How to Change Your Address in Illinois
You can change your address on your Illinois driver's license in person at a Secretary of State facility, by mail, or online through the Illinois Secretary of State website. The online method is the fastest if you meet the requirements: your license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked, and you cannot have changed your address more than once in the past 12 months. If you do not meet those conditions, you must go in person or use mail.
Illinois does not charge a fee to change your address on a valid license. You do not need to take a new photo, pass a vision test, or retake the written exam. The address change alone takes about 10 minutes in person at most Secretary of State locations.
You have 10 days from the date you move to report your new address to the Secretary of State. This is a legal requirement in Illinois, not optional. If you are stopped by police before you update it, you can be cited, though officers often issue warnings for address changes if the rest of your license is valid.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois gives you 10 days after moving to report your new address to the Secretary of State, and failing to do so can result in a citation.
- Online address changes work only if your license is valid and you have not changed your address in the past 12 months.
- In-person changes at a Secretary of State facility take about 10 minutes and require your current license and proof of your new address.
- Mail-in changes take 2 to 3 weeks and require the same documents as in-person, plus a completed form.
- There is no fee for an address change on a valid Illinois driver's license.
Changing Your Address Online
The online method is available through the Illinois Secretary of State website under "Online Services." You will need your current 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.
The online change takes effect when ready, though you will not receive a new physical card. Your address will be updated in the state system right away. If you need a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can order one online for a fee (currently $5 to $10, though this varies) or wait until your license renewal.
You cannot use the online method if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. You also cannot use it if you have changed your address online or in person within the past 12 months. If either of these applies to you, use the in-person or mail method instead.
Changing Your Address In Person at a Secretary of State Facility
Bring your current Illinois driver's license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must show your full name and current address and be dated within the past 60 days.
Walk in to any Secretary of State Driver Services facility during business hours. Most locations are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment for an address change. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early morning and mid-week visits are usually faster.
The clerk will scan your license and proof of address, update your record in the system, and give you a receipt. Your address is updated when ready in the state database. If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can order it at the same visit for a fee, or you can skip it and use your current card until renewal.
Changing Your Address by Mail
Complete the process for Duplicate License form (available on the Illinois Secretary of State website) or use the Change of Address form if your state has one. Write your new address clearly on the form. Include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and one document proving your new address, dated within the past 60 days.
Mail the form, copies, and proof of address to the address listed on the Secretary of State website for your region. Illinois divides mail-in requests by region, so check the website to find the correct mailing address for your area. Include a check or money order if you are ordering a replacement card with your new address (currently $5 to $10); if you are only updating the address in the system, there is no fee.
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your mail. Keep a copy of everything you send. If you do not receive confirmation or a new card within 4 weeks, contact the Secretary of State to confirm receipt.
What Counts as Proof of Your New Address
Your proof document must show your full name, your new address, and be dated within the past 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, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration card).
Bank statements, credit card statements, and paychecks are not accepted. A letter from your landlord or employer is not accepted unless it is an official document like a lease or employment verification letter on company letterhead with a date. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on official letterhead confirming your move-in date and address.
Updating Your Address Before Your License Expires
If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it and change your address at the same time. This is often faster than doing an address change alone, because renewal requires a visit to a Secretary of State facility anyway. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number and date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport).
Renewal fees vary depending on your license type and how long you are renewing for (usually 4 or 8 years). An address change during renewal does not add to the cost. If your license is not expiring for more than a year, it is usually faster to change your address now rather than wait for renewal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wait longer than 10 days to report your move. While a citation is not may provide, you are technically breaking state law if you drive with an outdated address. Police can stop you for it, and you will have no defense.
Do not assume your proof of address is acceptable without checking the date. Documents older than 60 days will be rejected, and you will have to resubmit. If you are moving and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, get a dated letter from your landlord or utility company before you go.
Do not try to use the online method if you have changed your address in the past 12 months. The system will reject your request, and you will have wasted time. Check your record first by calling the Secretary of State or visiting a facility.
Do not mail original documents. Always send copies of your license and proof of address. Keep the originals for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I moved but do not have a utility bill yet?
Contact your utility company or landlord and ask for a dated letter on official letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. This counts as proof. Alternatively, bring your lease or rental agreement, which also shows your new address and move-in date.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended?
No. You must go in person or by mail, and the Secretary of State will not process the change until your suspension is lifted. If your license is revoked, you cannot change the address; you must reapply for a new license once you are may be able to access.
How long does it take to get a replacement card with my new address?
If you order a replacement card in person at a Secretary of State facility, it usually arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you mail in your request, it takes 2 to 3 weeks for processing plus mailing time. You can continue using your old card with the outdated address until the new one arrives.
Do I have to get a new card, or can I just update the address in the system?
You can do either. Updating the address in the system is free and happens when ready (online) or within 2 to 3 weeks (by mail). A replacement card with your new address printed on it costs $5 to $10 and takes longer to arrive. Many people skip the replacement card and wait until their license renewal.
What if I moved out of state?
If you no longer live in Illinois, you should surrender your Illinois license and get a license in your new state. If you are keeping an Illinois license as a second ID, you can still change the address to your new state address. Contact the Secretary of State to confirm whether your new state address is acceptable.