Where to change your Illinois address
You can change your address with the Illinois Secretary of State in three ways: online through their 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 do not need to visit an office or wait in line.
If you prefer to go in person, you can visit any Driver Services facility across Illinois. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works). The change happens on the spot, and you walk out with an updated license the same day.
By mail, you send a signed form to the Secretary of State's office along with a copy of your current license and address proof. This method takes two to three weeks. The form is called the DL 44 (Address Change), and you can read it from the Secretary of State website or request it by phone.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the Secretary of State website are free and take about 10 minutes, with no office visit required.
- In-person changes at any Driver Services facility require your current license and a recent utility bill or lease showing your new address.
- By mail, you send form DL 44 with copies of your license and address proof; processing takes two to three weeks.
- Your physical license card does not change when you update your address online — only your record in the system updates.
- Address changes do not cost money and do not require a new photo or vision test.
What counts 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. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail also works.
If you do not have any of these, you can use a notarized affidavit of residency. This is a signed statement, witnessed by a notary public, saying you live at the new address. You can get one from a bank, library, or notary service for a small fee (usually $5 to $15). The affidavit must include your name, the new address, and the date you moved in.
Do not bring a lease or bill with someone else's name on it, even if you live there. The document must show your name.
Online address changes step by step
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Change Address" under Driver's License Services. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.
Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof document. Double-check the spelling and zip code — mistakes here can delay mail from the Secretary of State. Confirm your email address so you can receive updates. Review everything one more time before you submit.
After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your address updates in the system when ready, but you will not receive a new physical license card unless you request one. If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can order one for a fee (currently $20) through the same online system.
In-person changes at a Driver Services facility
Find your nearest facility on the Secretary of State website. Some facilities take walk-ins; others use an appointment system. Check ahead to see if you need to book a time or if you can just show up.
Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. You do not need to fill out any forms beforehand — staff will handle that. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the facility is.
When you finish, your address is updated in the system right away. Your current license card still shows your old address, but the Secretary of State's records reflect the new one. If you want a replacement card with the new address printed on it, you can request one at the same visit for a fee.
What happens if you move and do not update your address
Your driver's license remains valid even if your address is outdated. You can still drive legally. However, the Secretary of State will mail renewal notices and other documents to your old address, so you might miss them and accidentally let your license expire.
If you are pulled over, an officer will see the old address on your license. This is not illegal, but it can raise questions. Some officers may ask why your address does not match where you say you live. It is not a violation on its own, but it can complicate a traffic stop.
For insurance purposes, your insurer needs your current address on file. If your driver's license address does not match what you told your insurance company, there can be a mismatch in their records. Update your address with both the Secretary of State and your insurance company at the same time to avoid confusion.
Address changes and your driving record
Changing your address does not affect your driving record, points, or license status. If you have suspensions, restrictions, or violations on your record, they stay the same. An address change is purely administrative — it updates where the Secretary of State sends you mail.
If you have an outstanding ticket or fine, updating your address helps make sure you receive notices about it. The court system and the Secretary of State do not automatically share address changes, so you may need to update your address separately with the court if you have a pending case.
Replacement license cards with your new address
When you change your address online or in person, your physical license card still shows the old address until you get a replacement. You can order a replacement card through the online system or request one at a Driver Services facility. The current fee is $20, and it takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.
A replacement card is optional — your license is still valid with the old address printed on it. However, if you need your address to match what is on your license (for a job, housing, or banking), ordering a replacement makes sense. Some people wait until their license is due for renewal anyway, since renewal includes a new card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address online, or can I do it another way?
You can choose. Online is fastest and free. In person is when ready if you have the right documents. By mail takes longer but requires no office visit. All three methods are equally valid — pick whichever fits your schedule.
What if I moved out of state?
If you no longer live in Illinois, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead of updating your Illinois address. Once you have a valid license from your new state, you can let your Illinois license expire or surrender it. Check your new state's requirements for what documents you need to bring.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?
Yes. Address changes are separate from license status. You can update your address even if your license is suspended, expired, or restricted. However, if your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted, regardless of whether your address is current.
How long does it take to get a replacement card with my new address?
Online and in-person address changes update your record when ready, but the physical card still shows your old address until you order a replacement. A replacement card takes about two weeks to arrive by mail and costs $20. By mail address changes take two to three weeks total.
Will my insurance rates change if I update my address?
Your insurance rates depend on where you live, so moving to a different area can affect your premium. However, the address change itself on your driver's license does not trigger a rate change — your insurer already knows your address from your policy. Update your address with your insurance company separately to keep your records accurate.