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 takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You do not need to take a new photo or pass any tests — the Secretary of State straightforward updates the address on your existing license.
If you move within Illinois, you have up to 30 days to report the change. If you move to Illinois from another state, you must get a new license within 30 days of establishing residency. The process is different depending on which situation applies to you.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois residents can change their address online at cyberdriveillinois.com for free, which is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes.
- You have 30 days from the date you move to report your address change to the Secretary of State.
- You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to change your address online.
- If you move from another state to Illinois, you must get a new Illinois license within 30 days, not just update your address.
- Changing your address does not require a new photo, vision test, or written exam.
Changing your address online through the Secretary of State
The online method is available at cyberdriveillinois.com under the "Driver's License" section. Look for the option to update your address or personal information. You will need your current Illinois driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address.
The system will verify your identity using these details and then ask you to confirm your new address. Once you submit, the change takes effect when ready in the Secretary of State's system. Your physical license card still shows your old address until it expires and you renew it, but law enforcement and government agencies will see your updated address right away.
This method works only if you already have a valid Illinois driver's license. If your license is expired or suspended, you will need to use the mail or in-person options instead.
Changing your address by mail
To change your address by mail, send a letter to the Secretary of State's Driver Services department that includes your full name, current driver's license number, old address, new address, and signature. You do not need to include your license itself or any other documents.
Mail your letter to:
Secretary of State Driver Services Department 501 South Second Street Springfield, IL 62756
Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. During that time, your address in the system will be updated, but your physical card will still show the old address. Keep your letter or a copy as proof that you reported the change, in case you are stopped by law enforcement before your new card arrives.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services facility
You can walk into any Secretary of State Driver Services facility with your current driver's license and request an address change. Bring a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
The staff will update your address on the spot, and you can request a replacement card with your new address printed on it. A replacement card costs $5 and takes about 2 weeks to arrive by mail. If you do not request a replacement card, your address will still be updated in the system, but your physical card will continue to show your old address.
Driver Services facilities are located throughout Illinois. You can find the one nearest you and check its hours at cyberdriveillinois.com. No appointment is required, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
What happens if you move to Illinois from another state
If you are a new Illinois resident with a valid driver's license from another state, you do not straightforward update your address — you must get a new Illinois license within 30 days of establishing residency. Establishing residency means you have moved to Illinois with the intent to stay and have obtained an Illinois address.
To get your new Illinois license, visit a Driver Services facility with your out-of-state license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your legal name if it differs from your out-of-state license. You will take a new photo and pass a vision test, but you will not need to retake the written or road test if your out-of-state license is valid.
The new license costs $5 for a 4-year license or $10 for an 8-year license. You can choose which length you want when you explore.
What to do if you move before your renewal date
If you change your address and then your license expires before you renew it, you can renew by mail or online using your new address. You do not have to visit a facility in person unless your license has been expired for more than a year or you need a new photo for other reasons.
When you renew online or by mail, the Secretary of State will send your new license to your updated address. Make sure your address change is processed before you renew so the new license goes to the right place.
Proof of residency documents that work
If you are changing your address in person and want a replacement card, or if you are a new resident getting an Illinois license, you will need to show proof of your new address. The Secretary of State accepts:
- 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 card, or court document)
The document must show your name and your new address. A post office change of address form does not count as proof of residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a new license photo when I change my address?
No. Changing your address does not require a new photo. Your photo stays the same unless your license expires and you renew it, or unless you choose to get a replacement card with your new address printed on it.
What if I change my address online but then move again before my card arrives?
Your address in the Secretary of State's system will be updated to the first new address. If you move again, you can change your address again online, by mail, or in person. Each change updates the system when ready, even though your physical card may still show an older address.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended?
You cannot change your address online if your license is suspended. You must use the mail or in-person method. Bring your suspended license and proof of your new address to a Driver Services facility, or mail a letter with your name, license number, old address, and new address to the address listed above.
How long does it take to get a replacement card with my new address?
If you request a replacement card in person at a Driver Services facility, it takes about 2 weeks to arrive by mail. During those 2 weeks, your address in the system is already updated, so law enforcement and government agencies will see your new address even though your card still shows the old one.
What if I move and do not report it to the Secretary of State?
You are required by law to report an address change within 30 days. If you do not, your license remains valid, but it shows an outdated address. This can cause problems if you are stopped by law enforcement, if you need to renew your license, or if you receive mail from the Secretary of State. It is simpler to report the change online or by mail than to deal with the complications later.