Change Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can change your address on an Illinois driver's license through the Secretary of State's online system, by mail, or by visiting a Driver Services facility in person. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your new address appears in the system when ready, though your physical card will not arrive for 7 to 10 business days. Mail and in-person options both work but take longer and require you to submit documents or wait in line.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address. The address change is a separate transaction that costs nothing and does not affect your license expiration date. If your license is already expired, however, you will need to renew it instead of just changing the address.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through cyberdriveillinois.com takes 10 minutes and costs nothing, and your new address is active when ready even though your card arrives later.
- You will need your current Illinois driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to change your address online.
- If you change your address online, a new physical card with your updated address will arrive in 7 to 10 business days; you can use your old card until the new one arrives.
- Mail-in address changes require a completed form and a copy of a document showing your new address, and take 2 to 3 weeks to process.
- If your license is expired, you cannot change the address alone — you must renew the license instead, which requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services facility.
Online Address Change Through the Secretary of State Website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select "Change of Address" under the Driver's License section. 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 will verify your identity and then prompt you to enter your new address.
After you submit your new address online, it is recorded in the Illinois Secretary of State database when ready. You can use this new address for mail, employment, or other purposes right away. However, the physical card in your wallet will still show your old address until the new card arrives. A new card with your updated address will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your old card during this time — it remains valid.
The online system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no fee for an address change. If the system cannot verify your identity, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mailing in an Address Change Form
read or request the DL 71 form (Change of Address) from the Secretary of State website or by calling 217-782-6900. Complete the form with your current license number, your new address, and your signature. You do not need to have the form notarized.
Include a copy of a document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Mail the completed form and your supporting document to the address listed on the form — typically the Secretary of State's Driver Services office in Springfield.
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your mail. Your new card will be sent to your new address. If you need to confirm receipt or check the status, call 217-782-6900 during business hours.
In-Person Address Change at a Driver Services Facility
Visit any Driver Services facility in Illinois and tell the staff you need to change your address. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). There is no fee.
The staff will update your address in the system while you wait. Your new card will be printed on site or mailed to you, depending on the facility. If the card is printed on site, you will receive it when ready. If it is mailed, it will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Ask the staff which process your location uses before you leave.
In-person visits typically take 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the facility is. You can find the nearest Driver Services facility and check current wait times at cyberdriveillinois.com.
What to Do If Your License Is Expired
If your driver's license has already expired, you cannot change only the address. You must renew your license instead, which requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services facility. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID). The renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license.
During the renewal appointment, the staff will update your address as part of the renewal process. You will receive a new card with your current address and a new expiration date. The card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, or printed on site depending on the facility.
Documents You Need for Each Method
| Method | Documents Required | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, last 4 SSN digits, date of birth | Free | when ready (card arrives 7–10 days) |
| Completed DL 71 form, proof of new address (dated within 60 days) | Free | 2–3 weeks | |
| In Person | Current license, proof of new address (dated within 60 days) | Free | Same day or 7–10 days (depends on facility) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume your address has changed everywhere just because you changed it online. The Secretary of State database updates when ready, but other agencies — voter registration, vehicle registration, insurance companies — do not automatically receive the update. You may need to notify them separately. Check with each organization to see if they need a separate address change form.
Do not submit a document showing your old address by mistake. The document you include with a mail-in form or bring in person must show your new address, not your current one. If you submit a document with the wrong address, your form will be rejected and you will have to resubmit.
Do not wait for your new card to arrive before using your new address. Once you change your address online or in person, your new address is active in the state system when ready. You can use it for employment, banking, or other purposes. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes. A suspended or revoked license does not prevent you from changing your address. However, if your license is expired in addition to being suspended or revoked, you will need to handle the expiration first, which requires renewal and an in-person visit.
What if I move and do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?
You can use a mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail (such as a tax form or voter registration card) dated within 60 days. If you have none of these, contact the Driver Services facility to ask what alternative documents they will accept. Some facilities may accept a notarized letter from your landlord or a recent bank statement showing your new address.
Do I need to change my address on my vehicle registration too?
Yes, but it is a separate process. Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You will need to contact the Secretary of State's Vehicle Services division or visit a facility to update your registration address separately. There is a fee for vehicle registration address changes.
How long does the new card take to arrive if I change my address online?
The new card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. This does not include weekends or state holidays. If you do not receive your card within 12 business days, call 217-782-6900 to report it.
Can I change my address if I am out of state?
Yes, you can change your address online from anywhere. If you prefer mail or in-person, you can mail the DL 71 form from out of state, but you cannot visit a Driver Services facility unless you are in Illinois. The online method is your best option if you are living outside the state.