You can change your Illinois driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility
The fastest way is online through the Illinois Secretary of State website if your license is valid and not suspended. You log in, update your address, pay a $5 fee, and receive a new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot use the online system—because your license is expired, suspended, or you do not have a valid email on file—you can mail a completed form to the Secretary of State or visit a Driver Services facility in person.
You do not need to take a new photo or pass a vision test unless your license itself is expiring soon. The address change is a straightforward update, not a license renewal. The new license will have your current address printed on it and the same expiration date as your old one.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through cyberdriveillinois.com takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $5, and works only if your license is currently valid.
- If you mail your request, you must include a completed DL 505 form, proof of your new address, and a check or money order for $5.
- In-person visits at a Driver Services facility are fastest if you bring your current license and proof of your new address.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
- You must update your address within a reasonable time after moving; driving with an outdated address on your license can result in a traffic citation.
Changing your address online through the Secretary of State website
Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and select the option to change your address. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it.
After you submit the change and pay the $5 fee by credit or debit card, the Secretary of State will mail your new license to the address you provided. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification during that time.
This method does not work if your license is expired, revoked, suspended, or if you do not have an email address on file with the Secretary of State. If any of these explore to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mailing your address change request to the Secretary of State
read or request the DL 505 form (Address Change) from the Secretary of State website or call the Driver Services phone line at 217-782-6900 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, your new address, and your signature.
Include proof that you live at the new address. Acceptable documents are a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days. The name on the proof document should match the name on your license.
Mail the completed form, proof of address, and a check or money order for $5 (made payable to the Secretary of State) to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Updating your address in person at a Driver Services facility
Bring your current Illinois driver's license and proof of your new address to any Secretary of State Driver Services facility. You can find the nearest one and check hours at cyberdriveillinois.com or by calling 217-782-6900. Some facilities require you to schedule an appointment online; others accept walk-ins.
The staff member will verify your information, take payment of $5 by cash, check, or card, and issue you a new license on the spot. You will walk out with your updated license the same day. This is the fastest method if you need your new license when ready.
Bring your proof of address in its original form or a certified copy. A photograph or photocopy of a utility bill or lease is not acceptable. If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring legal documentation of that change as well (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
What counts as proof of your new address
The Secretary of State accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and your new street address. These include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, homeowner's or renter's insurance paperwork, or government mail such as a tax return, voter registration card, or jury duty notice.
The document must be an original or certified copy. A photograph, photocopy, or screenshot is not accepted. If you recently moved and have not yet received mail at your new address, contact the utility company or your landlord to request a letter on company letterhead confirming your address and move-in date.
If the name on your proof document does not match the name on your license exactly, bring additional documentation explaining the difference—such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change.
Timing and what to expect after you request the change
Online requests take 7 to 10 business days. Mail requests take 2 to 3 weeks. In-person requests are completed the same day. "Business days" means Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. If you submit your request on a Friday or before a holiday, the clock starts on the next business day.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided (online or by mail) or given to you when ready (in person). The expiration date on your new license will be the same as your old one. If your license is expiring within the next few months, you may want to renew it at the same time rather than paying twice.
If you do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the Secretary of State Driver Services line at 217-782-6900 to check the status. Have your license number and the date you submitted the request ready.
Why updating your address matters for traffic stops and mail
Driving with an outdated address on your license can result in a traffic citation in Illinois. A police officer may cite you for failing to notify the Secretary of State of an address change. You are required by law to report a change of address within a reasonable time—generally interpreted as within 30 days of moving.
An outdated address also means important mail from the Secretary of State (such as license renewal notices or violation notices) will go to your old address and may not reach you. If you miss a renewal important date or do not receive notice of a violation, you could face additional penalties.
Keeping your address current also ensures that if you are involved in an accident or traffic incident, law enforcement and insurance companies can contact you at the right location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No, not online. You must use the mail or in-person method. If your license is expired, the online system will not let you log in. You can change your address and renew your license at the same time by visiting a Driver Services facility or mailing both requests together.
Do I need to take a new photo when I change my address?
No. An address change is not a renewal. Your new license will use the same photo from your current license. You only need a new photo if your license is being renewed or if you are explore for a new license type.
What if I moved out of state but still have an Illinois license?
You should update your address to your new out-of-state address on your Illinois license. The Secretary of State will mail your new license to that address. However, if you have moved permanently, you may need to get a driver's license in your new state instead, depending on that state's residency rules.
How long does my new license take to arrive if I change my address online?
The Secretary of State typically mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days of your request. Delivery time depends on the postal service and your location. If you need your new license faster, visit a Driver Services facility in person.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended?
You can update your address by mail or in person, but not online. Bring or mail your current license, proof of your new address, and the $5 fee. Your address will be updated in the system, but you will not be able to drive legally until your suspension is lifted.