The Basic Path to Renewing in Illinois
In Illinois, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State facility. Most people renew online through the Illinois Secretary of State website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a four-year license or $95 for an eight-year license. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any major changes to your name or address since your last license, and your license has not been expired for more than five years.
If you cannot renew online — because your license is expired beyond five years, you have changed your name, or you need to update your address — you must renew in person or by mail. In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Illinois Secretary of State website is the fastest option and works if your license is current and you have not changed your name or address.
- You will need your current Illinois driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility requires your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment by cash, check, or card.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a Secretary of State facility in person.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Renewing Online Through the Secretary of State
Online renewal is available on the Illinois Secretary of State website at cyberdriveillinois.com. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and choose your license type — either a four-year license ($30) or an eight-year license ($95).
After you submit your process and payment, you will receive a confirmation 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. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the Secretary of State's customer service line at 217-782-6900 to check the status.
Renewing in Person at a Secretary of State Facility
To renew in person, visit any Secretary of State Driver Services facility in Illinois. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment in cash, by check, or by card. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You can find the nearest facility and check current wait times on the Secretary of State website. Many locations allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first. The renewal process takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have not changed your name or address. read the Driver's License Renewal process (Form DL 43) from the Secretary of State website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current driver's license and payment to the address listed on the form. Payment must be by check or money order — credit cards are not accepted by mail.
The Secretary of State typically processes mail applications within two to three weeks of receiving them. Your new license will be mailed to you after approval. If you need your license sooner, in-person or online renewal is faster. Keep a copy of your process and the tracking number from your mailed envelope in case you need to follow up.
What to Do If Your License Is Expired Beyond Five Years
If your Illinois driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You may also need to provide proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return) and proof of your legal name if it has changed.
The in-person process is the same as a standard renewal, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. If you have any suspensions, revocations, or other holds on your driving record, the Secretary of State will inform you during this visit, and you may need to resolve those issues before your license can be renewed.
Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address during online renewal if you have not changed your name. The online system will ask you to confirm or update your address. If you have changed your name, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. Bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address, and a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
If you only need to change your address without renewing your license, you can do that separately through the Secretary of State website or at a Driver Services facility. Address changes do not require payment and can be completed in a few minutes.
License Types and Renewal Costs
Illinois offers two renewal options: a four-year license for $30 and an eight-year license for $95. Both are valid for driving and have the same appearance. The choice is yours at renewal. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal costs and procedures are different — contact the Secretary of State for CDL-specific information.
If you are 81 years old or older, your license must be renewed in person every two years, and the cost is $10 per renewal. Disabled drivers may be may be able to access for a reduced fee — check the Secretary of State website or call 217-782-6900 to learn whether you may have access to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my new license to arrive?
Yes. If you renew online or by mail, you can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and you can drive on that while your permanent license is in the mail.
What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?
Contact the Secretary of State when ready to report the loss. You can request a replacement license in person at a Driver Services facility or online through the Secretary of State website. There is a $20 fee for a replacement license.
How do I know if my license is may be able to access for online renewal?
Your license is may be able to access for online renewal if it is not suspended or revoked, it has not been expired for more than five years, you have not changed your name since it was issued, and your address has not changed. The online system will tell you whether you are may be able to access when you start the process.
What if I need my license renewed before the mail arrives?
Renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the same day, and your permanent license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. This is faster than online or mail renewal.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required, but they are recommended. Many Secretary of State facilities allow you to schedule an appointment online, which reduces wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first.