Change Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person at a Secretary of State Office
Illinois lets you change your driver's license address through three routes: the online system (fastest), by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to change your address — it is a separate transaction. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether you want a new physical card in the mail.
The online option through the Illinois Secretary of State website is available 24/7 and takes about 10 minutes. If you go by mail, expect 7 to 10 business days for processing after the office receives your form. In-person visits at a Secretary of State facility are processed the same day, but you will need to bring original documents and may wait in line.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online through the Illinois Secretary of State website without visiting an office or paying a fee.
- The online system requires your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to verify your identity.
- If you change your address by mail, send the completed form DL 440 to the address listed on the form, and the change takes 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person address changes at a Secretary of State facility require a valid ID and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Your physical license card will not change unless you renew it — the address change is recorded in the system but your old card remains valid.
Online Address Change Through the Secretary of State Website
The online method is the fastest and most convenient option. Go to the Illinois Secretary of State website and locate the driver services section. Look for the option to change your address online — you will not need to create an account or log in to an existing one.
You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system uses this information to pull up your record and verify your identity. After verification, you enter your new address and confirm the change. The system will display a confirmation number on screen — save or print this for your records.
Once you submit the change online, it is recorded in the Illinois Secretary of State database when ready. You do not receive a new physical card unless you renew your license. Your old card remains valid; the address change is in the system only. If you need a new card with the updated address printed on it, you must renew your license separately, which involves a fee and a new photo.
Mailing a Form DL 440 to Change Your Address
If you prefer to change your address by mail, read or request form DL 440 (Change of Address) from the Illinois Secretary of State website. Fill in your current driver's license number, your full name, your new address, and your date of birth. Sign and date the form.
Mail the completed form to the address printed on the form itself — this is typically the Secretary of State's processing center in Springfield. Include only the form; you do not need to send your license card or any supporting documents. The office will process the change and send you a confirmation by mail within 7 to 10 business days after they receive it.
Processing time depends on mail delivery and the volume of requests the office is handling. If you need the change recorded faster, use the online method or visit an office in person. Like the online method, a mail-in address change does not produce a new physical card — it updates the system only.
In-Person Address Change at a Secretary of State Facility
You can change your address the same day by visiting any Secretary of State driver services facility in Illinois. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Walk up to the counter, tell the clerk you need to change your address, and hand over your license and proof of address. The clerk will update your record in the system on the spot. You will receive a confirmation receipt. Your physical license card will not change — the address update is recorded in the system only.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter lines than afternoons or weekends. If your local facility has online appointment scheduling, you can reserve a time slot in advance to avoid waiting. Check the Secretary of State website for your nearest office location and hours.
What Happens to Your Physical License Card
An address change does not trigger a new license card. Your existing card remains valid and legal to use, even though the address printed on it is outdated. The Secretary of State's system will show your new address, and law enforcement can see the current address when they scan your license.
If you want a new card with your updated address printed on it, you must renew your license. Renewal involves a fee (currently $30 for a standard five-year renewal in Illinois), a new photo, and either an online process or an in-person visit. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you change your address and then renew within a few months, the new card will have the correct address.
Documents You Need for Each Method
| Method | Documents Required | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, last 4 SSN digits, date of birth | when ready | Free |
| By Mail (Form DL 440) | Completed form DL 440, signed | 7–10 business days | Free |
| In Person | Valid driver's license, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, etc., dated within 60 days) | Same day | Free |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume your address change is complete after you submit it online — check your confirmation number and keep it. If you do not receive confirmation, the system may not have processed your request. You can log back in and try again or call the Secretary of State to verify.
Do not send your physical license card in the mail with form DL 440. The form alone is sufficient; mailing your card risks it getting lost. Do not expect a new card in the mail after an address change — you will only get a confirmation letter. If you need a new card with the updated address, you must renew your license separately.
If you change your address in person, do not forget to bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. Without it, the clerk cannot process the change and you will need to return with the correct document. A utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement works; a handwritten note does not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address if I just moved within Illinois?
Yes. Illinois law requires you to notify the Secretary of State of any address change within a reasonable time. Changing your address keeps your license current and ensures you receive any official mail from the state at the correct location.
What if I moved out of state — do I still need to change my Illinois address?
If you have moved out of Illinois permanently, you should obtain a driver's license in your new state instead of just changing your address. However, if you still maintain an Illinois address or plan to return, you can change your address through any of the three methods.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is expired. If you visit in person, you will need a valid ID (such as a passport) in addition to your expired license and proof of your new address. Consider renewing your license at the same time if it is close to expiration.
How long does it take for the address change to show up in the system?
Online changes are recorded when ready. Mail-in changes take 7 to 10 business days after the office receives the form. In-person changes are recorded the same day. Law enforcement can see your updated address when they scan your license, even if your physical card still shows the old address.
Will I get a new license card with my new address on it?
No. An address change alone does not produce a new card. Your existing card remains valid. If you want a new card with the updated address printed on it, you must renew your license, which involves a fee and a new photo.