How to change your address on an Illinois driver's license

You can change your address on an 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 fastest if your license is not suspended and you have not had a name change. In-person visits take about 30 minutes. By mail, expect two to three weeks for processing.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address — it is a separate transaction. You will keep your current license number and expiration date. The fee varies by method: online changes cost $5, in-person visits cost $5, and mail submissions cost $5 plus postage.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois offers three ways to change your address: online (fastest, $5), in person at a Secretary of State facility ($5), or by mail ($5 plus postage).
  • Online address changes work only if your license is valid and not suspended, and you have not changed your name since the license was issued.
  • In-person visits require a current ID, proof of your new address, and proof of residency in Illinois; bring originals or certified copies.
  • Mail submissions take two to three weeks and require a completed form, a copy of your license, and proof of your new address.
  • Your license number and expiration date do not change when you update your address.

Changing your address online through the Illinois Secretary of State

The online method is the fastest route if you meet the requirements. Go to the Illinois Secretary of State website, select "Change Address Online," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will enter your new address, review it for accuracy, and pay the $5 fee by debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation email when ready, and your address will update in the state system within one business day.

Online changes do not work if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. They also do not work if you have changed your legal name since your license was issued. If either applies to you, use the in-person or mail method instead.

Changing your address in person at a Secretary of State facility

Visit any Secretary of State Driver Services facility with your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof that you live in Illinois. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. Proof of residency can be the same document. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

You do not need an appointment at most facilities, but wait times vary. Check the Secretary of State website to find the facility nearest you and see current wait times before you go. The transaction takes about 30 minutes, and you pay $5 at the counter. You will receive a receipt, and your address will update when ready in the state system.

Changing your address by mail

Complete form DL 127, "process for Illinois Driver's License or Permit," and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a copy of your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill. Send originals or certified copies only.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Include a check or money order for $5 made payable to the Secretary of State. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the address on form DL 127, which you can read from the Illinois Secretary of State website or request by phone at 217-782-6900.

What proof of address the Secretary of State accepts

The Secretary of State accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. Accepted documents include utility bills (electric, gas, water, or phone), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank statements, insurance policies, and government mail. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy will not be accepted.

If you live with someone else and the document is in their name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the document stating that you live at that address. The letter must include the address, the date, and their signature. This applies whether you are changing your address in person or by mail.

What happens if your address changes after you renew

If you recently renewed your license and your address has changed again, you still change it the same way — online, in person, or by mail. You do not have to wait until your next renewal. Each address change is processed separately and does not affect your renewal date.

If you moved and your renewal notice was mailed to your old address, you can still renew online or in person using your current license number. The Secretary of State will not resend the notice to your new address, so if you do not have it, bring your current license and proof of your new address to a facility in person.

Changing your address if your license is suspended or expired

If your license is suspended, you cannot change your address online. You must go in person or mail your request. Bring or send the same documents as usual — your current license, proof of your new address, and the $5 fee. The address will be updated even though your license is not valid for driving.

If your license is expired, you can change your address online if it expired fewer than 12 months ago. If it expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew it before you can change your address. Go in person to a Secretary of State facility with your expired license, proof of your new address, and proof of residency. You will renew and change your address in one visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move within Illinois?

Yes. Illinois law requires you to notify the Secretary of State of any address change within a reasonable time. Driving with an outdated address on your license can result in a ticket, though enforcement varies. More importantly, official mail from the state — including renewal notices and traffic citations — will go to your old address if you do not update it.

How long does it take to receive a new physical license card after changing my address?

You do not receive a new card when you change your address. Your current license card remains valid with the old address printed on it. The Secretary of State's system updates when ready (online) or within one to three weeks (mail), but the card itself does not change. You will receive a new card only when you renew your license.

Can I change my address if I just moved and do not have a utility bill yet?

Yes. If you moved recently and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, bring a signed letter from your landlord or the property owner stating your name, the address, and the move-in date, plus their signature. A bank statement or insurance policy in your name at the new address also works. Call your local Secretary of State facility to confirm what documents they have on hand before you visit.

What if I change my address online but the confirmation email does not arrive?

Check your spam folder first. If you still do not see it after 24 hours, call the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 to confirm the change went through. They can verify your address in the system and resend the confirmation. Do not assume the change failed if you do not receive the email.

Do I need to change my address with the DMV if I move to another state?

No. If you move out of Illinois, you will eventually need to get a driver's license from your new state. That state's DMV will issue you a new license with your new address. You do not need to do anything with Illinois first — your Illinois license straightforward expires or becomes invalid once you establish residency elsewhere.