Documents Required for an Illinois Address Change

The Illinois Secretary of State requires you to bring proof of your new address and proof of identity when you change your address. You do not need to bring your current driver's license or ID card — the Secretary of State can look that up. What matters is showing where you live now.

The specific documents depend on whether you are changing your address in person at a facility, by mail, or online. Each route has different rules about what counts as proof.

Key Takeaways

  • Proof of residency must show your name and current address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days for most documents.
  • A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works as proof of address; a bank statement or government mail does not.
  • You can change your address online through the Illinois Secretary of State website if you have a valid driver's license or ID card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • If you change your address by mail, you must include a photocopy of your proof of residency — the Secretary of State will not accept originals.
  • Address changes take effect when ready online but may take up to two weeks by mail.

Proof of Residency Documents That Work

Illinois accepts a narrow list of documents as proof that you live at your new address. The document must show your name, your new street address, and a date within the last 60 days. A utility bill is the most common choice — gas, electric, water, or phone bills all count. Lease agreements and mortgage statements also work, even if they are older than 60 days, because they are legal documents.

Documents that do not work include bank statements, credit card statements, insurance policies, and government mail like tax forms or Social Security letters. The Secretary of State treats these as too straightforward to forge or too outdated to prove current residence. A PO box address does not count either — you must show a physical street address.

If your name does not appear on the utility bill or lease because you are a spouse or dependent, bring a document that shows both your name and the address, such as a piece of mail addressed to you at that location, along with the lease or bill. The combination proves both identity and residence.

Proof of Identity Documents

You need to show who you are. If you are changing your address in person, bring a document with your photo and signature — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that together show your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card.

If you are changing your address by mail, you do not need to bring a separate proof of identity. The Secretary of State matches your information against your existing driver's license or ID card record. You will need to provide your driver's license or ID number and the last four digits of your Social Security number on the form.

Changing Your Address Online

The Illinois Secretary of State website lets you change your address without visiting a facility or mailing anything. You will need your driver's license or ID card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system verifies your identity against the state's records and updates your address when ready.

Online changes work only if your driver's license or ID card is current and not suspended or revoked. If your license has expired or you have an active suspension, you cannot use the online system — you must go in person or mail the form. The online system does not ask for proof of residency because it assumes you are updating your own record.

Visit the Illinois Secretary of State website and look for the "Change of Address" option under driver's license services. The process takes about five minutes and you receive a confirmation number when ready.

Changing Your Address by Mail

You can mail a change of address form to the Illinois Secretary of State with a photocopy of your proof of residency. Do not send the original document — send only a copy. Include your driver's license or ID number and the last four digits of your Social Security number on the form.

Mail your form and photocopy to the address listed on the Secretary of State website. Processing takes up to two weeks. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail — the change takes effect when the Secretary of State processes your form. If you need to confirm the change went through, you can call the Secretary of State or check your record online after two weeks.

Keep a copy of everything you mail. If the change does not appear after three weeks, you have proof of what you sent and when.

Changing Your Address in Person at a Facility

You can walk into any Illinois Secretary of State driver services facility with your proof of residency and proof of identity. Bring the original documents — do not bring photocopies. You will fill out a form on site, show your documents to the clerk, and the change takes effect when ready. You receive a receipt.

Facilities are open during business hours, typically Monday through Friday. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the Secretary of State website for the facility nearest you and its hours before you go. Some facilities are busier than others, and a few have appointment systems.

You do not need to bring your current driver's license or ID card to a facility. The clerk will look up your record by your name and date of birth.

Common Mistakes and Scam Alerts

Do not use a PO box as your address. The Secretary of State will reject it. If you live in a building with unit numbers, include the unit number on your form — "123 Main Street, Apt 4B" not just "123 Main Street."

Beware of websites that claim to process address changes for a fee. The Illinois Secretary of State does not charge for address changes, and you do not need a third-party service to do it. If a website asks you to pay, it is not an official government service. Go directly to the Secretary of State website or visit a facility in person.

Do not send original documents by mail. Send only photocopies. If you mail originals, you lose them and have no proof you sent them if something goes wrong.

If someone calls you claiming to be from the Secretary of State and asks for your Social Security number or driver's license number to "verify" your address, hang up. The Secretary of State does not call people to ask for this information. This is a common scam.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address with the Illinois DMV?

Online changes take effect when ready. By mail, processing takes up to two weeks. In person at a facility, the change is when ready and you get a receipt. If you do not see the change online after two weeks, contact the Secretary of State to check the status.

Can I change my address if my driver's license is expired?

You can change your address by mail or in person. You cannot use the online system if your license is expired. Bring your expired license to a facility along with proof of residency, or mail the form with a photocopy of your proof of residency and your expired license number.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my address?

Mortgage statements work if you own your home. If you rent and have no lease, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead stating your name, address, and move-in date. Some facilities also accept recent mail from a government agency if it shows your name and address, though this is not may provide — call ahead to ask.

Do I need to change my address with the Secretary of State if I already changed it with the post office?

Yes. The post office forwards mail but does not update your driver's license or ID card record. You must contact the Secretary of State separately. Your driver's license address and your mailing address can be different, but the Secretary of State needs to know where you actually live.

What happens if I give the Secretary of State a fake address?

Providing false information on a government form is a crime. If you are caught, you can face charges. Always use your actual current address. If you are homeless or living temporarily, contact the Secretary of State to ask what address you can use — some programs allow a shelter address or a friend's address with permission.