If you have moved within Illinois, state law requires you to notify the Secretary of State office within 10 days.
While many people ignore this deadline, failing to update your address can lead to a suspended license if you miss a renewal notice or a ticket in the mail.
Crucial Warning: You must update your address in two places:
- Driver’s License File: So your ID record is correct.
- Vehicle Registration File: So your license plate sticker renewal goes to the new house.
Here is how to do both for free.
Free Online Illinois Address Change: ILSOS Portal Steps for License (DL# + SSN) and Plates (VIN + Plate#)
Best For: Updating your record without getting a new card. Cost: Free. Time: 5 Minutes. Portal: Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Visit: Go to the Address Change section on
ilsos.gov. - Step A (License): Enter your License Number and SSN to find your record. Enter the new address.
- Result: Your legal record is updated. You do not get a new card. The police will see your new address when they scan your old card.
- Step B (Vehicle): You must restart the process for your License Plates. You will need your VIN and Plate Number.
- Why? If you skip this, your sticker renewal notice will go to your old apartment.
In-Person Illinois Address Change: $5 Corrected Driver’s License Fee (Seniors 65+ Free + Proof Required)
Best For: Getting a physical card with the new address printed on it. Cost: $5.00 (Standard) / Free (Seniors 65+).Appointment: Required at most facilities.
If you want your new address visible on your ID (helpful for proving residency for schools or banks), you must visit a facility.
What to Bring:
- Current License/ID.
- Proof of New Address: (Utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
- Payment: $5.00 (Credit/Debit/Check).
Pro Tip: If your license is expiring within the next 6 months, do not just “correct” it. Ask to Renew it completely ($30 fee) so you don’t have to come back later.
Upgrade to Real ID During Illinois Address Change
If you are already going in-person to change your address, this is the perfect time to upgrade to a Real ID (the one with the gold star required for flying after May 2025).
Additional Documents Needed:
- Identity: (Passport or Birth Certificate).
- SSN: (Social Security Card).
- Residency: Two proofs of address (e.g., ComEd bill + Bank Statement).
Moving Out of Illinois? No Notification Needed
If you are moving away from Illinois permanently, the process is simple.
Do you need to notify Illinois? No. You do not need to call or write to the Secretary of State.
- When you surrender your Illinois license to your new state (e.g., Florida), the new state will electronically notify Illinois to cancel your old driver’s license record.
What about License Plates?
- Refunds: Illinois generally does not offer refunds for unused months on your license plate sticker.
- Action: Once you are registered in your new state, you can simply destroy your Illinois plates. You do not need to mail them back.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Unlike some states, Illinois does not use “stickers” for address changes. Your record is digital. If you want it on the card, you must pay $5 for a reprint.
Online Update: Free.
In-Person Reprint: $5.00.
Seniors (65+): Free.
Yes. When you use the online portal or visit in person, you will be asked if you want to update your Voter Registration to match your new address. This is the easiest way to ensure you can vote in your new district.
Likely yes. If you moved and forgot to update your Vehicle Registration specifically, your sticker is at your old house. You can check the status on the Illinois Driving Record portal or visit a facility to buy a replacement ($20).
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