Illinois lets you renew online if you meet specific requirements
You can renew your Illinois driver's license online through the Secretary of State's website if your license is still valid or expired for no more than two years. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $5 less than renewing in person, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Not everyone qualifies — you must be a U.S. citizen, have a valid Social Security number on file, and not have any medical or legal holds on your record.
The online renewal system is called eLicense, and it's the fastest way to renew if you're may be able to access. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Illinois does not mail a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical or legal restrictions.
- The eLicense system on the Secretary of State's website is where you complete the renewal — no third-party sites or apps.
- Online renewal costs $95 for a four-year license or $165 for an eight-year license, which is $5 cheaper than in-person renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; Illinois does not issue a temporary paper license for online renewals.
- If you do not meet the online requirements, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility or through the mail.
Who can use the online renewal system
You are may be able to access for online renewal if all of the following are true: your Illinois driver's license is currently valid or expired for no more than two years, you are a U.S. citizen, you have a valid Social Security number in the Illinois system, and you have no medical restrictions, legal holds, or court orders on your driving record. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online and must visit a Secretary of State facility in person.
You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information beyond what the system updates automatically. If you have moved recently, the system will use your current address on file — you can update it during the online process. However, if you need to change your name due to marriage or court order, you must renew in person and bring the required documents.
Medical conditions that prevent online renewal include vision problems, seizure disorders, or other conditions the Secretary of State has flagged on your record. If you are unsure whether you have a medical restriction, call the Secretary of State's Customer Service line at 217-782-6900 before you start the online process.
How to renew step by step
Go to the Secretary of State's official website and look for the eLicense renewal section. You will need your current Illinois driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.
Once you pass the identity check, you will review your current information and make any updates to your address if you have moved. You cannot change your name, date of birth, or other core details online — those require an in-person visit. Next, you will choose your license type: a four-year license for $95 or an eight-year license for $165. You will then enter payment information and submit your renewal.
After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save this number in case you need to check the status of your license later. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, you are still allowed to drive using your old license as long as it has not expired.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired within the last two years, you can still renew online using eLicense. However, once your license has been expired for more than two years, the online system will not accept your renewal. At that point, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility and may need to retake the written test and vision screening, depending on how long it has been expired.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you should schedule an appointment at your nearest Secretary of State office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. Some facilities accept walk-ins, but appointment availability varies by location.
Payment and what your new license costs
Online renewal costs $95 for a four-year license or $165 for an eight-year license. These prices are $5 less than renewing in person at a Secretary of State facility. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check during the online process. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
The fee covers the license itself and processing. There are no additional fees for online renewal, and the system will not charge you again if you need to resubmit due to a technical error — contact customer service if this happens. If you choose the four-year license now, you can renew again online in four years if you still meet the requirements.
Tracking your new license and what to do while you wait
After you submit your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation email with your confirmation number. You can use this number to check the status of your license on the Secretary of State's website. The status page will tell you whether your license is being processed, printed, or on its way to you.
Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Illinois does not issue a temporary paper license for online renewals, so you will need to drive using your old license until the new one arrives. Your old license remains valid for driving purposes until your new license is delivered, even if the expiration date has passed. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a Secretary of State facility.
When you cannot renew online and what to do instead
If you do not meet the online requirements, 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 requires an appointment in most locations. You will need to bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document with your number.
Mail renewal is slower but does not require a visit. You can request a renewal process by calling 217-782-6900 or visiting a Secretary of State office. Mail the completed form with your license and required documents to the address provided. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail, compared to 7 to 10 days for online renewal.
If you have a medical restriction, legal hold, or other issue preventing online renewal, the Secretary of State's website will tell you why during the online process. Read the message carefully — it will direct you to the next step, whether that is calling customer service, visiting in person, or providing additional documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must contact the Secretary of State to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Once that is cleared, you may be able to renew online if your license has not been expired for more than two years.
What if I moved to a different state after my license was issued?
You cannot renew your Illinois license online if you no longer live in Illinois. You must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility or by mail. If you have moved out of state, you should consider getting a driver's license from your new state instead.
Will I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one in the mail?
No. Illinois does not issue temporary licenses for online renewals. You can continue to drive using your current license until your new one arrives, as long as your current license has not expired. If it has expired, you are technically not allowed to drive, so plan your renewal in advance.
Can I change my name during online renewal?
No. You cannot change your name, date of birth, or gender marker online. If you need to make these changes, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility and bring the required documents, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
What if the online system rejects my identity verification?
If the system cannot verify your identity, you will not be able to complete the online renewal. Call the Secretary of State's Customer Service line at 217-782-6900 to find out why and to schedule an in-person renewal appointment instead.