and your vehicle registration address are separate. If you want your vehicle registration to show your new address, you will need to update that separately through the Secretary of State's vehicle services. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at the same time you update your license address.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online change takes effect when ready in the Secretary of State system. However, if you request a replacement card with your new address printed on it, the card itself will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Your current license remains valid during this time.
Is there a fee to change my address?
No, changing your address is free. You only pay a fee if you request a replacement card with your new address printed on it. The replacement card fee is typically under $20, depending on the type of license you hold.