Illinois lets you renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires

You can renew your Illinois driver's license as early as 12 months before your expiration date. This means if your license expires on March 15, 2025, you can start the renewal process on March 15, 2024. Illinois does not allow renewal earlier than that window, and the Secretary of State's office will reject applications submitted more than one year in advance.

The early renewal window exists so you can avoid the rush near your expiration date and may support you have a valid license without interruption. Many people renew at the one-year mark to spread out the cost or to get a new photo before their current one becomes outdated. The process is the same whether you renew early or wait until closer to your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your Illinois driver's license starting exactly 12 months before your expiration date, but not before.
  • Renewal by mail, online, or in person all follow the same one-year advance window.
  • Your new license will be valid for four years from the date of renewal if you are under 69 years old, or until age 90 if you are 69 or older.
  • You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, even if you are within the early renewal window for a future license.

How to find your exact renewal date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your Illinois driver's license in the lower right corner. It appears as a date in the format MM/DD/YYYY. Count back 12 months from that date to find the earliest day you can renew.

If you are unsure of your expiration date or cannot locate your license, you can check the Illinois Secretary of State website using your driver's license number. You will need to log into your account or call the Secretary of State's customer service line at 217-782-6900 to verify the date. Having your Social Security number and license number ready will speed up the process.

Renewal methods available during the early window

Illinois offers three ways to renew during the early renewal period: online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services facility. All three methods are available once you reach the 12-month mark before expiration.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are under 69 years old and your current license is not damaged or lost. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal requires you to complete Form DL 44 or Form DL 43, depending on whether you are renewing with the same information or updating your address. You will mail the form, your current license, and a check or money order to the address provided by the Secretary of State. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives your process.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services facility allows you to get a new photo and receive your license the same day or within a few days. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Walk-in appointments are available, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Fees and what to bring for early renewal

The renewal fee for a four-year driver's license in Illinois is $30 if you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person and need a new photo, the fee is also $30. If you are 69 or older, the fee is $20 for a license valid until age 90.

For online or mail renewal, you will need your current driver's license and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or check). For in-person renewal, bring your current license, one document proving your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and one document proving your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

What happens to your license after early renewal

When you renew early, your new license becomes valid when ready if you renew in person and receive it the same day. If you renew online or by mail, your new license becomes valid on the date it is issued by the Secretary of State, not the date it arrives in your mailbox. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Your new license will expire four years from the date of renewal if you are under 69 years old. If you are 69 or older, your license will expire on your 90th birthday. This means if you renew on March 15, 2024, your new license will expire on March 15, 2028 (or on your 90th birthday, whichever comes first).

Situations where early renewal is not possible

You cannot renew early if your current license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled by the Illinois Secretary of State. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the Secretary of State's office to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps you need to take.

If your license has been lost or stolen, you cannot renew early; you must explore for a replacement. A replacement license costs $20 and requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services facility. You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of residency.

If your current license is damaged or defaced to the point that it cannot be read, you must renew in person rather than online or by mail. Bring your damaged license and the documents listed above to a Driver Services facility.

Common mistakes to avoid when renewing early

Do not submit your renewal process more than 12 months before your expiration date. The Secretary of State's office will return it and ask you to resubmit when you are within the correct window. This delays your renewal by several weeks.

If you renew online, do not assume your new license is valid before it arrives. Your old license remains your valid license until the new one is issued. Carry both if you are concerned about timing.

Do not forget to update your address if you have moved since your last license was issued. If you renew with an old address, you will need to file a separate address change with the Secretary of State, which costs $5 and takes additional time. Update your address as part of the renewal process instead.

If you are renewing in person, arrive early in the day or on a weekday to avoid long wait times. Driver Services facilities are busiest on Fridays and the last week of each month. Check the Secretary of State's website for facility hours and current wait times before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Illinois driver's license 13 months before it expires?

No. The Secretary of State will only accept renewal applications starting exactly 12 months before your expiration date. If you submit an process 13 months early, it will be rejected, and you will have to resubmit it later. Check your expiration date and count back 12 months to find the correct start date.

What if I renew early but my license arrives after my old one expires?

Your new license is valid from the date it is issued by the Secretary of State, even if it arrives after your old license has expired. You can use your old license until the new one arrives, and the new one will be valid when it reaches you. There is no gap in your driving privileges as long as you applied within the proper window.

Do I have to renew in person if I renew early?

No. You can renew online or by mail during the early renewal window if your license is not damaged and you are under 69 years old. In-person renewal is optional unless your license is lost, stolen, suspended, or you need to update your photo. Online renewal is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes.

If I renew early, when will my new license expire?

Your new license will expire four years from the date you renew if you are under 69 years old. If you are 69 or older, it will expire on your 90th birthday. Early renewal does not extend the total time your license is valid; it straightforward moves the expiration date forward from when you renew.

Can I renew my Illinois driver's license online if I am out of state?

Yes. Online renewal is available to anyone with a valid Illinois driver's license, regardless of where you live. You will need your license number, Social Security number, and a payment method. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the Secretary of State, so make sure your address is current before you renew online.