Illinois Form VSD 165: Notice of Address Change Guide – If you recently moved within Illinois or updated your residential address, you must notify the Illinois Secretary of State promptly. Form VSD 165, officially titled the Notice of Address Change, is the official document used to update your address for vehicle registration and, in some cases, your driver’s license or state ID records. This guide explains everything USA residents in Illinois need to know about the form, legal requirements, online alternatives, and how to submit it correctly.
What Is Illinois Form VSD 165?
Form VSD 165 is the Illinois Secretary of State’s official Notice of Address Change form issued by the Vehicle Services Department. It allows Illinois residents to report a new mailing or residential address for their vehicle registration and driver’s license or photo ID files.
According to Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/3-416 and related administrative rules), vehicle owners and driver’s license holders must notify the Secretary of State in writing within 10 days of any address change. Form VSD 165 fulfills this legal requirement when submitted by mail or in person.
Important notes from the official form:
- You will not receive a new driver’s license or state ID card by submitting this form alone.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders may not use this form for driver’s license address changes and must visit a Driver Services facility.
- A change of address on registration does not require a change on the vehicle title. A name change, however, does require a corrected title.
Download the official current Form VSD 165 (March 2026 version) directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:
Download Illinois Form VSD 165 PDF
Who Needs to File Form VSD 165?
You should complete Form VSD 165 if you:
- Moved to a new residential address in Illinois
- Need to update the address on your vehicle registration (license plates)
- Want to update the address associated with your driver’s license or state ID (note limitations below)
- Are changing only the registration address while keeping the same driver’s license address (or vice versa)
Illinois maintains separate systems for driver’s licenses/IDs and vehicle registrations. Updating one does not automatically update the other. You must address both if needed.
Legal Deadline: Notify Within 10 Days
Illinois law requires notification of an address change within 10 days. Failure to notify the Secretary of State can result in issues with receiving renewal notices, important correspondence, or potential compliance problems. The requirement applies to both vehicle registration (625 ILCS 5/3-416) and driver’s licenses (Illinois Vehicle Code Section 6-116 and Ill. Admin. Code tit. 92, § 1030.115).
Preferred Method: Update Your Address Online for Free
The Illinois Secretary of State strongly encourages using the free online address change service whenever possible. It is faster, free, and updates both systems when selected.
Visit the official Address Change page:
Illinois Secretary of State Online Address Change
Key benefits of the online method:
- Completely free
- Immediate processing
- Option to update driver’s license/ID and vehicle registration in one transaction
- Available 24/7
Note: To receive a physical driver’s license or state ID card showing the new address, you must still visit a Driver Services facility in person, present acceptable identification, and pay the applicable fee. CDL holders must obtain a corrected hard card within 30 days.
How to Complete Form VSD 165 Step by Step?
If you prefer paper filing or cannot use the online service, follow these steps:
- Download and print the official Form VSD 165 PDF using the link above. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results with fillable fields.
- Select what to change: Check the box for “License Plate Registration Address Only,” “Driver’s License / Photo ID,” or both.
- Indicate voter registration interest: Answer yes or no if you want a voter registration application mailed to you.
- Provide old and new information:
- Full name (first, middle, last) — old and new if applicable
- Street address (required if city population exceeds 3,500; otherwise a P.O. Box is acceptable)
- City, State, ZIP Code
- County
- Date of birth and sex
- Current driver’s license or photo ID number(s)
- Vehicle information (if updating registration): License plate number, expiration date, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), year, and make.
- Military or student status (if applicable): Check boxes for active military duty or student status in another state.
- Corrected documents: If a name change is involved, indicate how many corrected title or registration applications you need.
- Type or print clearly with a ballpoint pen. Sign where required.
Where and How to Submit Form VSD 165?
You have two submission options:
- In person: Take the completed form to any Illinois Driver Services facility (find locations via the official facility finder on ilsos.gov).
- By mail: Send the completed form to:
Secretary of State
VSD License Correction Section
501 S. Second St.
Springfield, IL 62756-0001
No fee is required for a simple address change using Form VSD 165. There is a $3 fee only if you request a corrected registration identification card.
Important Limitations and Additional Requirements
- No new card issued: Submitting VSD 165 updates the record only. Visit a facility for a new physical driver’s license or ID.
- CDL holders: Cannot use this form for license changes; facility visit is mandatory.
- Title vs. registration: Address changes do not require title correction. Name changes do.
- Voter registration: Checking “yes” results in a separate application being mailed; you must complete and send it to your local election authority (at least 28 days before an election for eligibility).
- Renewal notices: Update your address at least 90 days before registration expiration to ensure timely renewal stickers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for Form VSD 165?
No. Address changes are free unless you request a corrected registration ID card ($3).
Can I change my address online instead?
Yes — and it is the recommended method. Use the official portal at ilsos.gov/addrchange.
What happens if I miss the 10-day deadline?
You may experience delays receiving official mail or face compliance issues. Update as soon as possible.
Does updating my registration automatically update my driver’s license?
No. The systems are separate. Update both if needed.
Where can I find more official forms?
Visit the Illinois Secretary of State Title and Registration Publications page: ilsos.gov publications.
Conclusion
Staying current with your address on Illinois vehicle and driver’s license records is a simple legal requirement that protects you from missed notices and ensures smooth interactions with the Secretary of State. Prefer the free online tool at ilsos.gov for the fastest results. If paper is necessary, download the official Form VSD 165, complete it carefully, and submit it within 10 days of your move.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Illinois Secretary of State website: