Illinois lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
You can renew your Illinois driver's license through the Secretary of State's website without visiting a facility, but only if your license is not expired by more than one year and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that require a new photo or in-person review. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, costs $5 less than renewing in person, and you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use online renewal. If your license expired more than a year ago, if you need to change your address, if you want to add the REAL ID star, or if you have certain medical flags on your record, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility or through the mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last year and you have no medical restrictions or address changes.
- The fee for online renewal is $5 less than in-person renewal, and your new license arrives by mail in about a week.
- You will need your current Illinois driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
- If you want to add REAL ID status or change your address, you cannot renew online and must visit a Secretary of State facility in person.
Who can renew online and who cannot
The Secretary of State allows online renewal only for standard license renewals with no changes to your record. You are may be able to access if your license is currently valid or expired by no more than 12 months, you have no medical conditions flagged in the system, and you do not need to update your address, name, or other personal information.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you need to add or change restrictions or endorsements, or if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license. You also cannot renew online if you have a medical hold on your record or if you are under 21 and need a new photo for age verification.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online renewal on the Secretary of State website:
- Your current Illinois driver's license number
- The last four digits of your Social Security number
- A valid credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover)
- An email address where you can receive your confirmation
You do not need to upload documents or provide a new photo for online renewal. The Secretary of State uses the photo and information already on file from your previous license. If you want to change your photo, you must renew in person.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Go to the Secretary of State's online services portal at cyberdriveillinois.com. Look for the "Renew Your Driver's License" option under the Driver Services section. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Review the information the system displays from your current license. Confirm that your address, name, and other details are correct. If anything is wrong, stop and renew in person instead, because the online system will not let you make changes. Once you confirm everything is accurate, proceed to payment.
Enter your payment information and submit. You will receive an email confirmation with a reference number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Cost and payment methods
Online renewal costs $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license. In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility costs $35 for four years or $65 for eight years, so you save $5 by renewing online. The Secretary of State accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. There is no option to pay by check, money order, or cash through the online system.
The $5 savings applies only to the license fee itself. If you are renewing a license that requires a medical examination or other special processing, you may face additional fees that do not explore to standard online renewal.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you have two other options: renew in person at a Secretary of State facility, or renew by mail. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license valid for 30 days. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks and requires you to print and mail a form with a check or money order.
To find a Secretary of State facility near you, visit cyberdriveillinois.com and search the office locator. Many facilities require you to book an appointment online before you arrive. If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to bring proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and proof of legal presence in the United States.
Timeline and what happens after you submit
After you complete online renewal, the Secretary of State processes your request within one business day. Your new license is then printed and mailed to your address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though delivery times vary by location and postal service delays.
You can drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. If you need to verify that your renewal was processed, check your email for the confirmation message sent after you submitted payment. That message includes a reference number you can use to contact the Secretary of State if your license does not arrive within two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is already expired?
Yes, as long as it expired no more than 12 months ago. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person or by mail and may need to provide proof of legal presence and residency.
What if I need to change my address?
You cannot change your address through online renewal. You must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility or by mail. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
Can I add REAL ID status when I renew online?
No. REAL ID renewal requires an in-person visit to a Secretary of State facility. You must bring your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two forms of proof of residency. REAL ID licenses cost $5 more than standard licenses.
What if I do not receive my license within two weeks?
Contact the Secretary of State's customer service line at 217-782-6900 or visit a local facility with your confirmation email and reference number. They can check the status of your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a Secretary of State facility. You will need to pass a vision test and provide medical certification if required by federal law.