Where to report your address change in Illinois

In Illinois, you report an address change to the Secretary of State, not to a separate DMV office. The Secretary of State's office handles driver's licenses, state ID cards, and vehicle registration — the three documents most people need to update when they move.

You have three ways to report the change: online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. The online method is fastest and requires no documents to be mailed or carried in. If you choose mail or in-person, you will need to provide proof of your new address.

Your vehicle registration and driver's license or ID card can be updated separately or together, depending on which documents you hold and whether they are expiring soon.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois has no DMV; the Secretary of State handles driver's licenses, ID cards, and vehicle registration address changes.
  • The fastest method is online through cyberdriveillinois.com, which takes about 10 minutes and requires no documents.
  • If you update in person or by mail, bring or send a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days as proof of your new address.
  • Your driver's license and vehicle registration can be updated at the same time online, but updating them separately by mail or in person is also allowed.
  • Address changes typically take effect within one to two weeks if done online, or two to four weeks if submitted by mail.

Updating your address online

The Secretary of State's online system, accessible at cyberdriveillinois.com, lets you change your address for your driver's license, ID card, and vehicle registration without visiting a facility or mailing documents. You will need your driver's license or ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.

Once you log in, select the document you want to update — driver's license, ID card, or vehicle registration — and enter your new address. The system confirms the change when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email. Most changes appear in the Secretary of State's records within one to two business days.

You do not need to bring proof of your new address when updating online. However, if you are asked to verify your address later — for example, when renewing your license — you may be asked to provide documentation at that time.

Updating by mail or in person

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can update your address by mail or at a Driver Services facility. For mail, read the appropriate form from cyberdriveillinois.com: Form DL 127 for a driver's license or ID card, or Form VSD 190 for vehicle registration. Fill out the form with your new address, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with proof of your new address.

Acceptable proof of your new address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government-issued mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and new address. If you are updating multiple documents, you can send one proof document with both forms.

At a Driver Services facility, bring your current driver's license or ID card, proof of your new address, and the completed form. Staff will process the change on the spot. Bring the original proof document or a certified copy; photocopies are not accepted in person. Processing typically takes two to four weeks by mail or one to two weeks if submitted in person.

What happens to your documents after an address change

When you change your address online, your driver's license and ID card remain valid and do not need to be replaced. Your new address will appear on your license or card the next time you renew it. If you change your address by mail or in person, the same rule applies — your current license or card stays valid, and the new address shows up at renewal.

For vehicle registration, an address change does not require a new registration card to be issued. Your registration remains valid at your old address until it expires. When you renew your registration, it will reflect your new address. If you need a new registration card sooner, you can request one by mail or in person for a small fee.

If you move out of state, you will need to transfer your vehicle registration and driver's license to your new state. Illinois does not allow you to keep an Illinois license or registration if you establish residency elsewhere.

Timing and what to expect

Online changes are the fastest option. Your address update is confirmed when ready, and it appears in the Secretary of State's system within one to two business days. You can use your new address for most purposes right away, though some organizations may take a few days to see the change in their records.

Mail submissions take longer because the form and proof document must travel to the Secretary of State's office, be processed, and then returned to you if needed. Plan for two to four weeks from the date you mail the form. In-person submissions at a Driver Services facility are processed faster — usually one to two weeks — because staff enter the information directly into the system.

If you do not receive confirmation of your change within the expected timeframe, contact the Secretary of State's office by phone or through their website to check the status. Keep your confirmation email or receipt if you submitted in person.

Updating your address if your license or registration is expiring soon

If your driver's license or vehicle registration is expiring within the next few months, you have the option to renew and change your address at the same time. This can be faster than making a separate address change, because you will receive a new document with your updated address instead of waiting until your next renewal.

To renew and change your address together, use the online system or read the renewal form from cyberdriveillinois.com. The renewal form includes a section for address changes. You will need to pay the renewal fee in addition to any address change fee, if applicable. Renewals typically take two to four weeks by mail or one to two weeks in person.

If your license or registration is not expiring soon, a separate address change is simpler and less expensive than renewing early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address at the same time for my license and registration?

No. You can update your driver's license and vehicle registration separately or together. Many people update online all at once because it takes only a few minutes. If you prefer to update them at different times, that is allowed.

What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, you can use other documents such as a mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government-issued mail. If none of these are available, contact the Secretary of State's office to ask about alternatives for your situation.

Can I change my address if my license or ID is suspended or revoked?

You can report an address change, but it will not restore your license or ID. Address changes and license suspensions are separate matters. Once your suspension or revocation is lifted through the proper legal channels, your new address will already be on file.

How long does it take to see my new address in the system?

Online changes appear in the Secretary of State's records within one to two business days. Mail submissions take two to four weeks. In-person submissions at a Driver Services facility are usually processed within one to two weeks. Some third-party organizations may take longer to see the change in their own records.

What if I move again before my address change is processed?

If you move a second time before your first address change is processed, contact the Secretary of State's office to update your request. Provide both your old address and your new address so staff can correct the record. This is easier to handle by phone or in person than by mail.