You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility
Illinois lets you update your driver's license address without renewing the license itself. The method you choose depends on how soon you need the change recorded and whether you want to update your physical card. Online changes take effect when ready in the state system but do not produce a new card. In-person and mail changes both update your record and can issue a replacement card with your new address printed on it.
You do not need an appointment for address changes at most Secretary of State facilities, though wait times vary by location and time of day. If you move out of state or change your name at the same time, different rules explore — those are separate transactions that may require additional documents.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the Secretary of State website update your record when ready but do not produce a new physical card.
- In-person changes at a Secretary of State facility take 10 to 15 minutes and can issue a replacement card with your new address on the same day.
- Mail-in changes require a completed form, a copy of your current license, and proof of your new address; processing takes two to three weeks.
- You must report an address change within 10 days of moving in Illinois, though the state does not enforce this with penalties for most drivers.
- A replacement card with your new address costs $5 if you request it in person or by mail; online changes do not include a new card.
Changing your address online through the Secretary of State portal
The fastest way to update your address is through the Illinois Secretary of State website. You log in with your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system asks you to enter your new address and confirm it. Once submitted, your address change is recorded in the state system when ready.
The online method does not issue a replacement card. Your current license remains valid and does not need to be replaced. Your new address appears in the state's records and will print on any future renewal or replacement card you order. This option works if you only need your address updated in the system — for example, if you are moving to a new apartment in the same city or if you need your address correct for mail from the state.
You need internet access and your current license information to complete the online change. There is no fee. The transaction takes about five minutes.
Getting a replacement card with your new address in person
Visit any Secretary of State Driver Services facility with your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Tell the staff member you want to change your address and request a replacement card. They will update your record in the system and take a new photo if required by your license type. You pay $5 for the replacement card. The new card is printed on site and issued to you before you leave — you do not wait for it to arrive by mail.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If you do not have proof of your Social Security number, you can still update your address, but you will not receive a replacement card that day. Processing by mail will take longer in that case.
Changing your address by mail
Complete the Address Change form (DL 71), available on the Secretary of State website. Print it, sign it, and mail it with a copy of your current driver's license and one document proving your new address (same documents accepted in person: utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail dated within 60 days).
Mail the packet to the address listed on the form — this is the Secretary of State Driver Services processing center, not a local facility. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your mail. Your address is updated in the state system during this time.
If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, include a check or money order for $5 payable to the Secretary of State. Without payment, your address is updated but no new card is issued. If you include payment, the replacement card arrives by mail within two to three weeks of processing.
What documents prove your new address
Illinois accepts the following as proof of your current address:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name
- Lease or rental agreement signed by you and the landlord
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Government mail (tax notice, voter registration, court document) with your name and address
- Bank or credit card statement in your name
- Insurance policy (auto, home, or renter's) in your name
The document must show your full name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant" does not count. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on company letterhead confirming your move-in date and address.
Timelines and fees for each method
| Method | Time to Update | New Card Issued | Fee | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | when ready | No | None | Current license info |
| In person | Same day | Yes | $5 | Current license + address proof |
| By mail | 2–3 weeks | Yes (if paid) | $5 (optional) | Current license copy + address proof |
What happens if you move and do not update your address
Illinois law requires you to report an address change within 10 days of moving. In practice, the state does not send notices or impose fines for missing this important date. However, keeping an outdated address on your license creates problems. Mail from the Secretary of State — including renewal notices and suspension notices — goes to your old address and may not reach you. If you are pulled over, police see your old address on your license, which can raise questions.
If you move out of state, you must surrender your Illinois license and obtain a license in your new state. You cannot straightforward update the address on an Illinois license if you are no longer an Illinois resident. Contact the Secretary of State to confirm your residency status if you are unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online if my license is suspended or expired?
You can change your address online regardless of your license status. The online system does not check whether your license is valid. However, if your license is suspended, you should contact the Secretary of State to resolve the suspension before driving. An address change does not lift a suspension.
Do I need to bring my old license when I go in person to change my address?
Yes. Bring your current physical license to any Secretary of State facility. Staff use it to verify your identity and pull up your record. Without it, they cannot process the change on the spot.
What if I moved but do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?
Ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on company letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. This counts as proof of residency. Alternatively, wait until you receive a utility bill or other document in your name, which typically arrives within two to four weeks of moving.
If I change my address online, do I need to do anything else when my license expires?
No. When you renew your license, the renewal notice goes to your updated address. Your new address is already in the state system, so it will print on your renewed license automatically.
How long does a replacement card take if I request it by mail?
The entire process — from mailing your form to receiving your new card — takes two to three weeks. The Secretary of State processes the form and mails the card to your new address. Plan accordingly if you need the card by a specific date.