Vehicle owners wondering how to change a car registration address in Illinois must note that the Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) offers various methods to update the address on a vehicle registration. Note that, regardless of the method chosen to change car registration address, you will be required to inform the SOS Vehicle Services Department (VSD) within a limited time period after the change.

Note that changing car registration address in IL is a process that is different from the driving license address change, since the state SOS keeps separate driver’s license and car registration records. To learn more about the IL address change on car registration transaction continue reading the following sections.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Address on Your Illinois Car Registration

The process of changing a vehicle registration address in Illinois must be completed with the state SOS on each occasion that you change residences. Completing the address update is an important step after a move for purposes of ensuring that you receive all future SOS correspondences.

Another situation that will require you to change your address is receiving a registration certificate with an incorrect address. Also, you will technically update your address information when you apply for your first SOS registration card after moving from another state.

Illinois Address Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

The state SOS requires car owners to finalize the Illinois address change on car registration within 10 days of any changes in their address information. Failure to change your vehicle registration address as mandated by the state vehicle code may to lead to certain undesirable consequences.

For example, if you fail to update your car registration address in IL and you are stopped by a police office, you may receive a traffic ticket for driving with outdated documentation. Also, if the state SOS lists an incorrect address on your file, you will not receive important notices and correspondences, such as your vehicle registration renewal reminder.

How to Change Your Address on Your Illinois Car Registration Online

Changing your car registration address online in Illinois is the fastest way of providing your new address information to the state SOS. To successfully update your car registration address online, you will first have to access the Address Change section of the official SOS website.

Then, after clicking the link to change a car registration address in IL, you will be prompted to choose between a verified and an unverified address update transaction. While the former option results in an immediate address change at a set fee, the latter includes a 20-day delay on any information changes in the SOS database.

To finalize the online Illinois address update on auto registration, you will be required to enter several types of information, which will vary depending on whether you choose the verified or the unverified address change option. If you choose to pay for an immediate address change, you will be required to enter your registration ID and PIN numbers and your new address. If you decide to update your address information at no charge with the unverified option, you will be required to enter your license plate number, vehicle identification number, expiration year and new address.

Note: To obtain an updated registration card showing your new address, you will be required to complete the standard car registration replacement transaction.

How to Change Your Address on Your Illinois Car Registration in Person

If you are unable to update your vehicle registration address in Illinois via the Internet, or you prefer to make an office visit, you can always change your information through a nearby SOS facility. You can complete the in-person address change with the SOS Notice of Address Change. The form can be obtained through any vehicle licensing office or via the official SOS website.

Once your request to change your car registration address is processed, the state SOS will update your vehicle records. Note that you will be required to provide information on every motor vehicle registered in your name.

How to Change Your Address on Your Illinois Car Registration by Mail

Another convenient method to change your auto registration address in Illinois is to mail the VSD 165 form, mentioned above, to the License Correction Section of the SOS Vehicle Services Department in Springfield IL. Prior to mailing your address change on auto registration application, ensure that you fill it out in its entirety with accurate information in order to avoid any delays or a rejected request. When the state SOS receives your notice of address change, it will update its database correspondingly.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Illinois

Car owners may be able to complete the Illinois address update on vehicle registration when renewing their registration card as well. In order to complete the process of updating a car registration address during your renewal cycle, you will be required to provide your new address information on your renewal application. If you would like to renew your license plates and change your auto registration address online in IL, you can access the SOS Address Change page and choose the Address Change With License Plates Sticker Renewal option.

Once you enter the registration ID and PIN numbers, which are displayed on your renewal notice, you will be prompted to submit your new address information and the standard data required to complete the online renewal.

Illinois DMV Address Change Fees

When changing car registration address in Illinois, vehicle owners will be required to pay a fee only under certain circumstances. For example, while the standard address change on car registration is free of charge, you will still be charged a fee if you apply for a duplicate registration card or renew your license plates at the same time.

Also, if you choose to update your information through the SOS Address Change system and you choose the Verified Address Change option, you will be required to pay for a $3 service cost, as well as a $1 processing fee.

California Privacy R. Request

California Opt-Out