Documents Required for an Illinois Address Change

The Illinois Secretary of State requires two things to change your address on your driver's license or ID card: proof of your new address and proof of your identity. You do not need to bring your current license, though it helps. The specific documents that work depend on which type of ID you hold and whether you are changing your address in person or by mail.

Illinois accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work if they show your name and new address and are dated within the last 60 days. Bank statements, insurance documents, and government mail (including tax returns and benefit statements) also count if they meet the same requirements. A piece of mail from the Secretary of State itself, such as a vehicle registration or previous ID card, works as well.

Proof of identity is separate from proof of address. Your current Illinois driver's license or ID card serves as proof of identity. If you do not have one, you will need a passport, military ID, or birth certificate instead. The Secretary of State publishes a full list of acceptable documents on its website, but these three cover most situations.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document showing your name and new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • You also need proof of identity, which is usually your current Illinois driver's license or ID card.
  • If you change your address by mail, you must send copies of both documents, not originals.
  • The Secretary of State does not accept documents older than 60 days or documents that show a name different from your ID.

Changing Your Address in Person at a Secretary of State Office

Bring your original proof of address and your current ID to any Secretary of State facility. You do not need to make an appointment at most locations, though some offices now offer online scheduling. The staff will verify your documents, update your address in the system, and issue a new license or ID card on the spot. The process takes about 15 minutes if the line is short.

Bring the documents in their original form. A photocopy of a utility bill or lease will not work. If your proof of address is a bank statement or government mail, the original document itself must be present. Your current license or ID card can be a copy if you do not have the original, but an original is faster.

The fee for an address change in person is $5 for a driver's license and $5 for an ID card. You will receive your new card when ready. If you need your old card back for any reason, ask the staff before they process the change — they will usually destroy it once the new one is issued.

Changing Your Address by Mail

You can mail in an address change using the Secretary of State's mail-in form. read the form from the Secretary of State website or request one by phone. You will need to include a photocopy of your proof of address (not the original) and a photocopy of your proof of identity. Do not send original documents by mail.

Mail your completed form and copies to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. Your new license or ID card will arrive by mail at your new address. Include a return envelope with postage if you want the Secretary of State to return your old card, though most people do not request this.

The fee for a mail-in address change is the same as in person: $5. You will need to include a check or money order with your submission. Do not send cash through the mail. If your check is rejected or the amount is wrong, the Secretary of State will return your process and you will need to resubmit.

Documents That Do Not Work for Address Proof

The Secretary of State does not accept documents older than 60 days, even if they are otherwise valid. A utility bill from four months ago will not work. A lease signed a year ago will not work, even if you are still living there. If your only proof of address is older than 60 days, you will need to obtain a newer document before you can change your address.

Documents must show your current legal name exactly as it appears on your ID. If you recently married or changed your name, your proof of address must show your new name. A utility bill in your spouse's name or your old name will not work. You will need to update your name first, then change your address, or do both at the same time if you visit in person.

The Secretary of State does not accept screenshots, digital photos, or faxed copies as proof of address, even if you are changing your address in person. You must bring the physical document itself. Email confirmations, online account statements, and printed versions of web pages do not count either.

What Happens If Your Documents Are Missing or Expired

If your proof of address is older than 60 days, contact your utility company, landlord, or bank and request a new statement. Most will issue one within a few business days at no cost. If you rent and your lease is old, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your current address and move-in date. This counts as proof of address if it is dated recently.

If you do not have a current utility bill or lease, a recent property tax bill or mortgage statement works just as well. If you own your home, your mortgage lender or county assessor can provide these. If you are new to Illinois and have not yet received a utility bill in your name, ask your utility company to print a recent account statement showing your address, or request a letter from them confirming your service address.

If your current ID has expired, you can still use it as proof of identity for an address change. An expired license or ID card is still valid for this purpose. However, if you are changing your address in person, the staff may ask you to renew your license at the same time, which requires additional documents and fees.

Changing Your Address Without a Current Illinois ID

If you do not have a current Illinois driver's license or ID card, you will need to bring a different form of proof of identity along with your proof of address. A valid passport works. A military ID works. A birth certificate works. A Social Security card does not work on its own, but it can be combined with other documents.

If you are changing your address in person without a current Illinois ID, bring your proof of address and your alternative ID document. The staff will verify both and update your address. You will receive a new Illinois ID card or driver's license at that time. If you do not have a driver's license and only want an ID card, tell the staff when you arrive.

If you are changing your address by mail without a current Illinois ID, include a photocopy of your alternative proof of identity along with your proof of address. The processing time is the same: 2 to 3 weeks. Your new card will arrive by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online?

No. Illinois does not offer online address changes for driver's licenses or ID cards. You must change your address in person at a Secretary of State office or by mail. In-person changes are faster and you receive your new card when ready.

What if my name on my proof of address does not match my ID exactly?

The Secretary of State will not process your address change if the names do not match. If you recently married, divorced, or changed your name legally, you must update your name on your Illinois ID first. You can do this at the same time as your address change if you visit in person and bring the required name-change documents.

Do I need to bring my old license or ID card?

No. Your old card is not required. The Secretary of State will look up your information in their system using your proof of identity. Bringing your old card can speed up the process slightly, but it is not necessary.

How long does it take to receive my new card by mail?

Mail-in address changes take 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your process. This does not include the time it takes for your envelope to arrive at their office or for your new card to arrive at your address. Plan for 4 to 5 weeks total from the date you mail your process.

What if I moved but do not have any documents showing my new address?

Contact your utility company and request a recent account statement or letter confirming your service address. If you rent, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead. If you own your home, contact your mortgage lender or county assessor for a recent statement. These are the fastest ways to obtain proof of address if you do not have a utility bill or lease.