Illinois driver's license fees by document type

An Illinois driver's license costs $30 for a standard four-year license if you are 18 or older. If you want an eight-year license instead, you pay $60. Minors (under 18) pay $20 for a four-year license.

These are the base fees charged by the Illinois Secretary of State. If you renew by mail or online, you may avoid an additional service fee, but if you renew in person at a Driver Services facility, some locations charge a facility fee on top of the license fee — this varies by location and is set by the facility operator, not the state.

If you need a Real ID — a federal standard that lets you use your license to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings — the cost is the same as a standard license. You do not pay extra for Real ID compliance; you only need to bring different documents to prove your identity and address.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard four-year Illinois driver's license costs $30 for adults; an eight-year license costs $60.
  • Minors pay $20 for a four-year license, and the cost does not change when they turn 18 — they renew at the adult rate only at their next renewal.
  • Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require you to bring original documents proving citizenship and address.
  • In-person renewal at some facilities may include an additional facility fee beyond the state license fee.
  • Duplicate licenses, name changes, and corrected licenses each carry separate fees ranging from $5 to $20.

Duplicate and replacement licenses

If you lose your license or need a duplicate, a duplicate driver's license costs $20. This is a new physical card with the same information as your current license. You can order a duplicate by mail, online, or in person.

If your license is damaged or worn but still valid, you can request a replacement for the same $20 fee. The difference between a duplicate and a replacement is mainly administrative — a duplicate is issued when your current license is still active, and a replacement is issued when your current license is damaged or defaced.

If you need to correct information on your license — such as a legal name change, corrected address, or corrected date of birth — the fee depends on the type of correction. A corrected license typically costs $10 to $20, depending on whether the error was made by the Secretary of State or by you.

Renewal costs and timing

When your license expires, renewal costs the same as the original license: $30 for four years or $60 for eight years. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.

Renewing online or by mail typically costs only the license fee with no additional charges. Renewing in person at a Driver Services facility may include a facility fee — usually $5 to $10 — depending on which facility you visit. Call ahead or check the facility's website to confirm whether a facility fee applies.

If you renew after your license has already expired, you still pay the standard renewal fee. There is no late fee or penalty added by the state, though you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

What affects your total cost

Several factors can change what you actually pay beyond the base license fee. If you need a name change on your license — due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must bring a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The license itself costs the standard fee, but some facilities charge an additional processing fee.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost is higher. A four-year CDL costs $60, and an eight-year CDL costs $120. CDL renewals also require a medical examination certificate, which is not provided by the Secretary of State and must be obtained from a certified medical examiner — that exam typically costs $75 to $150 depending on the provider.

If you are reinstating a suspended or revoked license — because you paid a reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State or completed a required program — the reinstatement fee itself is separate from the license fee. Reinstatement fees range from $100 to $500 depending on the reason for suspension. Once reinstated, you still pay the standard license fee to get your new card.

How to pay and where to renew

You can renew your Illinois driver's license online at cyberdriveillinois.com, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Online renewal is the fastest and usually the cheapest option because you avoid facility fees. You pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

By mail, you send your current license, the renewal form (DL 44), and a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks after the Secretary of State receives your process.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility is when ready — you walk out with a temporary license and your new card arrives by mail within two weeks. However, in-person renewal may include a facility fee that online or mail renewal does not charge. Some facilities accept cash, check, or card; confirm payment methods before you go.

Real ID and federal compliance

A Real ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license — $30 for four years or $60 for eight years.

The difference is not in price but in what you must bring to get one. For a Real ID, you must show an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other citizenship document, plus an original or certified copy of a document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement). A standard license requires only proof of identity and current address but does not require proof of citizenship.

If you already have a standard Illinois driver's license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can renew early and request Real ID at the same time. You pay the renewal fee plus any facility fee, but not an extra charge for the Real ID designation itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Illinois license online if it is already expired?

Yes. You can renew online up to one year after your license expires. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services facility. Either way, you pay the standard renewal fee with no penalty for late renewal.

Do I have to pay extra for a Real ID?

No. A Real ID costs the same as a standard license. You only need to bring different documents — proof of citizenship and current address — when you explore. If you already have a standard license and want Real ID, renew early and request it at the same time for the standard renewal fee.

What if I need my license before the mail arrives?

Renew in person at a Driver Services facility. You receive a temporary license when ready and your new card arrives by mail within two weeks. In-person renewal may include a facility fee beyond the $30 or $60 license fee, so call ahead to confirm the total cost.

Is there a fee if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes, but it is separate from the license fee. Reinstatement fees range from $100 to $500 depending on why your license was suspended. Once you pay the reinstatement fee and meet any other requirements, you pay the standard license fee to get your new card.

How much does a commercial driver's license cost?

A four-year CDL costs $60, and an eight-year CDL costs $120. You also need a medical examination certificate from a certified medical examiner, which typically costs $75 to $150 and is not provided by the state.