Update Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can change your address on your Illinois driver's license through the Secretary of State's office in three ways: online through the iBenefits portal, by mail with a form and proof of residence, or in person at a Driver Services facility. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person visits are same-day but require a trip to a facility during business hours.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the address update is separate from renewal. Your current license remains valid; only the address on file changes. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it at the same time you update the address, which requires a different process and additional documents.
Key Takeaways
- The online iBenefits portal is the fastest and cheapest way to update your address if your license is not expired and you have a valid email address.
- By-mail updates require the Address Change form (DL 505), a document showing your new address, and a postage-paid envelope; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person updates at a Driver Services facility take one visit and are complete the same day, but you must bring proof of residence and your current license.
- If your license is expired, you cannot use the address-change-only process and must complete a full renewal instead.
- Illinois accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and government mail as proof of your new address.
Update Your Address Online Through iBenefits
The Secretary of State's iBenefits portal lets you change your address without leaving home. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com, select "iBenefits," and log in with your existing account or create one. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to verify your identity.
Once logged in, select "Change Address" and enter your new Illinois address. The system will confirm the change when ready. You do not pay a fee. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. This method works only if your license is currently valid (not expired) and you have access to email.
If you cannot remember your iBenefits password or do not have an account, you can create one on the spot using your license number and Social Security number. The system will send a verification link to your email. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes and request a new link.
Update Your Address by Mail
To change your address by mail, read or request the Address Change form (DL 505) from the Secretary of State website or call the Driver Services hotline at 217-782-6900. Fill out the form with your current license number, your new address, and your signature. Do not use a printed form older than one year.
Include one document that shows your new address. Illinois accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and new address clearly.
Mail the completed form and proof of address to the address listed on the form. The Secretary of State provides a postage-paid envelope with the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date received. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address. There is no fee for an address change.
Update Your Address In Person at a Driver Services Facility
Visit any Driver Services facility in Illinois with your current driver's license and one document showing your new address. Bring the same types of proof accepted by mail: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or recent government mail. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address.
You do not need to fill out a form ahead of time. The staff at the facility will process your address change on the spot. There is no fee. Your updated license will be printed and issued to you the same day. Facilities are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours. Check the Secretary of State website for the facility nearest you and its hours before you go.
Bring your current license even if it is slightly worn or damaged. If you have lost your license, you will need to report it lost and request a replacement at the same time, which requires additional steps and a fee.
What Counts as Proof of Your New Address
Illinois requires one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. Accepted documents include:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
- Lease agreement or rental agreement
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Bank or credit card statement
- Government mail (tax return, voter registration card, jury summons, or benefit statement)
- Insurance policy or insurance bill
- Tuition bill or school enrollment letter
The document must show your full name and complete new address. A piece of mail addressed to "Resident" or a partial address will not work. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord, utility company, or bank for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. Some will provide this at no cost.
If Your License Is Expired
You cannot use the address-change-only process if your license has expired. Instead, you must complete a full license renewal, which includes updating your address as part of the renewal process. Renewal requires additional documents beyond proof of address, including proof of identity and proof of residency in Illinois.
You can renew online through iBenefits if you meet certain conditions, or by mail or in person. The renewal process takes longer and costs a fee (the amount depends on your license type and how many years you are renewing for). If you need to update your address urgently and your license is expired, visit a Driver Services facility in person — they can often complete a renewal the same day if you bring all required documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not send your original license in the mail. The Secretary of State does not need it for an address change, and you may need it for identification while waiting for your updated license. Keep your current license until you receive the new one.
Do not use a proof-of-address document older than 60 days. If you moved recently and your utility bill or lease is dated earlier, ask your landlord or utility company for a dated letter confirming your move-in date. Do not submit a document with a partial or incomplete address — the Secretary of State will reject it and send it back.
Do not assume your address has been updated if you have not received your new license within 10 business days. If you updated online or by mail and do not receive your updated license within that timeframe, contact the Driver Services hotline at 217-782-6900 to confirm the change was processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my updated license in the mail?
Online and mail updates take 7 to 10 business days from the date the Secretary of State receives your request. In-person updates at a Driver Services facility are completed the same day. If you update online, your new license is mailed to your new address automatically. If you update by mail, allow an additional 2 to 3 days for your form to reach the Secretary of State.
Can I update my address if I am out of state?
Yes, you can update your address online through iBenefits or by mail from anywhere. You cannot visit a Driver Services facility in person if you are not in Illinois, but the online and mail methods work from any location. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address, wherever it is in the United States.
What if I moved but do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?
Contact your landlord, utility company, or bank and ask for a dated letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. Most will provide this at no cost. You can also use a mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail if you have any of those. If none of these options work, visit a Driver Services facility in person and explain your situation — staff may be able to help you find an acceptable alternative.
Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?
No. Address changes are free whether you update online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your license at the same time, which is a separate transaction.
What happens to my old address on my license while I wait for the new one?
Your old address remains on your current license until you receive the updated one. For most purposes, your current license is still valid. If you need to prove your new address before the updated license arrives, bring your proof-of-address document (the same one you used to request the change) along with your current license.