How To Do an Illinois DMV Change of Address

Planning on moving to, from, or within the state of Illinois? Make sure that you know exactly what’s expected of you in terms of DMV paperwork. Because before you can sit down with a coveted Chicago deep dish pizza, you’re going to have to get your Illinois DMV Change of Address forms in order. And be sure you add this task to the top of your list—you’ll have to update your vehicle registration with 30 days and your address within 90 days if you’re making the move to The Land of Lincoln from another state.

Not sure where to start? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together all of the information that you’ll need to know to complete your Illinois DMV change of address and vehicle registration forms, so read up and then make your way to the Illinois Department of Driver Services to get started.

If You’re Moving to Illinois from Another State

Will you need to get a new driver’s license if moving to Illinois from another state?

How do you get one?

To get an Illinois driver’s license as a formerly out of state resident you’ll have to go to an Illinois Department of Driver Services office in person to apply. Unfortunately you can’t do an Illinois DMV change of address online or over the phone, so you’ll have to set aside time in your day for a visit. While appointments are available for certain Illinois DMV services, you can’t make an appointment online ahead of time to update your address or vehicle registration, so make sure that you allot enough time.

You will need to bring along the following documentation when you visit the IL DMV:

    • Your out of state driver’s license
    • Proof of written signature (accepted documents include your passport, U.S. military I.D. card, or signed credit card or debit card)
    • Proof of date of birth (accepted documents include your U.S. birth certificate, citizenship certification, or naturalization certification)
    • Proof of social security number (accepted documents include your social security card, W-2 form, or U.S. military I.D. card)
    • Proof of residency (accepted documents include bank statement, utility bill, or pay stub at new address)

    Note that certain documents may fulfill more than one of these requirements. Check out the full list of accepted documents so you can be sure to bring along the documents that you need.

    Is there a fee?

    Yes. The fee for a new Illinois driver’s license is $30. View the Illinois Secretary of State’s fees page to see if you might be subject to additional or alternative costs.

    Does an Illinois DMV change of address require a driving test?

    No, provided that your out of state license is either currently valid or expired less than six months ago. You will have to pass a vision test though.

    How long do you have to get an Illinois driver’s license or ID card?

    90 days—so act fast!

    How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?

    How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of Illinois?

    You’ll need to head to an Illinois Department of Driver Services location in person to update your vehicle’s registration. To save yourself some time, fill out and print your application in advance through the Illinois Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) System.

    In addition to your completed application (which you can fill out at the office itself, if necessary), you will also need to bring along:

      • Proof of name and address
      • Out of state title or other proof of ownership
      • Odometer reading. A picture of your vehicle’s actual mileage should suffice
      • Description of vehicle (make, model, year, VIN, body type, purchase date, and whether the vehicle was purchased new or used)
      • Name and address of any vehicle lienholders
      • Original signature(s) of owner(s)

      If your vehicle is leased, you will also need to show your lease purchase agreement, proof of out of state vehicle registration, your out of state title, manufacturer’s certificate of origin, and the bill of sale.

      What is the registration fee?

      The fee to register motor vehicles in Illinois is $101 for passenger vehicles and $41 for motorcycles. Additional fees may apply.

      If You’re Moving Within Illinois

      Per Illinois law you will have just 30 days to update your address with the Department of Driver Services after you move. Thankfully, there are two ways to do this for a non-commercial license, though you’ll have to go with option two if you also want a new driver’s license with your updated address.

        1. Fill out an Illinois DMV change of address form online. You can do so here. Be sure to have your current driver’s license number handy, as well as your social security number.
        2. Go to an Illinois Department of Driver Services office.Find an Illinois driver’s license office near you and fill out an Illinois DMV change of address form in person.

        How much does an Illinois change of address cost?

        There is a $30 fee to change your address on your non-commercial driver’s license, though the cost is much lower for age groups outside of the 21-68 range. The fee to change your address on a commercial driver’s license is $60.

        What information do you need to provide to update your address on your driver’s license?

        To change your address on your Illinois driver’s license or identification card, you will need to provide:

          • Your driver’s license or I.D. card number
          • The last four digits of your social security number

          To change your address for your vehicle’s registration, you will need:

            • The last four digits of your VIN
            • Your license plate number
            • Your registration expiration year

            You can easily update the address on your vehicle’s registration online through the Illinois Department of Driver Services—go here to do it. You can also update your registration in person. You must update your registration information within 30 days of your move, and there is a $3 fee.

            Will Illinois issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?

            If You’re Moving From Illinois to Another State

            Do you need to notify the Illinois DMV if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?

            Nope. Once you get a driver’s license from your new state the Illinois Secretary of State office will automatically cancel your IL driver’s license.

            Do you need to notify the Illinois DMV if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?

            Do you need to return your Illinois license plates?

            No, you can keep them for some cool wall art.

            Have any questions?

            If you have any additional questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of Illinois, contact the Illinois Secretary of State office directly at 800-252-8980.

            Need to hire movers for your move to or from Illinois?

            We can help with that! Use our free online moving company directory to quickly and easily search reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your Illinois move will cost.