Illinois driver's license fees by license type and renewal method
Illinois charges different fees depending on the type of license you need and how you renew it. A standard five-year driver's license costs $30 if you renew online or by mail, or $35 if you renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. If you are getting your first license or upgrading to a Real ID-compliant license, the cost is higher.
A Real ID driver's license — the kind required for federal air travel and entry to military bases — costs $38 for a five-year license renewed in person, or $33 if renewed online or by mail. The Real ID upgrade is mandatory for domestic flights starting in 2025, though you can still use a standard license for state ID purposes.
If you are under 21, your license costs $20 for a five-year term. Licenses for drivers 81 and older cost $10 for a four-year term. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) have separate fees that depend on the endorsements you need and whether you are renewing or obtaining a new license.
Key Takeaways
- A standard five-year Illinois driver's license costs $30 online or by mail, or $35 in person at a Secretary of State office.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost $38 in person or $33 online and by mail, and will be required for domestic air travel starting in 2025.
- Renewing online or by mail saves you $5 compared to renewing in person, and you can renew up to one year before your license expires.
- Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards cost $17, and name-change licenses cost $20.
- Payment methods at Secretary of State offices include cash, check, debit card, and credit card, but online renewal requires a credit or debit card.
First-time Illinois driver's license cost
Getting your first Illinois driver's license involves multiple steps and fees. You must pass a written test, vision screening, and driving test before the Secretary of State issues your license. The written test and vision screening are free, but the driving test costs $10.
Once you pass all tests, the license itself costs $30 for a standard five-year license or $38 for a Real ID license. You cannot obtain your first license online or by mail — you must appear in person at a Secretary of State facility. Some facilities allow you to schedule a road test appointment in advance through the Illinois Secretary of State website, which can reduce wait times.
If you are under 18, you must also complete a driver education course (either classroom or online) and hold a learner's permit for a minimum of 30 days before taking your road test. The learner's permit costs $10 and is valid for one year.
Renewal costs and how to save money
Renewing your Illinois driver's license before it expires costs less than renewing in person. Online renewal through the Secretary of State website costs $30 for a standard license or $33 for a Real ID license. Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal. In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office costs $35 for a standard license or $38 for a Real ID license.
You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date shown on your card. Renewing early does not extend your license term — your new license will still expire five years from your current expiration date, not five years from the renewal date. If you wait until your license has already expired, you must renew in person and may face additional requirements or fees depending on how long it has been expired.
Online and mail renewal are available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name, and you do not need to update your address to a new state. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person.
Replacement license and name-change fees
If your Illinois driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement card. A replacement license costs $17 and must be obtained in person at a Secretary of State office. You will need to bring a valid form of identification and proof of your current address.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can update your driver's license with your new name. A name-change license costs $20 and must be obtained in person. You will need to bring your current driver's license, a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address.
Real ID upgrade and federal compliance costs
Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to driver's licenses and state ID cards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current Illinois license is not Real ID-compliant, you will need to upgrade.
Upgrading to a Real ID license costs $38 in person or $33 online or by mail, depending on your renewal method. You cannot upgrade online or by mail if your license is expired or if you need to change your address. If you are renewing your license anyway, the Real ID upgrade adds only $3 to $8 to your renewal cost.
To upgrade to Real ID, you must bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your date of birth, proof of your current address, and proof of your legal name. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The Secretary of State website lists all acceptable documents.
Payment methods and where to pay
At Secretary of State offices, you can pay for your driver's license with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices may have restrictions on which payment methods they accept, so call ahead if you plan to pay by check. Online renewal requires a credit or debit card.
Mail renewal also requires a check or money order — you cannot pay by credit card through the mail. Make your check or money order payable to the "Secretary of State" and include it with your renewal process. Mail your renewal to the address provided on the Secretary of State website.
If you are renewing in person, arrive during your local office's business hours. Most Secretary of State offices are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. You can check your local office's hours and schedule an appointment on the Secretary of State website.
Commercial driver's license fees
Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) in Illinois have separate fees from standard driver's licenses. A new CDL costs $50, and renewal costs $45. These fees cover a five-year license term. If you need to add or remove endorsements (such as hazmat or passenger), there is an additional $10 fee per endorsement.
CDL renewal can be done in person or by mail, but not online. You must renew in person if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, or if you need to add endorsements. The written and skills tests for a CDL are not free — the written test costs $10 and the skills test costs $35.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Illinois driver's license online if it has already expired?
No. Online renewal is available only if your license is currently valid. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period (check the Secretary of State website for the current limit), you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test or vision screening.
Do I have to pay for a Real ID upgrade if I renew my license?
No. You can renew your standard driver's license without upgrading to Real ID. However, starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or passport to board a domestic flight. A standard license will still work for state ID purposes.
What happens if I renew my license early — does my new license last longer?
No. Your new license will expire five years from your current expiration date, not five years from when you renew. Early renewal does not extend your license term, but it does allow you to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date.
Can I pay for my driver's license renewal by credit card if I renew by mail?
No. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. Online renewal accepts credit or debit cards. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
How much does it cost to replace a lost or stolen Illinois driver's license?
A replacement license costs $17 and must be obtained in person at a Secretary of State office. You will need to bring a valid form of identification and proof of your current address.