You can renew your Illinois driver's license online if you meet a few basic requirements
Illinois lets you renew your driver's license through the Secretary of State's website without visiting a facility in person. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You're may be able to access if your license is expired or expiring within the next six months, you have no medical or legal holds on your record, and your address on file is current.
Not everyone can renew online. If you need to change your address, update your name, correct information on your license, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person. The same applies if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you've had certain traffic violations or medical issues flagged on your record.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Illinois Secretary of State website works only if your current license is valid or expiring within six months and you have no holds or restrictions.
- You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
- If you need to change your address, name, or license class, or if you hold a commercial license, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.
- The renewal fee varies depending on your license type and how many years you're renewing for, and you pay by credit or debit card during the online process.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you go to the Secretary of State's renewal website. You'll need your current Illinois driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Have a valid credit or debit card ready to pay the renewal fee.
Make sure your mailing address on file with the Secretary of State is correct and current. If you've moved recently and haven't updated your address through the DMV, you should do that before renewing online—otherwise your new license will be mailed to your old address. If your address has changed, you'll need to renew in person instead.
The online renewal process step by step
Start at the Illinois Secretary of State website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You'll enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to pull up your record. The system will confirm your current information and show you the renewal fee based on your license type and renewal period.
Review the information on screen carefully. If anything is wrong—your name, date of birth, address, or restrictions—stop and renew in person instead. Once you confirm everything is correct, you'll pay the renewal fee using your credit or debit card. After payment goes through, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
Keep your confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you can use that confirmation number to track your license status on the Secretary of State website. You can continue driving on your current license until your new one arrives.
How long it takes and what to expect
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you complete your online renewal. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file with the Secretary of State. During this time, your current license remains valid, so you can drive legally while you wait.
If your license doesn't arrive within 10 business days, you can check the status using your confirmation number on the Secretary of State website. If there's a problem with delivery or your license is damaged when it arrives, contact the Secretary of State's customer service line to report it and request a replacement.
Renewal fees and payment
The renewal fee depends on your license type and how many years you're renewing for. A standard driver's license renewal typically costs between $30 and $150, depending on whether you're renewing for 4 or 8 years. You pay by credit card or debit card during the online process—no cash, check, or money order is accepted.
Some people are may have access to to reduced fees or waivers based on age or military service. If you think you may have access to for a discount, check the Secretary of State website or call their office before you renew online to confirm your fee amount.
When you must renew in person instead
Online renewal is not an option if your license is suspended, revoked, or has a medical hold. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, correct your address, update your photo, or change your license class. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility.
If you've had certain traffic violations, DUI convictions, or medical conditions reported to the Secretary of State, your record may be flagged and you'll be required to renew in person. The online system will tell you if you're not may be able to access and direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead.
What happens after your new license arrives
When your new license arrives in the mail, check it when ready for errors. Make sure your name, date of birth, address, and license number are all correct. If anything is wrong, contact the Secretary of State right away—you may need to visit a facility in person to correct it.
Destroy your old license once you have your new one. You don't need to return it to the Secretary of State. Your new license is valid when ready upon arrival, even though you've been driving legally on your old one the whole time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than six months ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. The online system only works for licenses that are currently valid or expiring within the next six months.
What if I moved and need to change my address?
You cannot change your address through online renewal. You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person to update your mailing address and renew your license at the same time. If you renew online without updating your address first, your new license will be mailed to your old address.
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'll need to schedule an appointment and bring required documents, including proof of medical certification if applicable.
What if my payment doesn't go through?
If your credit or debit card is declined, the system will let you know when ready. Try a different card or contact your bank to make sure the card is active. Once payment goes through, you'll receive a confirmation number and your renewal is complete.
Can I track my license after I renew online?
Yes. Use your confirmation number on the Illinois Secretary of State website to check the status of your license. You can see when it's been mailed and track its delivery progress.