Illinois driver's license fees by license type and renewal method
Illinois charges different fees depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or upgrading to a Real ID. The Secretary of State's office sets these fees, and they do not vary by county or by which facility you visit.
A standard Class D driver's license (the most common type for regular driving) costs $30 for an eight-year renewal or $20 for a four-year renewal if you are age 69 or older. A first-time license or a replacement for a lost or damaged license also costs $30. If you renew by mail instead of in person, you pay the same fee — there is no discount for the mail route.
A Real ID-compliant driver's license costs $38 for an eight-year term or $28 for a four-year term. Real ID is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025. You must explore in person at a Secretary of State facility; you cannot renew Real ID by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Illinois driver's licenses cost $30 for eight years or $20 for four years (age 69+), and this fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost $38 for eight years or $28 for four years and require an in-person visit to a Secretary of State office.
- Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards cost $30 and are issued on the spot at most facilities.
- Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) have separate, higher fees that depend on the endorsements you need.
- Payment methods at Secretary of State facilities include cash, debit, credit card, and money order, but online renewals accept only credit or debit card.
Replacement license fees and processing
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, the replacement fee is $30. You can obtain a replacement at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility. Most locations issue the replacement card the same day you explore, though you should bring your Social Security number and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
If you lost your license and need to drive before you can visit a facility, you can request a temporary driving permit at the time of process. This permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your replacement card to arrive by mail. There is no additional fee for the temporary permit.
Commercial driver's license (CDL) costs
A commercial driver's license costs more than a standard license because it requires additional testing and medical certification. The initial CDL process fee is $60. Renewal of a CDL is also $60 for an eight-year term. If you hold a CDL and want to add or remove endorsements (such as hazmat or passenger), you pay an additional $10 per endorsement change.
CDL applicants must pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner and provide the Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5875) at the time of process. This medical exam is not included in the $60 fee and must be paid to the medical examiner separately — costs vary by provider but typically range from $50 to $150.
Real ID versus standard license: cost and requirements
The $8 difference between a standard license ($30) and a Real ID license ($38) reflects the additional security features and federal verification required for Real ID compliance. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and meet the federal REAL ID Act standards for domestic air travel and federal building access.
To obtain a Real ID, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person and bring original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Illinois residency. A standard license can be renewed by mail if you meet certain conditions (no address change, no name change, no medical restrictions added), but Real ID renewals always require an in-person visit. This in-person requirement is why some people choose to keep a standard license instead, even though Real ID will eventually become necessary for air travel.
Payment methods and where to pay
At Secretary of State Driver Services facilities, you can pay with cash, debit card, credit card, or money order. Some facilities may also accept checks, but this varies by location — call ahead if you plan to pay by check. If you renew your license online through the Secretary of State website, you can pay only with a credit or debit card; cash and money order are not options for online renewal.
Mail-in renewals require a check or money order made payable to the Illinois Secretary of State. Do not send cash through the mail. Include your payment with the renewal process form and required documents in the envelope you mail to the address listed on the renewal notice.
Age-based fee reductions
Illinois offers a reduced renewal fee for drivers age 69 and older. Instead of paying $30 for an eight-year renewal, drivers in this age group can renew for $20 and receive a four-year license instead. This shorter renewal cycle allows the Secretary of State to monitor medical fitness more frequently for older drivers, and the lower fee reflects that shorter term.
To receive the age-based rate, you do not need to request it or provide proof of age at the time of payment. The Secretary of State's system automatically applies the reduced rate when you renew if you are 69 or older. If you are renewing by mail, the renewal notice you receive will show the $20 fee if you may have access to.
Duplicate license and name-change fees
A duplicate license is different from a replacement. A duplicate is an additional copy of your current valid license and costs $10. You might request a duplicate if you want to keep one license in your car and one at home, or if you are concerned about losing your only copy. Duplicates are issued the same day at most facilities.
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your license. The fee to update your name on an existing license is $20 if the license is not yet expired. If your license has expired, you pay the full renewal fee ($30 for standard, $38 for Real ID) rather than just the name-change fee. You must bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to the Secretary of State facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Illinois license online, and does it cost less?
You can renew online through the Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired more than one year, you cannot have had a name or address change, and no medical restrictions can have been added. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal ($30 for standard, $38 for Real ID). You cannot renew Real ID online — Real ID always requires an in-person visit.
What if I need my license before the replacement arrives in the mail?
Request a temporary driving permit when you explore for a replacement. The permit is valid for 30 days and costs nothing extra. You can drive legally with the temporary permit while you wait for your replacement card, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Do I have to pay for a Real ID, or can I keep a standard license?
You can choose either one when you renew. Real ID is required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting in 2025, but a standard license remains valid for driving. The choice is yours, though eventually most people will need Real ID for air travel. Standard licenses cost $8 less per renewal.
Is the medical exam fee for a CDL included in the $60 process fee?
No. The $60 CDL fee covers the process and testing only. The medical exam must be done by a certified medical examiner and paid separately — costs typically range from $50 to $150 depending on the examiner. You must bring the completed Medical Examiner's Certificate to your CDL appointment.
What happens if I pay the wrong fee?
If you pay less than required, the Secretary of State will contact you to collect the difference before your license is issued. If you pay more, you will receive a refund by check, which can take several weeks. It is worth double-checking the fee for your specific license type and renewal method before you pay.