The fastest way to change your address in Illinois

You can change your address on your Illinois driver's license online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. Illinois will mail you a replacement license with your new address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form DL 505 (Address Change) along with a copy of your current license to the address on the form. In-person visits at any Driver Services facility also work, though you may wait in line. All three methods are free.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Illinois Secretary of State website is the fastest option and requires only your license number, last four digits of your Social Security number, and an email address.
  • Your replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you submit the change online.
  • Mailing form DL 505 with a copy of your current license is an alternative if you don't want to go online, though it takes longer.
  • Changing your address costs nothing regardless of which method you choose.
  • You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the address change is separate from renewal.

Changing your address online through the Secretary of State

Visit the Illinois Secretary of State's online services portal at cyberdriveillinois.com. Look for the "Change Address" option under driver's license services. You'll enter your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your new address, and a valid email address. The system will confirm your identity and process the change when ready.

After you submit, Illinois will print a replacement license and mail it to your new address. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can use it for identification during that time. Once the new license arrives, destroy the old one or return it if Illinois includes a prepaid envelope.

Mailing your address change to the Secretary of State

read or print form DL 505 (Address Change) from the Illinois Secretary of State website. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Make a copy of the front and back of your current license and include it with the form. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — typically the Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Department.

Processing by mail takes longer than online — usually 2 to 3 weeks from the time Illinois receives your envelope. There is no cost. Keep a copy of what you mail in case you need to follow up. If you don't receive your new license within 4 weeks, contact the Secretary of State to check the status.

Changing your address in person at a Driver Services facility

Find your nearest Driver Services facility on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Bring your current license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address all work. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary by facility and time of day.

The staff will process your address change on the spot and issue you a replacement license when ready. You'll pay nothing. Your new license is valid right away, so you can use it for identification as soon as you leave. This is the only method that gives you your new license the same day.

What counts as proof of your new address

Illinois accepts several documents as proof that you live at your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days works. So does a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, insurance documents, or government mail addressed to you at the new address. Bank statements and credit card statements are not accepted.

If you're moving and don't yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, bring whatever you have — a signed lease, a move-in confirmation email from a landlord, or a utility company account confirmation. Call your local Driver Services facility ahead of time to ask what they'll accept in your specific situation, since staff sometimes have flexibility with documents that are dated very recently.

Changing your address if your license is suspended or revoked

You can still change your address on a suspended or revoked license through any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. The address change itself does not affect the suspension or revocation status. However, if your license is suspended or revoked, you should also contact the Secretary of State to make sure they have your current mailing address, because they may need to send you official notices about your case.

If you're changing your address because you moved out of state or are no longer a resident of Illinois, you'll need to surrender your license instead. Contact the Secretary of State to learn what happens next in your situation.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit

Online submissions are processed when ready, and your replacement license ships within 1 to 2 business days. Mail delivery typically takes 5 to 8 business days after that, so plan for 7 to 10 business days total. Mailed forms take 2 to 3 weeks from receipt. In-person changes are when ready — you walk out with your new license.

Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives (or is issued in person). You don't need to do anything else. If more than 10 business days pass after an online submission and you haven't received your license, or if more than 4 weeks pass after mailing a form, contact the Secretary of State Driver Services line to check the status of your replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move?

Illinois law requires you to notify the Secretary of State of your new address within a reasonable time after moving. There is no specific important date, but doing it promptly prevents mail from going to your old address and keeps your license current for identification purposes.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can change your address on an expired license through any method. However, if your license has been expired for more than a year, you may need to renew it instead of just changing the address. Contact the Secretary of State to confirm what you need to do.

What if I move before my replacement license arrives?

If you submitted your address change online or by mail and then move again before the license arrives, contact the Secretary of State when ready with your new address. They can redirect the mail or reissue the license to your current address. Do not wait for the first replacement to arrive.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address on your Illinois driver's license is free regardless of which method you use — online, by mail, or in person.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. You must submit the address change yourself using your own license number and Social Security number. A family member or representative cannot do it on your behalf, even with permission.