Where to change your Illinois driver's license or ID address

The Illinois Secretary of State handles driver's license and ID card address changes. You can update your address online through their website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home, and the change takes effect when ready for most purposes.

If you prefer to handle it in person, you can visit any of the 159 Driver Services facilities across Illinois. Bring your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. By mail, send a signed letter with your name, driver's license number, old address, new address, and a copy of your ID to the address listed on the Secretary of State website.

Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver's license. If you own a car, truck, or motorcycle, you will also need to update your address with the Illinois Secretary of State's vehicle registration system, either online or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the Secretary of State website take effect when ready and require only your driver's license number and proof of your new address.
  • In-person changes at any Driver Services facility take about 15 minutes and require your current ID and an address proof document.
  • Vehicle registration address changes are handled separately from your driver's license and must be updated through the same Secretary of State system.
  • Mail-in changes take two to three weeks to process, so use this method only if online or in-person options are not available to you.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days.

What counts as proof of your new address

The Secretary of State accepts several types of documents as proof that you live at your new address. The document must show your name, your new address, and be dated within the last 30 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a piece of government mail all work.

If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and the utility company has not sent a bill — you can use a notarized affidavit of residence. This is a signed statement, notarized by a notary public, confirming that you live at the new address. Many banks and libraries offer notary services for a small fee or free.

Do not bring a credit card statement, bank statement, or insurance document. These are not accepted as proof of residence by the Secretary of State.

Changing your address online

To change your address online, go to the Secretary of State's website and select the driver's license or ID card address change option. You will need your driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Have your proof of address document ready — you will need to upload an image or provide the information from it.

The system will ask you to confirm your current address and enter your new address. Double-check both before submitting. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your address change takes effect right away in the Secretary of State's system, though your physical ID card will still show the old address until it expires and you renew it.

If the online system rejects your submission, it will tell you why — usually because the information does not match what is on file. In that case, visit a Driver Services facility or call the Secretary of State's customer service line to resolve the issue before trying again.

Changing your address in person at a Driver Services facility

Bring your current driver's license or ID card and your proof of address document to any Driver Services facility. You do not need an appointment. Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will verify your documents, update your record, and give you a receipt showing your new address is on file.

The change takes effect when ready. Your physical ID card still shows the old address, but the Secretary of State's records are updated right away. When your ID expires, you can renew it and receive a card with your current address printed on it.

Wait times at Driver Services facilities vary by location and time of day. Early morning on a weekday is usually faster than afternoon or weekend hours. You can check current wait times on the Secretary of State's website before you go.

Changing your address by mail

Write a letter on plain paper with your full name, your driver's license number, your old address, your new address, and the date. Sign the letter and include a photocopy of your driver's license or ID card. Attach a copy of your proof of address document. Mail everything to the address listed on the Secretary of State's website.

Processing takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter — your address change is complete when the Secretary of State's system is updated. If you need to confirm the change was processed, you can check online or call customer service after two weeks.

Use mail only if you cannot go online or visit a facility. It is slower and you have no way to know if your letter arrived or if there was a problem until you check weeks later.

Updating your vehicle registration address

Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver's license. You must update it in the Secretary of State's vehicle registration system. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility using the same methods as your driver's license address change.

To change your registration address online, go to the Secretary of State's website and select the vehicle registration option. You will need your vehicle's license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the registration renewal date. Upload your proof of address and submit.

If you have multiple vehicles registered in your name, you will need to update each one separately. The address change takes effect when ready online, though your physical registration card will still show the old address until you renew it.

Scams and safety alerts

Do not pay anyone to change your address for you. This is a free service through the Secretary of State. Scammers sometimes pose as government agents and charge fees to update addresses. The Secretary of State will never call you asking for payment or personal information.

Be cautious of websites that look like the official Secretary of State site but have a slightly different web address. The real site is cyberdriveillinois.com. Fake sites may steal your personal information or charge you for a free service. Always type the address directly into your browser or search for "Illinois Secretary of State" to find the official site.

If someone calls claiming to be from the Secretary of State and asks for your Social Security number, driver's license number, or payment, hang up. The Secretary of State does not call people to collect this information. Report the call to the Illinois Attorney General's office.

What happens if you do not update your address

If you move and do not update your address with the Secretary of State, your driver's license and vehicle registration will still show your old address. This can cause problems when you renew your license or registration — the renewal notice will go to your old address and you might miss the important date.

If you are pulled over by police, your ID will show an address you no longer live at, which can raise questions. More importantly, if you are involved in an accident or receive a traffic ticket, official documents will be mailed to your old address. You might not know about court dates or fines until it is too late.

For vehicle registration, driving with an out-of-date address on your registration can result in a ticket in some situations. Update your address as soon as you move to avoid these problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Your address change takes effect when ready in the Secretary of State's system. You will receive a confirmation number right away.

Do I need to renew my ID card after I change my address?

No. Your address change is recorded in the Secretary of State's system right away, even though your physical card still shows the old address. You only get a new card with the updated address when your current ID expires and you renew it.

Can I change my address if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. You can update your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change does not affect the suspension or revocation status. Update your address so the Secretary of State has your correct contact information.

What if I moved out of state but still have an Illinois driver's license?

You should get a driver's license from your new state. If you are keeping your Illinois license temporarily, you can update the address to your new state address through the Secretary of State's online system or by mail. However, most states require you to get a license there within a certain time frame.

Do I need to change my address with the post office too?

Yes, but that is separate from the Secretary of State. File a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service so your mail gets forwarded to your new home. This does not update your driver's license or vehicle registration — you must do those through the Secretary of State.