Yes, you can renew after expiration, but the process changes depending on how long it has been expired

Illinois allows you to renew your driver's license after it expires, but the Secretary of State treats expired licenses differently based on how many years have passed. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online without taking a new written test or vision test. If it has been five years or longer since expiration, you must visit a Driver Services facility in person and pass both the written exam and vision screening, just as if you were getting your first license.

The reason for this rule is straightforward: the state wants to make sure you still know the rules of the road and can see well enough to drive safely if your license has been inactive for a long time. For most people whose licenses expired recently, renewal is quick and inexpensive.

Key Takeaways

  • Licenses expired fewer than five years ago can be renewed online at cyberdriveillinois.com or by mail without retesting.
  • Licenses expired five years or longer require an in-person visit to a Driver Services facility, a written test, and a vision test.
  • Online renewal costs $30 for a four-year license and takes about two weeks for delivery; mail renewal costs $35 and takes longer.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method to renew online.
  • If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at the Driver Services facility.

Renewing online if your license expired within the last five years

The fastest way to renew is through the Illinois Secretary of State's online portal at cyberdriveillinois.com. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card. The process takes about 10 minutes, and the fee is $30 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license.

After you submit your process online, the Secretary of State will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 10 to 14 business days. You do not need to visit a facility, take any tests, or provide new documents. Your current expired license remains valid for identification purposes until your new one arrives, though you cannot legally drive with it.

Renewing by mail if you prefer not to go online

If you do not want to renew online, you can request a renewal process by calling the Secretary of State at 217-782-6900 or by visiting a Driver Services facility in person. Fill out the process form (DL 43), include a check or money order for $35, and mail it to the address provided on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically three to four weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your process. You will still not need to take any tests or provide new documents if your license expired fewer than five years ago. Like online renewal, your expired license is not valid for driving, only for identification.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility if your license expired five or more years ago

If your license has been expired for five years or longer, you must visit a Driver Services facility. You cannot renew by mail or online. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

At the facility, you will take the written knowledge test and the vision screening. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices — the same test new drivers take. If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. The renewal fee is $30 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. Your new license is typically issued on the spot or mailed within two weeks.

To find the Driver Services facility nearest you, visit cyberdriveillinois.com and use the facility locator. Many facilities require you to book an appointment online in advance, especially in busy areas. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but wait times can be long.

What documents you need for any renewal method

For online or mail renewal (license expired fewer than five years ago), you need only your driver's license number and Social Security number. You do not need to mail in any physical documents.

For in-person renewal (license expired five or more years ago), bring your expired driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable proof of residency includes a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. Acceptable proof of Social Security number includes your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you have changed your name since your license was issued, also bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Getting a temporary permit if you need to drive before your new license arrives

If you renew online or by mail and need to drive before your new license arrives, you cannot legally drive with your expired license. However, if you visit a Driver Services facility in person for any reason, you can request a temporary driving permit (also called a temporary license) at no additional cost. The temporary permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

If you renewed online or by mail and did not get a temporary permit, your only option is to visit a Driver Services facility and request one in person. Bring your expired license and proof of your identity.

Renewing if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first clear the suspension or revocation with the Secretary of State. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or failure to pay traffic fines. Revocation is more serious and usually results from multiple violations or DUI convictions.

Contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services Division at 217-782-6900 to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. You may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or wait out a suspension period. Only after the suspension or revocation is lifted can you renew your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal to arrive?

No. An expired license is not valid for driving, even if you have submitted a renewal process. You can use it for identification purposes only. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, visit a Driver Services facility and request a temporary permit.

What happens if I fail the written test at the Driver Services facility?

You can retake the test the same day at most facilities, or you can schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test. You must pass both the written test and the vision screening before your license is renewed.

Do I need a Real ID compliant license when I renew?

Not unless you plan to use your license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you want a Real ID license, you must visit a Driver Services facility in person and bring additional documents such as a birth certificate and proof of residency. You can renew a standard license online or by mail.

How much does it cost to renew my Illinois driver's license?

Online renewal costs $30 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal costs $35 for a four-year license or $53 for an eight-year license. In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility costs the same as online renewal.

What if my address has changed since my license expired?

You can update your address during online renewal. If you are renewing by mail or in person, include your new address on the process or tell the staff member at the facility. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.