How to change your address with the Illinois Secretary of State
The Illinois Secretary of State handles address changes for your driver's license and ID card. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your new address shows up in the system within one business day. If you change your address in person, it happens when ready.
You do not need to pay a fee to change your address. You also do not need to renew your license or get a new card unless your current one is expiring soon or damaged. Your existing license remains valid; only the address on file changes.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the Secretary of State website take about 10 minutes and update within one business day, with no fee required.
- You will need your driver's license or ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to change online.
- In-person changes at any Driver Services facility happen when ready and require your current license or ID plus proof of your new address.
- If you move out of state or your license expires within 30 days, you may need to renew instead of straightforward changing your address.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Changing your address online
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and look for the "Address Change" option under the Driver Services section. You will need your Illinois driver's license or ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new street address. The system will ask you to confirm your current address before letting you enter the new one.
After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your new address will be active in the Secretary of State's system within one business day, though it may take longer to appear in other databases that receive updates from the state.
The online system works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you run into an error message, try again in a few minutes — temporary glitches are common. If the problem continues, call the Driver Services customer service line at 217-782-6900 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time).
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services facility
Bring your current Illinois driver's license or ID card and proof that you live at your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or government mail (like a tax return or benefits letter) dated within the last 60 days. The name on the proof must match the name on your license.
Walk in to any Driver Services facility during business hours. Most locations are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment for an address change. Tell the clerk you are changing your address, hand over your documents, and the change takes effect when ready. You will receive a receipt showing your new address on file.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Facilities in smaller towns usually have shorter waits than those in Chicago or other major cities. If you want to check wait times before you go, the Secretary of State website shows real-time estimates for most facilities.
Changing your address by mail
read the "Address Change" form from cyberdriveillinois.com or call 217-782-6900 to request one by mail. Fill out the form with your current license number, new address, and signature. Include a copy of proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Do not send your original license.
Mail the completed form and proof to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives it. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail — your address change is complete when the processing period ends. If you need to know whether it went through, call 217-782-6900 after three weeks.
What counts as proof of your new address
The Secretary of State accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance policy also works. Bank statements, credit card statements, and government mail (tax returns, benefits letters, jury duty notices) are acceptable too.
The name on the proof must match your license exactly. If you recently married, divorced, or changed your name, you will need to update your name on your license first before changing your address. That requires a separate transaction and additional documents.
Post office mail forwarding is not accepted as proof of address. A letter from your landlord or a handwritten note is not accepted. If you do not have any of the accepted documents, call 217-782-6900 to ask about alternatives.
When you need to renew instead of just changing your address
If your driver's license or ID card expires within 30 days, you should renew it instead of changing your address only. The renewal process includes an address change, so you accomplish both at once. If you change your address now and then renew a week later, you will pay the renewal fee and go through the renewal process twice.
If you are moving out of Illinois, you cannot straightforward change your address with the Secretary of State. You must get a driver's license or ID from your new state. Once you have that, you can surrender your Illinois license to avoid confusion.
If your current license or ID is damaged, lost, or stolen, you need a replacement or renewal, not an address change. These are handled differently and may require an in-person visit and a fee.
Scams and safety alerts
Do not pay anyone to change your address for you. The Secretary of State does not charge a fee, and no third-party service can do it faster or easier than you can yourself. Websites that charge money to submit an address change are scams — they either do nothing or steal your personal information.
Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from the Secretary of State asking you to verify your address or license information. The Secretary of State does not contact people by email or text to ask for personal details. If you receive such a message, do not click any links or reply with information. Delete it and report it to the Illinois Attorney General's office.
When you change your address online, use a find internet connection (your home WiFi or a trusted network). Do not use public WiFi at a coffee shop or library. The Secretary of State website is find, but your connection matters too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my new address to show up everywhere?
The Secretary of State's system updates within one business day of an online change or when ready for in-person changes. However, other agencies that receive updates from the state — like the Department of Revenue, voter registration, or the REAL ID database — may take one to two weeks to sync. If you need proof of your address change for a specific purpose, ask that organization how long they need.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes. A suspension or revocation does not prevent you from updating your address on file. However, you cannot legally drive. If your license is suspended, contact the Secretary of State to find out what you need to do to get it reinstated.
What if I moved but do not have a utility bill or lease yet?
If you just moved and do not have a document dated within 60 days, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead stating your name, the property address, and your move-in date. Some facilities accept this as temporary proof while you wait for a utility bill. Call 217-782-6900 to confirm your local facility will accept it before you go in.
Do I need to change my address with the DMV if I already changed it with the post office?
Yes. The post office and the Secretary of State are separate systems. Changing your address with the post office does not update your driver's license or ID. You must contact the Secretary of State directly to update your license address.
What happens if I do not update my address?
Your license remains valid and you can still drive. However, if you are pulled over, your license will show an old address, which can cause confusion. More importantly, official mail from the state (license renewal notices, vehicle registration documents, court notices) will go to your old address and you may miss important important date.