Illinois uses the Secretary of State's office, not a separate DMV, to handle driver's license and ID card address changes

Illinois does not have a Department of Motor Vehicles. The Secretary of State's office manages driver's licenses, ID cards, and vehicle registration. When you move to a new address in Illinois, you report the change to the Secretary of State, not to a DMV. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a driver services facility.

The fastest route is the online system if you have a valid Illinois driver's license or ID card. You will need your license or ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The change takes effect when ready in the Secretary of State's records, though your physical card will not be reissued unless you request one.

If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a change-of-address form or visit a driver services facility in person. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. In-person visits are usually completed the same day, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • The Illinois Secretary of State handles address changes for driver's licenses and ID cards; there is no separate DMV office.
  • Online address changes through the Secretary of State website take effect when ready and require only your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a change-of-address form or visit a driver services facility in person.
  • Your physical card will not be replaced unless you request a new one, but your address will be updated in the state's system right away.
  • Vehicle registration address changes follow the same process as driver's license changes through the Secretary of State.

Changing your address online through the Secretary of State website

The online system is available 24 hours a day and is the fastest way to update your address. Go to the Secretary of State's website and select the option to change your address on your driver's license or ID card. You will be asked to enter your license or ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

After you submit the form, the change is recorded in the Secretary of State's system when ready. You will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number for your records. Your driver's license or ID card itself will not be reissued unless you request a replacement, but law enforcement and other agencies will see your new address when they look up your information.

If you also need to update your vehicle registration address, you can do that through the same online system. The process is the same: enter your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Mailing a change-of-address form to the Secretary of State

You can request a change-of-address form by calling the Secretary of State's driver services line or by downloading the form from their website. The form requires your current license or ID number, your new address, and your signature. Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. During that time, your address in the Secretary of State's system will not yet be updated. If you need the change to take effect sooner, use the online system or visit a driver services facility in person.

Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The Secretary of State may request this to verify your move. If you are moving out of state or changing your name at the same time, mail is not the right route — contact a driver services facility for guidance on those changes.

Visiting a driver services facility in person

Illinois has driver services facilities in most counties. You can find the location nearest you on the Secretary of State's website by entering your county or city. Bring your current driver's license or ID card and a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings are usually less crowded than afternoons or weekends. The address change is processed and recorded the same day. If you request a replacement card with your new address, there is a fee (currently $20 for a driver's license or $16 for an ID card, though fees can change). Without a replacement, your card will still show your old address, but the Secretary of State's records will reflect the new one.

Some driver services facilities offer appointments. Check the Secretary of State's website to see if your local facility has an online appointment system. Scheduling ahead can reduce your wait time significantly.

What documents you need for an in-person address change

Bring your current Illinois driver's license or ID card. You will also need one document that proves your new address. The Secretary of State accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, or bank statements. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have a document in your name at your new address yet, bring a letter from your landlord, a mortgage company, or a utility company on official letterhead confirming your move. Some facilities will also accept a notarized statement from someone who lives with you at the new address.

If you are changing your address because you are homeless or living in a shelter, tell the staff at the driver services facility. Illinois has a process for updating your address in these situations without requiring a traditional proof-of-residence document.

Updating your vehicle registration address at the same time

Your vehicle registration address and your driver's license address do not have to match, but updating both at once is simpler. If you change your address online, you can update your vehicle registration in the same session. If you visit a driver services facility, you can handle both changes during one visit.

Bring your vehicle registration card (the pink card that comes with your vehicle) or your vehicle identification number (VIN). The staff will update your registration address in the Secretary of State's system. You will not receive a new registration card unless you request one, but your address will be updated in the state's records.

If you are moving out of state, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state. Contact that state's motor vehicle agency for the process. You do not need to do anything with Illinois first, but you should update your Illinois driver's license address before you leave if you plan to keep an Illinois license.

What happens if you do not update your address

If you move and do not update your address with the Secretary of State, your driver's license and vehicle registration will still show your old address. This can cause problems if you are pulled over by law enforcement — the officer will see an address that is no longer correct. It can also delay mail from the Secretary of State, such as renewal notices.

If your license or registration expires while you are at your old address, renewal notices may not reach you. You can renew online or by mail regardless, but you will need to know when your renewal is due. Updating your address prevents this confusion.

There is no penalty for not updating your address, but it is required by Illinois law within a reasonable time after you move. Updating it within 30 days of your move is the safest approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

No. The online system requires a valid, unexpired license or ID card. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it before you can change your address online. You can renew and change your address at the same time through the online system, or visit a driver services facility in person to do both.

Do I have to get a new card if I change my address?

No. Your address will be updated in the Secretary of State's system whether or not you request a replacement card. Your old card will still be valid for identification purposes; it will just show your previous address. If you want a card with your new address printed on it, you can request a replacement for a fee.

How long does it take to change my address by mail?

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. During that time, your address in the Secretary of State's system will not be updated. If you need the change to take effect sooner, use the online system or visit a driver services facility in person.

What if I moved but do not have a document showing my new address yet?

Bring a letter from your landlord, mortgage company, or utility company on official letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. Some driver services facilities will also accept a notarized statement from someone who lives with you at the new address. Call your local facility ahead of time to ask what they will accept.

Do I need to update my vehicle registration address separately?

No. You can update both your driver's license and vehicle registration address through the same online form or during one visit to a driver services facility. If you update only your license, your registration will still show your old address until you update it separately.