Change Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person
Illinois lets you change your address without renewing your license. You can do it online through the Secretary of State website, by mail with a form and proof of residency, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Online is fastest — it takes minutes and costs nothing. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person service is when ready but requires a trip to a facility during business hours.
You do not need a new photo or to retake the written test. The address change alone does not extend or shorten your license expiration date. Your license remains valid for its original term.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the Secretary of State website is free and the fastest method, completing in minutes.
- By mail, you submit form DL 505 with a proof-of-residency document to the address listed on the form; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person changes at any Driver Services facility are when ready and require your current license, a proof-of-residency document, and a completed form DL 505.
- Proof of residency must show your name and new address and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 30 days.
- You cannot change your address online if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired; use mail or in-person service instead.
Online Address Change Through the Secretary of State
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select the "Change Address" option under Driver Services. You will need your current Illinois license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask for your new address. Once you submit, the change is recorded when ready in the Secretary of State database.
The online method works only if your license is valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you must renew it before you can change the address online. There is no fee for an online address change.
After you submit online, you do not receive a new physical card in the mail. Your current license remains valid at your old address until it expires. When you renew, the new license will show your updated address. If you need proof of your address change before renewal, you can print a confirmation from the Secretary of State website or contact a Driver Services facility for a letter.
Address Change by Mail
Complete form DL 505 (Change of Address form), available on the Secretary of State website or at any Driver Services facility. Print it, sign it, and mail it with one proof-of-residency document to the address printed on the form. The proof must show your name and new address and be dated within 30 days of mailing. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail such as a tax return or voter registration card.
Mail your packet to the address on form DL 505. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from receipt. You will not receive a new license card; your current license remains valid. There is no fee. If you do not receive confirmation within two weeks, contact the Secretary of State Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 to verify receipt.
Address Change In Person at a Driver Services Facility
Bring your current Illinois driver's license, one proof-of-residency document dated within 30 days, and a completed form DL 505. You can fill out the form at the facility if you prefer. The staff will verify your identity, update your address in the system, and you will receive confirmation when ready. There is no fee and no wait for processing.
Driver Services facilities are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Find your nearest facility and check hours at cyberdriveillinois.com. You do not need an appointment for an address change, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines.
What Counts as Proof of Residency
Your proof-of-residency document must show your name, your new address, and be dated within 30 days of when you submit it (by mail) or present it (in person). A utility bill in your name works. So does a lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's or renter's insurance bill, or government mail such as a tax return, voter registration card, or jury summons.
Bank statements, credit card statements, and medical bills are not accepted. If the document is in a spouse's or partner's name, it will not work — the name on the proof must match the name on your license. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document dated within 30 days at your new address, contact a Driver Services facility to ask about alternatives; some locations can accept a signed lease or a letter from your landlord.
Timeline and What to Expect
| Method | Time to Complete | Processing Time | Cost | New Card Sent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 5 minutes | when ready | Free | No |
| By Mail | 10 minutes to prepare | 7–10 business days | Free | No |
| In Person | 15–30 minutes (including wait) | when ready | Free | No |
Regardless of method, your current license card does not change. It remains valid at your old address until your license expires. The Secretary of State's database is updated to reflect your new address, and that is what law enforcement and other agencies see when they look up your record. When you renew your license, the new card will print with your current address on file.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume your address has changed just because you submitted it online. Confirm the change went through by logging back into the Secretary of State website or calling 217-782-6900. If you are moving out of state, an address change alone will not convert your Illinois license to another state's license — you will need to obtain a license in your new state.
Do not send original documents by mail; send copies only. The Secretary of State does not return mailed documents. If your proof-of-residency document is older than 30 days, it will be rejected, so check the date before you mail or bring it in. If you are changing your address because of a name change (marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you cannot do that through an address-change form — you must renew your license and submit a name-change document such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address if I moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Illinois, you should obtain a driver's license in your new state instead of changing your Illinois address. You can keep your Illinois license if you wish, but you are required by law to get a license in the state where you now live. Changing your address to an out-of-state location may cause problems with insurance or law enforcement records.
What if my license is suspended or expired?
You cannot change your address online if your license is suspended or revoked. Use the mail or in-person method instead. If your license is expired, you must renew it before you can change the address online; you can renew and change your address at the same time by visiting a Driver Services facility or using the renewal process on the Secretary of State website.
How long does it take to receive a new license card with my new address?
You do not receive a new card when you change your address. Your current card remains valid until your license expires. When you renew your license at expiration, the new card will show your updated address. If you need proof of your address change before then, you can print a confirmation from the Secretary of State website.
Can I change my address if I do not have a proof-of-residency document yet?
If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease dated at your new address, contact your local Driver Services facility. Some locations accept a signed lease, a letter from your landlord on letterhead, or other documentation. Call 217-782-6900 to ask what your nearest facility will accept before you visit.
Will changing my address affect my license expiration date?
No. Your license expiration date does not change when you update your address. Your license remains valid for its original term, whether you change your address online, by mail, or in person.