How to change your Illinois driver's license address
You can change your address on your Illinois driver's license through the Secretary of State's office in three ways: online through the Illinois eSolutions portal, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and you'll receive your updated license by mail within two to three weeks. You do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests; the Secretary of State straightforward updates your record and issues a new card with your current address.
Illinois requires you to notify the Secretary of State within 10 days of moving to a new address. This is a legal requirement, not optional. If you're pulled over and your license shows an old address, you may face a ticket, though enforcement varies. More importantly, an outdated address can cause problems with vehicle registration renewal notices, insurance correspondence, and official mail from the state.
You'll need your current driver's license number, your new address, and a valid email address if you go online. If you're changing your address because you moved out of state or your license is expired, you'll need to follow a different process — those situations require renewal or reinstatement rather than a straightforward address change.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois law requires you to report an address change within 10 days of moving, even if your license doesn't expire for years.
- The online method through the Illinois eSolutions portal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes from your computer or phone.
- You will receive your updated license by mail in two to three weeks; you do not need to visit a facility or take a new photo.
- If you cannot go online, you can mail a completed form to the Secretary of State or visit a Driver Services facility in person.
- Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your current license — only the address changes.
Changing your address online through eSolutions
The Illinois eSolutions portal is the quickest way to change your address. Go to cyberdriveillinois.com, click on "eSolutions," and select "Address Change" from the menu. You'll log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. Enter your new address, confirm your email address, and review the information for accuracy before submitting.
After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation email. The Secretary of State will mail your updated license to your new address within two to three weeks. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives — there's no gap in validity. If you need to verify the status of your new license, you can check the eSolutions portal again with your login information.
The online method works only if your license is current and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired or has other issues, you'll need to renew or resolve those problems before you can change your address online.
Changing your address by mail
If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form to the Secretary of State. read the "Address Change" form from the Secretary of State website (cyberdriveillinois.com), or call 217-782-6900 to request one by mail. Fill in your current driver's license number, your new address, and sign the form.
Mail the completed form to: Secretary of State, Driver Services Department, 501 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62756. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Processing by mail takes four to six weeks, longer than the online method.
Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If you don't receive your new license within six weeks, contact the Secretary of State to check on the status.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services facility
You can visit any Driver Services facility in Illinois to change your address in person. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days). The staff will update your record on the spot, and you'll walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
In-person visits usually take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the facility is. Your updated license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Visit the Secretary of State website to find the Driver Services facility nearest you and check current wait times before you go.
This method is useful if you need proof of your new address when ready — the temporary paper license shows your updated address and is valid for most purposes, including opening a bank account or updating insurance.
What documents you need for an address change
For an online address change, you need only your driver's license number and date of birth. For mail or in-person changes, you also need one document that proves your new address. The Secretary of State accepts these documents:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days
- Lease or rental agreement
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days
- Government mail (tax return, voter registration, court document)
- Insurance policy or bill
The document must show your full name and new address. If your name on the document doesn't match your license exactly, bring a second document that explains the difference — for example, a marriage certificate if you changed your name.
If your license is expired or suspended
You cannot change your address online if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license expired, you'll need to renew it instead of straightforward changing the address. Renewal involves a new photo, a vision test, and a written test in some cases, depending on how long your license has been expired.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue with the Secretary of State before you can update your address. Contact the Driver Services Department at 217-782-6900 to find out what steps you need to take.
If you've moved out of state, you cannot change your Illinois address — you'll need to surrender your Illinois license and obtain a license in your new state.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
The timeline depends on which method you choose. Online submissions are processed within two to three weeks. Mail submissions take four to six weeks. In-person visits give you a temporary paper license when ready, with your permanent license arriving in two to three weeks.
You'll receive your new license by mail at your updated address. The new license will have the same number and expiration date as your current license — nothing changes except the address. If you don't receive it within the expected timeframe, log into eSolutions to check the status, or call 217-782-6900.
Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so there's no period when you're without a valid license. You can use either the old or new license once the new one arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address if I moved?
Yes. Illinois law requires you to notify the Secretary of State within 10 days of moving to a new address. Driving with an outdated address on your license can result in a ticket, and it may cause problems with registration renewal notices and official mail from the state.
Will I get a new license number or expiration date?
No. Your license number and expiration date stay the same. Only the address on your card changes. You do not need a new photo or to retake any tests.
Can I change my address if I'm moving out of state?
No. If you're moving out of state, you cannot update your Illinois address. You'll need to surrender your Illinois license and obtain a license in your new state. Contact your new state's DMV for their requirements.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Contact the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 before you move and provide your forwarding address. They can update your mailing address so your new license reaches you at your next location. Alternatively, you can change your address again once you've settled.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Online and in-person changes take two to three weeks. Mail submissions take four to six weeks. If you don't receive your license within the expected timeframe, check the status through eSolutions or call the Secretary of State.