Illinois renewal fees depend on your license type and how long you want it to last
An Illinois driver's license renewal costs between $5 and $20, depending on whether you renew in person or by mail, and whether you choose a standard four-year license or an eight-year license. The Secretary of State's office sets these fees, and they cover the cost of producing and mailing your new license.
If you renew online or by mail, you'll pay the lowest fee. If you renew at a Driver Services facility in person, the fee is slightly higher. The eight-year license costs more upfront but spreads the per-year cost lower than renewing every four years.
You may also face additional costs if you need to change information on your license, such as your address or name, or if you want to add a Real ID endorsement — though Real ID is not required for standard renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Standard four-year Illinois license renewals cost $5 by mail or online, or $10 at a Driver Services facility.
- Eight-year license renewals cost $20 at a facility or $16 online, and are available only to drivers age 69 and under.
- Address or name changes on your license may add $5 to $10 to the renewal cost.
- Real ID endorsement, which allows federal building entry without a passport, costs an additional $24 when added during renewal.
Four-year versus eight-year license costs
Illinois offers two renewal lengths: a standard four-year license and an eight-year license. The four-year license is cheaper per transaction but requires you to renew more often. The eight-year license costs more upfront but means you renew less frequently.
A four-year renewal by mail or online costs $5. The same renewal at a Driver Services facility costs $10. An eight-year renewal costs $16 online or $20 at a facility. If you do the math across eight years, the online eight-year option ($16 total) is cheaper than renewing twice by mail ($5 + $5 = $10, but you'd need to renew again before eight years pass).
You can only get an eight-year license if you are 69 years old or younger. Drivers 70 and older must renew every four years.
Where you renew affects the price
Illinois lets you renew by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services facility. Each method has a different fee.
Renewing by mail costs $5 for a four-year license. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires, and you can send it back with payment. This is the slowest method — allow four to six weeks for your new license to arrive.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State's website costs $5 for a four-year license or $16 for an eight-year license. You'll need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services facility costs $10 for a four-year license or $20 for an eight-year license. You'll get your new license photo taken and can sometimes walk out with a temporary license the same day, though your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks.
Additional costs for address or name changes
If you're renewing and also changing your address or legal name, you may pay an extra fee. A name change on your license costs $5 to $10 depending on the method and whether you're renewing at the same time. An address change alone typically costs $5.
You'll need to bring documents proving the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, or a utility bill or lease for an address change. These documents are free or cost only what you pay to obtain them from the issuing agency.
Real ID endorsement adds to renewal cost
A Real ID endorsement is a gold star on your Illinois license that allows you to use it for federal building entry and domestic air travel without a passport. It is not required for standard renewal, but you can add it during the renewal process.
Adding Real ID costs $24 when you renew. You'll need to bring documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and current address — typically a passport or birth certificate, your Social Security card, and a recent utility bill or lease. The Real ID endorsement itself does not expire; once you have it, future renewals keep it unless you request removal.
If you don't add Real ID during renewal, you can add it later at a Driver Services facility for the same $24 fee, though you'll make a separate trip.
Payment methods and what happens if you miss the important date
Illinois accepts payment by credit card, debit card, or check (by mail only). Online and in-person renewals take card payments when ready. By mail, you can include a check with your renewal notice.
If your license expires before you renew, you cannot legally drive. Renewing after expiration costs the same as renewing before, but you may face a late fee of $5 to $10 depending on how long it has been expired. Some Driver Services facilities charge an additional fee to process an expired license renewal in person.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may have to retake the written test and vision test, which adds time and cost to the process. It's cheaper and faster to renew before your expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Illinois license if I'm out of state?
Yes. You can renew by mail or online from anywhere. By mail, request a renewal notice from the Secretary of State's website or call 217-782-6900. Online renewal is faster and available 24/7 through the Secretary of State's website.
Do I have to pay the full fee if I renew early?
Yes. Illinois charges the full renewal fee whether you renew one month before expiration or one year before. There is no discount for early renewal, but renewing early ensures you don't accidentally drive with an expired license.
What if I lose my license before it expires — do I pay to replace it?
Yes, a replacement license costs $10 at a facility or $5 by mail. This is separate from renewal. If your license is lost and also expired, you'll pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.
Does Illinois accept payment plans for renewal fees?
No. Illinois requires full payment at the time of renewal. There are no payment plans or installment options for driver's license fees.
Will my fee change if I renew during a leap year or at a different time of year?
No. The renewal fee is the same regardless of when you renew or what year it is. The fee is based only on the license type (four-year or eight-year), the method (mail, online, or in person), and any add-ons like Real ID or name changes.