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's 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 your new address. The change shows up in the system right away, though your physical license still shows the old address until it expires and you renew it.
If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a signed form to the Secretary of State or walk into any Driver Services office with your ID and proof of your new address. All three methods are free. The choice depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether you want to keep your current card or get a new one printed.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the Secretary of State website is free and takes effect when ready, though your physical card keeps the old address.
- You need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to change it online.
- If you mail or visit in person, bring a document that proves your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
- Your physical license will still show your old address after you change it online — you can request a new card with the updated address, but it costs money and takes time.
- Address changes do not affect your license expiration date or require you to retake any tests.
Changing your address online through the Secretary of State
Go to the Illinois Secretary of State website and find the "Change of Address" option under driver's license services. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will verify your identity and confirm the change. Once you submit, the address is updated in the state's system when ready.
This method works only if your license is currently valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license has expired, you'll need to renew it before you can change the address online. The online change is free and does not require you to visit an office or mail anything in.
Changing your address by mail
read the "Change of Address" form from the Secretary of State website or request one by calling the Driver Services helpline. Fill it out with your name, license number, old address, and new address, then sign it. Mail it to the address listed on the form along with a copy of a document that proves your new address.
Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your name and new address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks. There is no fee for this method.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services office
Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address to any Driver Services facility in Illinois. The staff will update your address on the spot. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Acceptable proof of address is the same as for mail: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The change is free and takes effect when ready. Your physical license will still show the old address, but the state's system will have the new one.
Getting a new physical card with your updated address
After you change your address online, by mail, or in person, your license number and expiration date stay the same — only the address in the state system updates. If you want a new physical card that shows your new address, you can request one, but it costs money and takes time to arrive.
Contact a Driver Services office or the Secretary of State to request a duplicate license with your current address printed on it. The fee varies but typically ranges from $5 to $20. The new card will be mailed to you and usually arrives within two to three weeks. Most people skip this step because the address change in the system is what matters for law enforcement, voting, and other official purposes.
What documents count as proof of your new address
The Secretary of State accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, homeowner's or renter's insurance statements, and government mail such as tax documents or voter registration cards.
Documents that do not count include credit card statements, bank statements without an address, or mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant". If you just moved and don't have a document yet, ask your landlord, utility company, or mortgage lender for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. Some will provide this for free.
Changing your address if your license is expired or suspended
If your license has expired, you cannot change the address online. You'll need to renew your license first, which you can do online, by mail, or in person. Once your renewal is processed, you can then change the address using any of the three methods above.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot change the address until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Secretary of State to find out the status of your license and what steps are needed to restore it. Once it's restored, you can proceed with the address change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address if I'm just visiting Illinois temporarily?
No. You only need to change your address if you've moved to Illinois permanently or plan to live there for an extended period. If you're visiting or temporarily stationed there, keep your out-of-state license. However, if you become an Illinois resident, state law requires you to get an Illinois license within a certain timeframe.
Will changing my address affect my insurance or driving record?
Changing your address does not affect your driving record or insurance rates. However, you should notify your insurance company separately of your move so they have your correct address on file. Some insurers may adjust rates based on your new location, but that's a separate decision from the address change on your license.
How long does it take for the address change to show up?
Online changes take effect when ready in the state system. Mail-in changes typically take two to three weeks. In-person changes at a Driver Services office are when ready. Law enforcement and other agencies can see the updated address right away, even though your physical card still shows the old one.
Can I change my address if I don't have a Social Security number?
The online method requires the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you don't have one, use the mail or in-person method instead. Both require only your license, proof of your new address, and a signed form — no Social Security number needed.
What if I moved but don't have any documents proving my new address yet?
Ask your landlord, property manager, utility company, or mortgage lender for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. Most will provide this at no cost. You can also use a lease agreement or purchase agreement if you have one. These count as proof of address for the Secretary of State.