Where to report your address change in Illinois
The Illinois Secretary of State handles address changes for driver's licenses and ID cards. You can report a new address online through their website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Online is the fastest option — you can update your address in minutes without leaving home, and your new card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the process is the same: use the Secretary of State's online system or visit a facility in person. The state does not charge a fee to change your address on either a standard license or ID card.
Your address change takes effect when ready in the state system, even if your physical card has not arrived yet. Police and courts can see the updated address right away.
Key Takeaways
- Report your address change to the Illinois Secretary of State online, by mail, or at a Driver Services facility — online is fastest and free.
- You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee; the address change alone takes two to three weeks by mail.
- Your address is updated in the state system when ready, even before your new card arrives.
- If you move out of state, you must get a new license from your new state; Illinois will not hold your old one.
- Scammers sometimes pose as the Secretary of State and ask for payment to change your address — the state never charges for this.
Changing your address online
Visit the Illinois Secretary of State website and look for the "Change of Address" option under driver's license services. You will need your current driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and your new address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record.
Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number in case you need to check the status of your request. Your new card will be mailed to your new address within two to three weeks. You can continue using your old card until the new one arrives.
If the online system cannot verify your identity, you will need to visit a Driver Services facility or mail in a change-of-address form. This happens occasionally with older records or if there is a mismatch in the system.
Changing your address by mail or in person
read the change-of-address form from the Secretary of State website (form DL 43 or the equivalent for ID cards). Fill it out with your current license or ID number, your new address, and your signature. Mail it to the address listed on the form, or bring it to any Driver Services facility.
At a Driver Services facility, you can submit the form and leave — you do not need an appointment for an address change. Bring your current license or ID card and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Processing takes the same two to three weeks whether you mail it or hand it in.
If you are moving and do not yet have proof of your new address, some facilities will accept a signed letter from a landlord or property manager. Call ahead to confirm what your local facility accepts.
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 address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency, such as a tax notice or voter registration card, also counts.
If you do not have any of these yet — for example, if you just moved and are waiting for your first utility bill — bring a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your name, new address, and move-in date. Some facilities accept this; others do not, so call ahead.
Do not use a post office change-of-address form as proof. The USPS forwards mail but does not verify your identity or address the way the Secretary of State needs.
Scams and safety warnings
Never pay anyone to change your address with the Illinois DMV. The state does not charge a fee, and scammers sometimes call or email claiming to be the Secretary of State and asking for payment to "process" your change. Hang up and report the call to the Illinois Attorney General's office.
Do not click links in unsolicited emails or texts claiming to be from the Secretary of State. Go directly to the official website (cyberdriveillinois.com) by typing the address yourself, or call the Secretary of State's customer service line to confirm a phone number before calling back.
If someone offers to change your address for you in exchange for money or personal information, that is a scam. You can do this yourself for free in minutes online, or in person at any Driver Services facility.
What happens if you move and do not report it
Your license remains valid even if your address is outdated. However, police and courts will have your old address on file, which can cause problems if you are stopped for a traffic violation or need to receive court documents. Renewal notices and other official mail from the Secretary of State will go to your old address and may not reach you.
If you move out of state, you must get a driver's license or ID card from your new state. Illinois will not transfer your license across state lines. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving, so check your new state's requirements as soon as you arrive.
Keeping your address current also matters for insurance and vehicle registration. Your auto insurance company needs your correct address, and your vehicle registration is tied to your license address in the state system.
Timeline and what to expect
Online changes are processed within two to three weeks. Mail and in-person submissions take the same amount of time. Your new card will be mailed to your new address, so make sure you provide it correctly — the Secretary of State cannot remail a card sent to a wrong address.
If you need your new card faster, some Driver Services facilities offer expedited processing for an additional fee (usually $10 to $25). Ask at your local facility whether this option is available. Expedited processing typically cuts the wait time in half.
If your new card does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Secretary of State's customer service line. Have your confirmation number ready if you submitted the change online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to renew my license to change my address?
No. An address change is separate from renewal. You can change your address without renewing, and your license remains valid until its expiration date. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew and change your address at the same time, but you do not have to.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes. Address changes are processed regardless of your license status. However, if your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive. Contact the Secretary of State about your suspension or revocation status separately.
What if I move before my new card arrives?
Contact the Secretary of State with your confirmation number and new address. They can redirect your card to your updated address. If your card arrives at your old address, ask the person living there to mark it "return to sender" and put it back in the mail, or contact the Secretary of State to request a replacement.
Do I need to change my address with my insurance company and vehicle registration too?
Yes. Changing your address with the DMV updates your license, but your auto insurance company and vehicle registration are separate. Contact your insurance agent and your local Secretary of State office (for vehicle registration) to update those records as well.
Can I change my address at a police station or courthouse?
No. Only the Secretary of State and its Driver Services facilities process address changes. Police stations and courthouses cannot help with this. Go to the official Secretary of State website or call their customer service line to find the nearest Driver Services facility.