How to change your address in Illinois
You can change your address on your Illinois driver's license or ID card in person at a Secretary of State office, by mail, or online through the Illinois Secretary of State website. The online method is the fastest — you can update your address without leaving home, and the change takes effect when ready for most purposes. If you prefer to go in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address, and the change is processed on the spot.
Illinois does not charge a fee to change your address. You do not need to renew your license early or get a new card printed unless you want one. Your current license remains valid; the address on file straightforward updates in the state system.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the Illinois Secretary of State website are processed when ready and require no fee or visit to an office.
- In-person changes at any Secretary of State facility take a few minutes and require your current license plus one document showing your new address.
- Mail-in changes require a completed form, a copy of your license, and proof of address, and take two to three weeks to process.
- Your current license card stays valid after an address change; you do not need to request a new one unless you choose to pay for a replacement.
- Address changes do not affect your driving record, insurance status, or license expiration date.
Changing your address online
The online method is available through the Illinois Secretary of State website. 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. Once you verify your identity, you can enter your new address and confirm the change in a few minutes.
The address updates in the state system right away. You do not receive a new physical card in the mail unless you request one (and pay a replacement fee). Your current license is still valid with the old address printed on it, but law enforcement and government agencies can see your updated address in the system.
Changing your address in person at a Secretary of State office
Visit any Secretary of State Driver Services facility with your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day.
The staff member will verify your identity, record your new address, and hand you a receipt. Your address is updated in the system that day. If you want a new physical card with your updated address printed on it, you can request one and pay the replacement fee (typically $5 to $10, depending on card type). Otherwise, your current card remains valid.
Changing your address by mail
Complete the Address Change form (available on the Illinois Secretary of State website) and mail it along with a photocopy of your current driver's license and one document showing your new address. Send the packet to the address listed on the form — usually the Springfield Secretary of State office.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your mail. There is no fee. Once processed, your address updates in the state system, and you will receive a confirmation letter. Like the online and in-person methods, your current license card remains valid.
What counts as proof of your new address
Illinois accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include utility bills (electric, gas, water, phone), lease or rental agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank or credit card statements, insurance policies, and government mail (such as tax documents or benefit notices). A lease must be signed by both you and the landlord or property manager.
Documents that do not work include credit card offers, promotional mail, or unsigned leases. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, some offices will accept a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date. Call your local Secretary of State office to ask what they will accept in your situation.
When to change your address and what happens next
Change your address as soon as you move. The state uses your address on file for jury duty notices, vehicle registration renewal notices, and other official mail. If you do not update it, you may miss important documents or important date.
Your address change does not affect your driver's license expiration date, your driving record, or your insurance. However, you should also notify your auto insurance company of your move, because your address affects your premium and coverage. Some insurers update automatically when they see the address change in state records; others require you to call or log into your account. Check with your insurer to be sure.
If you need a new physical card with your updated address
After you change your address online or by mail, your current license card is still valid even though it shows the old address. If you want a new card printed with your updated address, you can request a replacement at any Secretary of State office or through the mail. There is a replacement fee (typically $5 to $10 for a standard license, more for a REAL ID card). The new card arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
A replacement is optional. Many people keep their current card and straightforward rely on the address in the state system. However, if you are moving to a different state or need your address to match across all your documents for a specific reason, ordering a replacement may be worth the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online if my license is expired?
No. The online system requires you to verify your identity using your license number and personal details, which works only if your license is currently valid. If your license is expired, you must renew it before you can change your address online. You can still change your address in person at a Secretary of State office by bringing your expired license and proof of your new address.
Do I need to change my address if I moved out of state?
If you moved to another state and plan to get a driver's license there, you do not need to update your Illinois address. However, if you are keeping your Illinois license (for example, because you still own property there or plan to return), you should update your address to your new state address so official mail reaches you.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online change takes a few minutes to complete and is processed when ready. Your updated address is in the state system right away, though it may take a few hours to appear in all government databases.
Will my insurance rates change if I change my address?
Your insurance rates may change based on your new address, because premiums depend partly on where you live. However, the address change on your license does not automatically update your insurance. You must contact your insurance company separately to report your move. Some insurers update automatically after a few days; others require you to call or update your account online.
What if I do not have a document showing my new address yet?
If you just moved and have not received mail at your new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date. Some Secretary of State offices will accept this in place of a utility bill or lease. Call your local office ahead of time to confirm what they will take.