What the Illinois DMV requires to change your address

To change your address with the Illinois DMV, you need to bring one document that proves your new address and your current driver's license or ID card. The address change itself is free, and you can do it in person at any Secretary of State facility, by mail, or online through the Illinois DMV website if you have a valid email address on file.

You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to update your address. The DMV will issue you a replacement card with the new address at no cost, and it arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card sooner, you can request expedited service for a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.
  • Bring your current Illinois driver's license or ID card and the address proof document to any Secretary of State office, or mail both to the DMV.
  • The address change is free and does not require you to renew your license early.
  • Your replacement card with the new address arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, or you can pay extra for expedited delivery.
  • You can also change your address online if you have a valid email address registered with your current Illinois license.

Documents that prove your new address

The Illinois DMV accepts any document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also works. Some people use a letter from their employer or a government agency if it shows the address and is recent enough.

The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted. If the document is in your spouse's name or a roommate's name, you can use it only if you also bring a document showing the relationship, such as a marriage certificate or a lease showing both names.

Do not bring a piece of mail addressed to you. The DMV does not accept mail as proof of address, even if it is from a government agency or bank.

Changing your address in person at a Secretary of State office

Walk into any Secretary of State facility with your current Illinois driver's license or ID card and your address proof document. Tell the clerk you want to change your address. You will fill out a short form — usually a postcard or a single-page request — and hand it in with your documents.

The clerk will scan your documents, verify the information, and tell you your replacement card will arrive by mail. You do not pay anything. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If the office is busy, you may wait longer, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.

You can find the nearest Secretary of State office and its hours on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Some offices are in courthouses or government buildings, so check the address before you go.

Changing your address by mail

Print or request the address change form from the Illinois Secretary of State website. Fill it out with your current license number, your new address, and your name. Make a copy of both sides of your current driver's license or ID card and a copy of your address proof document. Mail all three items — the form, the license copies, and the address proof — to the address listed on the form.

The DMV processes mail requests in the order they arrive. Expect your replacement card to arrive 2 to 3 weeks after the DMV receives your envelope. If you want to track whether they received it, send the envelope by certified mail with a return receipt.

Do not send original documents. The DMV will not return them, and you may need your original lease or utility bill for other purposes. Copies are sufficient.

Changing your address online

If you have a valid email address on file with your current Illinois driver's license, you can change your address through the Illinois Secretary of State online portal. Log in with your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Follow the prompts to enter your new address and upload a photo of your address proof document.

The online process takes about 5 minutes. Your replacement card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You do not pay a fee. If you do not have an email address on file or you cannot remember your login information, you will need to change your address in person or by mail instead.

Expedited replacement cards and timing

If you need your replacement card faster than the standard 7 to 10 business days, you can request expedited service at a Secretary of State office. You pay an additional fee — the amount varies, so ask the clerk when you arrive — and your card arrives within 2 to 3 business days instead. Expedited service is not available by mail or online.

If you are moving out of state or need your card for a specific date, plan ahead. Standard service is free and reliable, so most people do not need to pay for expedited delivery. But if your job or a move depends on having the card by a certain day, expedited is worth the cost.

What happens if your address proof document is not recent enough

If your utility bill, lease, or bank statement is older than 60 days, the DMV will not accept it. You will need to bring a different document that is dated more recently. If you do not have one, you have a few options: ask your utility company for a recent bill, request a new bank statement, or ask your landlord for a dated letter on letterhead confirming your address.

If you moved very recently and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, bring a lease or purchase agreement signed by you and dated before the move. The DMV will accept a signed lease even if it is older than 60 days, as long as it shows your new address and your signature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address before my license expires?

No. You can change your address at any time, and it does not affect your license expiration date. Your replacement card will have the same expiration as your current license. If your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address to avoid a second trip.

What if I moved but do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?

Bring a signed lease or purchase agreement, a letter from your landlord or employer on letterhead, or a mortgage statement. If none of those are available, ask a family member or roommate whose name is on a utility bill or lease to bring that document along with a document showing your relationship — such as a marriage certificate or a lease showing both names.

Can I change my address online if I do not remember my email?

No. If you do not have an email address on file or cannot log in, you will need to change your address in person at a Secretary of State office or by mail. Bring your current license, address proof, and the address change form to complete the request.

How long does it take to get my replacement card after I change my address?

Standard service takes 7 to 10 business days by mail. If you change your address in person or online, the card is mailed the same day and arrives within that window. Expedited service at an office takes 2 to 3 business days and costs an additional fee.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card or birth certificate to change my address?

No. You only need your current Illinois driver's license or ID card and one document proving your new address. You do not need to bring any other identification documents.