Where to Report Your Address Change in Illinois

In Illinois, you report an address change to the Secretary of State's office, not to a separate DMV. The Secretary of State handles driver's licenses, state ID cards, and vehicle registration. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a driver services facility.

The online method is fastest and requires no documents if you are updating a current Illinois driver's license or ID card. If you are moving out of state or your license is expired, you will need to use mail or visit a facility in person.

Your address change takes effect when ready when you complete it online. By mail or in person, processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Your new license or ID card will be mailed to your new address.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois has no separate DMV; the Secretary of State's office handles driver's licenses, ID cards, and vehicle registration address changes.
  • You can change your address online at cyberdriveillinois.com if your license or ID is current and you are staying in Illinois.
  • Changing your address online takes a few minutes and costs nothing; your new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license is expired or you are moving out of state, you must use mail or visit a driver services facility in person.
  • Vehicle registration address changes follow the same process as your driver's license or ID card.

Changing Your Address Online

The fastest way to change your address is through the Secretary of State's online system at cyberdriveillinois.com. You will need your current Illinois driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and your new address. The process takes about five minutes.

Log in to the online services portal, select "Change of Address," and enter your information. You will be asked to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record or license history. Once you submit, your address change is recorded when ready in the state system.

A new driver's license or ID card with your updated address will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to return your old card. Your old card remains valid for identification purposes until the new one arrives, though the address on it will be outdated.

Online changes are free and available 24 hours a day. This option works only if your license or ID is current (not expired) and you are not moving out of state.

Changing Your Address by Mail

If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a change-of-address form to the Secretary of State. read the DL 506 form (Change of Address) from cyberdriveillinois.com or request one by phone at 217-782-6900.

Complete the form with your name, current license or ID number, date of birth, and new address. Sign and date it, then mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of a document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.

Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your form. Mail can be slow, so send it early if you need the new card by a specific date. Your new card will be mailed to your new address once processing is complete.

Changing Your Address in Person

You can visit any driver services facility in Illinois to change your address. Bring your current driver's license or ID card and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

Tell the clerk you need to change your address. They will update your information in the system, and you will receive a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days while your new card is printed and mailed. The new card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person visits are useful if your license is expired, if you are moving out of state and need to update your address before explore for a new license, or if you need the change recorded when ready. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning usually means shorter lines.

Changing Your Vehicle Registration Address

Your vehicle registration address is separate from your driver's license address. You can change it online, by mail, or in person using the same Secretary of State channels.

To change your registration address online, log into cyberdriveillinois.com, select "Vehicle Services," and choose "Change of Address." You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the last four digits of the Social Security number of the vehicle owner. The change takes effect when ready, and your new registration card will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

By mail, use the VSD 190 form (process for Vehicle Registration). By phone, call 217-782-6900 to request a form or ask about mailing instructions. In person, visit any driver services facility with your vehicle title or registration card and proof of your new address.

What Happens If You Move Out of State

If you are moving out of Illinois, you do not need to notify the Secretary of State before you leave. However, you will need to obtain a driver's license or ID card in your new state within the timeframe that state requires (usually 30 to 60 days after moving).

Your Illinois license remains valid for identification in other states until it expires, but you cannot legally drive in another state on an Illinois license once you become a resident there. When you explore for a license in your new state, you will surrender your Illinois license.

If you are moving out of state but keeping a vehicle registered in Illinois (for example, if you own property here or plan to return), you can update your address to an out-of-state address through the online system or by mail using the VSD 190 form.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

The most common mistake is entering your address incorrectly. Double-check your new address before submitting, especially the ZIP code and street spelling. The Secretary of State's system will not catch typos, and your new card will be mailed to the wrong address.

Do not assume your vehicle registration address changed when you changed your driver's license address. They are separate records, and you must update both if you want both to reflect your new address.

If you are moving out of state, do not wait until after you move to change your address. Some states require you to obtain a new license before or when ready after moving, and having an out-of-state address on your Illinois license can complicate that process.

Do not mail original documents (like your lease or utility bill). Mail a copy. Original documents can be lost in the mail, and you may need them for other purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new card with my updated address?

Online and in-person changes result in a new card mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in changes take 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your form. You can continue using your old card until the new one arrives.

Do I have to change my address if I move within Illinois?

No, you are not required to change your address. However, your license and registration will show your old address, which can cause problems with law enforcement, insurance, and mail delivery. It is practical to update it.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address?

You will need one to change your address by mail or in person. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days. If you cannot obtain one, visit a driver services facility and ask what alternatives they accept.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, you cannot use the online system if your license is expired. You must use mail or visit a driver services facility in person. At a facility, staff can update your address and renew your license at the same time.

What if I move and do not update my address before getting pulled over?

A police officer can see your old address on your license. You are not breaking the law by having an outdated address, but it can raise questions. Update your address as soon as you move to avoid confusion.