You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility
The fastest way to update your address on your Illinois driver's license is through the Secretary of State's online portal, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail in a form or visit a Driver Services facility in person. All three routes are free, and your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
You do not need to pass a test or take a new photo — the Secretary of State straightforward updates the address on your existing license and mails you a replacement card with the same number and expiration date. The only reason to delay is if you are moving out of state, in which case you will eventually need a new license from your new state instead.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through cyberdriveillinois.com is the fastest option and requires only your driver's license number, last name, and date of birth.
- If you mail in your change, send the DL 506 form with proof of your new address to the address listed on the form — processing takes two to three weeks.
- You can also visit any Driver Services facility in person with your current license and proof of your new address to change it when ready.
- Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your current license, so you do not lose any validity.
Changing your address online through the Secretary of State website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select the option to change your address. You will need your current Illinois driver's license number, your last name, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask you to enter your new address.
Once you submit, you should receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to your new address within one to two weeks. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives — there is no gap in validity.
Mailing in a change of address form
If you prefer to mail your change, read or request the DL 506 form from the Secretary of State. Fill in your current license information and your new address, then include one document that proves you live at that address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it.
Mail the completed form and proof to the address listed on the form itself — this address changes depending on which region of Illinois you live in. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Keep a copy for your records.
Updating your address in person at a Driver Services facility
You can walk into any Driver Services facility in Illinois with your current license and one document proving your new address. The staff will update your information on the spot, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent replacement is printed and mailed.
This method is useful if you need proof of your new address when ready — for example, to show a landlord or utility company — or if you want to avoid waiting for mail. Facilities are open during standard business hours, and wait times vary by location. You can find the nearest facility and current hours on the Secretary of State website.
What counts as proof of your new address
The Secretary of State accepts documents that show your name and your new address together. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or government mail such as a tax return or voter registration card also work.
The document must be recent — generally within the last 60 days, though the exact window can vary. If you are moving and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, contact the Driver Services facility or the Secretary of State before you mail in your form to ask what temporary proof they will accept.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
Online changes are processed when ready, and your replacement license ships within one to two weeks. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks from receipt, plus mail delivery time on both ends. In-person changes give you a temporary paper license right away and mail your permanent license within one to two weeks.
Your new license will have the same number as your old one and the same expiration date. You do not need to renew early or pay any fee. If you do not receive your new license within three weeks of submitting your change, contact the Secretary of State to check the status.
Changing your address if you have a REAL ID compliant license
If your current Illinois license has a gold star in the upper right corner, it is REAL ID compliant and valid for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight. An address change does not affect this status — your new license will also have the gold star and remain valid for federal use.
You do not need to do anything extra or provide additional documents. The address change process is identical whether your license is REAL ID compliant or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my driver's license when I move?
Illinois law requires you to notify the Secretary of State of a change of address within a reasonable time after moving. There is no specific important date, but updating it promptly prevents problems if you are pulled over or need to verify your identity. It also ensures important mail from the state reaches you.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
You can update the address on an expired license, but you will need to renew your license at the same time. Contact the Secretary of State or visit a Driver Services facility to find out whether you can renew and change your address together, or whether you need to handle them separately.
What if I move out of state?
If you are moving to another state, you do not need to update your Illinois address first. You can straightforward get a driver's license in your new state when you arrive. Your Illinois license will eventually expire, and you will not renew it. Some states allow you to keep an out-of-state license for a short time, so check your new state's rules.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Most replacement licenses arrive within one to two weeks of submission, regardless of whether you changed your address online, by mail, or in person. Mail delivery times vary, so allow extra time if you live far from the processing center. If three weeks pass without your new license, contact the Secretary of State to verify it was sent.
Can I use my old license while I wait for the new one?
Yes. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you changed your address in person, you receive a temporary paper license good for 30 days, so you have proof of your new address right away if you need it.