How to renew your Illinois driver license
In Illinois, you can renew your driver license by mail, online, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. Which method you use depends on your license type, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people renew online or by mail without taking a test or visiting an office — but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your Illinois driver license expires on your birthday, four years after you received it (or eight years if you have a REAL ID-compliant license). You can start the renewal process up to six months before that date. The state recommends renewing at least two weeks early to avoid driving on an expired license.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois lets you renew online through the Secretary of State website if your license is not suspended, you have not had certain violations, and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and costs the same as online renewal, but you cannot update your photo or address through the mail.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility is required if you need a new photo, have had a suspension or revocation, or are renewing a commercial driver license.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check) to renew online.
- Illinois REAL ID licenses are valid for eight years instead of four, but require proof of citizenship and residency when you first obtain one.
Online renewal through the Illinois Secretary of State
The fastest and most convenient way to renew is through the Secretary of State's online portal at cyberdriveillinois.com. The process takes about 10 minutes and you receive your renewed license by mail within two to three weeks. You do not need to visit an office, take a test, or pay a visit fee.
You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have had certain traffic violations in the past four years, if you are under 21, or if you need to update your photo. You also cannot renew online if you are changing your name or address — though you can update your address at the same time you renew if you do it in person.
To renew online, you will need your current Illinois driver license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The renewal fee varies depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing for, but typically ranges from $30 to $50. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
Mail renewal for a standard license
If you prefer not to renew online, you can request a renewal process by mail from the Secretary of State. Call 217-782-6900 to request the form, or visit a Secretary of State facility in person to pick one up. Fill out the process, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your process. You cannot update your photo through the mail, so if your current license photo is outdated or you want a new one, you will need to renew in person. You also cannot change your address by mail — address changes must be done online or in person.
The renewal fee for mail renewal is the same as online renewal. Make sure your check or money order is made out to the Illinois Secretary of State, and include your current license number on the back of the check so your payment can be matched to your process.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility
You must renew in person if you need a new photo, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you are renewing a commercial driver license, or if you are under 21. You will also need to visit in person if you want to update your address at the same time you renew (though you can update your address online separately if you prefer).
To renew in person, bring your current Illinois driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a valid payment method. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Secretary of State facilities are located throughout Illinois. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times on the cyberdriveillinois.com website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait time. Bring all required documents with you — if you are missing any, you will not be able to renew that day.
REAL ID-compliant licenses and eight-year renewals
Illinois offers REAL ID-compliant licenses, which are valid for eight years instead of four. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you have a REAL ID license, your renewal cycle is longer, but you will need to provide proof of citizenship and residency when you renew.
When you renew a REAL ID license in person, bring your current license, a valid passport or birth certificate (proof of citizenship), and proof of residency. You cannot renew a REAL ID license online or by mail — you must visit a Secretary of State facility. The renewal fee for an eight-year REAL ID license is higher than a standard four-year license, typically around $50 to $60.
If you have a standard four-year license and want to upgrade to a REAL ID license, you can do so at any time by visiting a Secretary of State facility with the required documents. You do not have to wait until your license expires.
What to do if your license has expired
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail or in person, but not online. The process is the same as a standard renewal, and you do not face a penalty for renewing after the expiration date. However, you should not drive on an expired license — if you are stopped by police, you can be cited for driving with an expired license.
If your license has been expired for more than a year, the Secretary of State may require you to take a written test and vision test when you renew in person. Call 217-782-6900 to ask whether a test is required before you visit a facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Illinois driver license before it expires?
Yes. You can start the renewal process up to six months before your license expires. The state recommends renewing at least two weeks early to make sure your new license arrives before the expiration date.
How long does it take to receive a renewed license by mail?
The Secretary of State typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks of receiving your process. Add a few days for mail delivery time on both ends. If you are renewing close to your expiration date, online renewal or in-person renewal is faster.
What if I need to change my address when I renew?
You can update your address online through the Secretary of State website, or you can change it in person at a Secretary of State facility when you renew. You cannot change your address by mail. If you update your address online, you do not have to renew your license at the same time.
Do I need to take a test to renew my driver license in Illinois?
No, not for a standard renewal. You do not take a written test or road test when you renew a valid license. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may be required to take a vision test and written test — call 217-782-6900 to confirm before you visit.
What happens if I let my license expire while I am out of state?
You can renew by mail or online from anywhere, as long as your license has not been expired for more than a year. If it has been expired longer than that, you will need to visit a Secretary of State facility in Illinois to renew in person.