Where to report your address change in Illinois
In Illinois, you report an address change to the Secretary of State's office, which issues and maintains all driver's licenses in the state. You do not go to your local DMV — Illinois does not have one. Instead, you can update your address online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility.
The online method is the fastest. You can change your address without leaving home, and the update takes effect when ready. If you prefer to handle it in person or by mail, both options are available, though mail takes longer to process.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Illinois driver's license address online through the Secretary of State website in minutes, and the change takes effect right away.
- In-person address changes happen at any Driver Services facility across Illinois and take only a few minutes.
- By mail, you send your current license and a completed form to the Secretary of State, but processing takes several weeks.
- You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the address update is separate from license renewal.
- Your new address appears on your license when ready if you change it online or in person; by mail, it appears once the Secretary of State processes your request.
Changing your address online
The online method is the simplest route for most people. Go to the Secretary of State's website and look for the driver's license services section. You will need your current Illinois driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.
Once you are logged in, select the option to update your address. Enter your new address, review it for accuracy, and submit. The system will confirm the change when ready. You do not need to pay a fee, and you do not need to visit a facility. Your license remains valid at your old address until you receive your new physical card in the mail, which typically arrives within two to three weeks.
If you do not have access to a computer or prefer not to use the online system, the other two methods are available to you.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services facility
You can walk into any Driver Services facility in Illinois and update your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other official document showing your name and new address dated within the last 60 days.
The process takes just a few minutes. A staff member will verify your information, update your address in the system, and issue you a new license card on the same day. You will pay a fee for the replacement card — the amount varies but is typically around $20. You can use your old license until your new one arrives, which usually takes one to two weeks.
Driver Services facilities are located throughout Illinois. You can find the one nearest you on the Secretary of State website. No appointment is required, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Changing your address by mail
If you cannot go online or visit a facility, you can mail your address change to the Secretary of State. You will need to complete the process for Duplicate License form (available on the Secretary of State website) and include your current driver's license.
Write your new address clearly on the form. Include a copy of proof of your new address — the same documents accepted in person work by mail (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, dated within 60 days). Mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail takes four to six weeks. You will receive a new license card with your updated address. During this time, your old license remains valid. There is a fee for the replacement card, which you can pay by check or money order included with your process.
What counts as proof of your new address
The Secretary of State accepts several types of documents as proof of address. The document must show your name, your new address, and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement.
If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, you may be able to use a letter from your landlord or a recent lease signed by both you and your landlord. Call the Secretary of State's driver services line to confirm whether a specific document will work before you submit it.
If you moved out of state or have no permanent address
If you have moved out of Illinois, you should update your address with the Secretary of State before you move, if possible. Once you move, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. Illinois will not issue you a new license with an out-of-state address.
If you are experiencing homelessness or do not have a permanent address, Illinois allows you to use a shelter address, a trusted contact's address, or a general delivery address at a post office. Contact the Secretary of State's driver services line to discuss your situation and learn which options are available to you.
Timeline and what to expect
| Method | Time to complete | When change takes effect | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | A few minutes | when ready | None |
| In person | A few minutes | Same day (new card arrives in 1–2 weeks) | Around $20 |
| By mail | 4–6 weeks | When new card arrives | Around $20 |
If you change your address online, the update is recorded when ready in the Secretary of State's system. Your old license remains valid until your new card arrives. When you receive your new card in the mail, destroy your old one.
If you change your address in person, you receive your new card the same day. If you change it by mail, you will wait for the new card to arrive before your address officially appears on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address if I move?
Illinois law requires you to notify the Secretary of State of an address change within a reasonable time after you move. While there is no specific important date, updating your address promptly keeps your license current and ensures you receive any official mail from the state. If you are stopped by police, having an outdated address on your license can cause confusion.
Can I change my address without getting a new license card?
If you change your address online, you can keep using your old license card until your new one arrives. The address change is recorded in the system when ready, even though your physical card still shows the old address. In person and by mail, you will receive a new card with the updated address.
What if I made a mistake on my address change?
If you entered the wrong address online, log back into the Secretary of State website and correct it before your new card is printed. If your new card has already been mailed with an incorrect address, you can submit another address change request. If you changed your address in person or by mail and made a mistake, contact the Secretary of State's driver services line to report the error.
How long does it take to receive my new license card in the mail?
After an online or in-person address change, your new card typically arrives within one to three weeks. If you changed your address by mail, allow four to six weeks total from the time the Secretary of State receives your process. Delays can happen during busy periods or if there are issues with your process.
Can I use my old license while waiting for the new one?
Yes. Your old license remains valid until your new card arrives. You can use it for identification and driving. Once your new card arrives, keep it and destroy the old one.