The fastest way to renew in Illinois
You can renew your Illinois driver's license online through the Secretary of State's website if you meet a few basic conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical holds, and you are not required to take a new photo. Most people renewing for the first time can do this in about 10 minutes from home, pay the fee by credit or debit card, and receive their renewed license by mail within two weeks.
If you cannot renew online—because your license is suspended, you need a new photo, or you are renewing a REAL ID license—you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person. Illinois has driver services facilities across the state, and you can find the one nearest you on the Secretary of State website.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Secretary of State website takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a four-year renewal or $60 for an eight-year renewal.
- You must renew online or in person before your expiration date; an expired license cannot be renewed online and requires a visit to a driver services facility.
- If your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you need a new photo, you cannot renew online and must go to a Secretary of State facility.
- REAL ID licenses require an in-person visit and proof of citizenship, residency, and identity; standard licenses renewed online do not.
- Mail delivery of a renewed license typically takes 10 to 14 business days after you complete your transaction.
Renewing online: what you need and how it works
To renew online, go to the Secretary of State's online services portal and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to confirm your current address, choose your renewal term (four or eight years), and pay the renewal fee. The system will ask you to verify that you have not had any changes to your medical status or driving record since your last renewal.
Online renewal is available only if your current license is valid and not suspended. If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online system; you must visit a driver services facility instead. The fee for online renewal is $30 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, and you can pay with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card.
After you complete your online renewal, the Secretary of State will mail your new license to the address on file. You do not need to do anything else. Your new license should arrive within 10 to 14 business days. Until it arrives, your current license remains valid.
In-person renewal at a Secretary of State facility
If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a driver services facility. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). If you are renewing a REAL ID license, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.
You can visit any Secretary of State facility in Illinois; you do not have to go to the one in your county. Many facilities allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The facility will take a new photo, process your renewal, and collect the renewal fee.
When you renew in person, you can choose to receive your new license by mail or to pick it up at the facility. If you choose mail delivery, it will arrive within 10 to 14 business days. If you choose to pick it up, you will be told when it is ready, usually within a few days.
When your license has expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it online. You must visit a driver services facility in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
An expired license cannot be used to drive legally, so plan your visit soon after you notice the expiration date has passed. The renewal process is the same as for a valid license, and the fee is the same: $30 for a four-year renewal or $60 for an eight-year renewal.
REAL ID licenses and when you need them
A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting in May 2025, you will need a REAL ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have the gold star, you can renew it as a REAL ID license when you renew.
REAL ID renewal requires an in-person visit to a driver services facility. You will need to bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), proof of your Social Security number, and your current driver's license. The renewal fee is the same as for a standard license.
If you want to keep your current standard license and not upgrade to REAL ID, you can do so. You will still be able to drive in Illinois and renew by mail or online. You straightforward will not be able to use it for federal purposes after May 2025.
Renewing by mail (limited circumstances)
Illinois does not offer mail-in renewal for most drivers. However, if you are a member of the military stationed outside the United States, or if you are unable to visit a facility due to a disability or medical condition, you may be able to renew by mail. Contact the Secretary of State's office directly to ask about your situation.
To reach the Secretary of State's driver services division, call 217-782-6900 or visit the Secretary of State website for additional contact options. Explain your circumstances, and they will tell you whether mail renewal is an option for you and what documents you will need to send.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Illinois. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited and fined. The fine for driving with an expired license is typically between $100 and $500, depending on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations.
If your license expired recently and you have already started the renewal process, explain that to the officer. Having proof that you have begun renewal (such as a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from a driver services facility visit) may help, though it does not may provide you will not be cited. The safest approach is to renew before your expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before my expiration date can I renew?
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This means you can start the renewal process as soon as you receive your renewal notice from the Secretary of State, which is typically sent about 60 days before your expiration date. Renewing early is a good idea because it ensures your new license arrives before the old one expires.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Unpaid traffic tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if your license has been suspended due to unpaid tickets or other violations, you cannot renew online and must visit a driver services facility. The facility staff can tell you whether your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear the suspension.
What if I move to a new address before my renewed license arrives?
Contact the Secretary of State's office as soon as possible with your new address. They can redirect your license to your new home. If your license is already in the mail, redirecting it may not be possible, and you may need to pick it up at the facility or request a replacement. Call 217-782-6900 to report your address change.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew online?
No. When you renew online, the Secretary of State uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver services facility. You can also request a new photo at any time by visiting a facility, though there may be an additional fee.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first clear the suspension or revocation by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the Secretary of State. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew in person at a driver services facility. Call 217-782-6900 to find out what you need to do to clear your suspension.